A 4-Day Buddhist Temple Retreat in Kyoto, JAPAN
Select 4 continuous days from (24 April_9 May 2027)
Healthy Aging Retreat with Yoga, Mindful Nutrition, Pilgrimage & Forest Bathing
Rise Early. Move. Explore. Reconnect
Start your day the Japanese way with Asa-katsu (朝活) — rising early, moving your body and enjoying a moment of mindful stillness.
Experience the Japan beyond the usual tourist path: join temple rituals, practise yoga, taste traditional temple food, walk through ancient forests with Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), and discover Shinto traditions.
Along the way, you’ll recharge in nature, learn practical tools for healthy living, and complete a short pilgrimage — leaving you feeling energised, grounded and inspired.
What's included
*3 nights accommodation at a peaceful temple, Kyoto
*3 traditional temple breakfasts and dinners (Shojin Ryori – Buddhist vegetarian)
*6 yoga sessions (3 active, 3 restorative)
*Daily meditation
*Breathwork (Pranayama) integrated into yoga sessions
*3 Circle Talks (reflection, connection & journaling)
*Guided Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing walk)
*Personal introspection journal & prompts
*Workshop on temple food benefits: health and nourishment
*Time & suggestions to explore forest, temples, and a unique hike
Food
We practice Hara Hachi Bu (腹八分): the practice of eating until about 80% full
This reflects the Zen values of moderation, mindfulness, and harmony with the body.
Traditional Shojin Ryori meals: Guests will enjoy simple, seasonal vegetarian breakfasts and dinner served at the temple.
Temple meals rooted in tradition and designed to nourish gently, these meals support inner calm, physical vitality, and a focus on health and mindful living.
*Japanese (bento) lunch pack can be ordered separately or enjoy resturant visits nearby the temple!
Accommodation
🌸 Tranquil Buddhist Setting: A peaceful temple inside the historic Myōshin-ji temple complex in Hanazono, one of Kyoto’s most spiritually rich neighborhoods.
- Traditional Tatami Rooms – Sleep on futon bedding in serene, minimalist spaces
- Temple Breakfast & dinner – Nourishing, Zen-inspired meal
- Morning Silence & Reflection – Optional chanting or garden walking meditation
- Cultural Immersion – Experience authentic temple rhythms, slowly and respectfully
- Supportive Space – Private, sacred, and created with care
Program & Itinerary
🌸 Led by Fareeba, doctor in healthy aging lifestyle, this temple stay retreat will remind you to slow down, breathe, & reconnect.
Day 1 Arrival & Grounding
- Afternoon check-in and settle at the temple
- Welcome circle and orientation
- Dinner
- Evening yoga and breathwork (gentle flow)
- Personal time
- Lights out by 10:00 PM
Day 2: Presence and natural connection
- 06:00 Gentle morning rituals
- 06:30 Meditation
- 07:00 Morning yoga
- 08:00 Temple breakfast (Shojin Ryori)
- 09:00 Health journaling prompts (guided self-reflection questions about health and wellbeing.)
- 10:00 Free time/Forest walk Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:00 Evening yoga and guided meditation
- Lights out by 10:00 PM
Day 3: Creativity and cultural pause
- 06:00 Gentle morning rituals
- 06:30 Meditation
- 07:00 Morning flow yoga (breath and heart opening)
- 08:00 Temple breakfast
- 09:00 Healthy diet and lifestyle tips
- 10:00 Visit Ninnaji Temple, lunch & hike (additional cost)
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:00 Evening yoga Nidra or Restorative yoga
- 21:00 Closing circle and gratitude practice
- Lights out by 10:00 PM
Day 4: Integration and Departure
- 06:00 Gentle morning rituals
- 06:30 Meditation
- 07:00 Morning yoga + reflection ritual
- 08:00 Final temple breakfast
- 10:00 Check-out
The program is subject to change to better accommodate your specific needs.
Price
€569 if you reserve it by the end of 2026
How it works:
- Booking early guarantees the best price and your spot.
Things to do with extra payment
- Japanese (bento) lunch pack: €28
- Transportation, Cultural visit, lunch and hike around Ninnaji temple: €59
- Cultural walk in Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove €39 (subject to availability)
- One day before or extra overnight (if the temple is fully booked, a decent hotel in a walking disctance): €76
