PROGRAM 

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Wed, Thursday 15, 16 March: Temples of Tokyo

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We are visiting Japan at the renowned time of the Cherry Blossom - known as Sakura. For the Japanese, the blooming of the cherry blossom trees symbolizes human life, transience and nobleness and many people hold 'flower watching' parties known as Hanami. We will hold our own Hanami, on the first day we see the blossoms!

 

Our wonder-ful journey begins in Asakusa in the northeast of central Tokyo, a district known for its old time atmosphere with a culture steeped in local tradition and history. We will hold our first group meeting in the hotel lounge from16.00 - 18.00, before going for a stroll in the local streets, lined with quaint food stalls and shops offering local wares.

 

The highlight on the 16th is a sunrise meditation in the great hall of the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most famous temple in the whole of Tokyo. We will also visit nearby Nitenmon & Kaminarimon Gates, Komagatado & Meiji Jingu, soaking up the culture and beauty of ancient Japan. After lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant, an optional fun activity is to be dressed in traditional Kimonos and walk around Asakusa's shopping street. 

            

On the 17th we will take the awesome Bullet Train (known as SHINKANSEN in Japan) to KYOTO . A journey of 5 hours by car, on the train it takes only 2.10 hrs!

 

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Fri, Sat, Sunday 17 - 18 - 19 March: Sacred Kyoto 

     

Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan  and is many people's favourite city, packed with charm, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens. In Kyoto we will begin our experience with a Zen Meditation lesson from a Buddhist monk, and participate in  Green Tea Ceremony - immersing ourselves in the heart of the culture.

We will also visit: -

• Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, where we will practice 'Forest bathing' or shinrin-yoku - the Japanese concept of mingling with and soaking in the atmosphere of a forest, using all five senses. This practice of stillness and mindfulness is known to be therapeutic to the mind and body.

• Zen gardens, called karesansui, which are serene physical spaces designed to elevate mental processes to a higher plane of awareness. The simplicity and purity of the dry rocky landscape of these gardens induces a state of contemplation and calm.

• Nara, a must-see visit to commune with the sacred deer of the forest - and of course with the equally awesome Todaiiji Temple.

• The portal of Mount Kurama which is known for spaceship activity and which also has arguably the best Onsen (hot spring bath) in Japan! We will explore the winding slopes around Kurama-dera Temple, encountering many more small shrines that offer a peaceful respite from the crowds. Of note is one particularly serene grove of trees whose roots have grown above ground and woven together.

 

On the 20th we take the Shikansen train to ODAWARA where we transfer by minibus to our next home-away-from home, Mount Fuji   

 

 

Mon, Tues, Wednesday 20 - 21 - 22 March: Equinox Activation Mt Fuji

 

We are staying on the North shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the ‘Fuji Five Lakes’ or ‘Fujigoko,’ where the views of Mount Fuji are truly fantastic.  We cannot climb Fuji's slopes beyond the 5th Station at this time of year - but we will hike around the area at the 2305 meters (the summit is 3,777 metres) - as well as tuning into her energies from the 5 sacred lakes that lie at her base.

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Mount Fuji is at the heart of our voyage in every way. I have chosen to stay at self-catering chalets so that we are undisturbed by other guests and can have the space we need for our work/play here. Nevertheless, we will not be isolated - there are restaurants nearby, plus a food truck that visits the chalets each morning with delicious breakfast dishes using locally produced organic vegetables and meat. ‘There is even a Meal Delivery Service for our dinner which offers Sushi, Curry and a rice-bowl topped with tempura or a pork cutlet! You are also free to book a soak in a hot-spring bath (called an onsen) in the local town - and to explore the local area and sites in your free time.  

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We will spend 4 - 5 hours each day  following the guidance of the Star Councils of Light around where to go and what energetic recalibrations are needed. The area abounds with waterfalls, lakes and mountains - and in the pristine beauty of this natural setting we will learn a new way of working with the Animal Grids, the Mountain Spirits and the Inner Earth of Gaia.

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On the 23rd we will transfer by private minibuses to KAMUKARA

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Thurs/Friday 23 -24 March: KAMAKURA
 

I have chosen Kamakura as our final stop because, although it does attract tourists, it nevertheless offers an experience of what small town Japanese life is, including simple food and a quiet beach. Our hotel is only 2 minutes walk from the beach, and includes a yoga studio where we may be able to take part in daily yoga classes and/or meditation and beach yoga. In Kamukara we will unwind and integrate - aside from an evening  group meeting you will be free to do as you choose.

 

The political center of medieval Japan, modern-day Kamakura's most recognizable landmark is the Kotoku-in Temple’s Great Buddha, a roughly 13m-high bronze statue still standing after a 15th-century tsunami. Yuigahama Beach on Sagami Bay is a popular surfing spot. Another interesting option is to visit Zeniarai-benten - one of Kamakura's most alluring Shinto shrines, which you can enter via tunnel or a trail above, along the Daibutsu hiking trail. Washing money in the water here supposedly brings back three times the wealth when you spend the washed cash.

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On the 25th after our 11am check-out we take the Shinkansen train back to TOKYO, only a 33 mins journey. (Some of you may have other plans - it is up to you if you want to return to Tokyo this day.)

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Sat 25th March: TOKYO

 

Our final night is in Tokyo, where no activities are planned - you are free to stay for extra nights or to take your return flight. Our closing circle is the evening before in Kamakura.

(I have not booked a hotel as yet - I will wait to hear from each of you if you plan to stay in Tokyo or if you have other travel plans.)