Matsue Castle, a National Treasure & Ichibata Yakushi: Sky Meditation

・Historical Walk through Matsue

Discover the keep of Matsue Castle and trace the footsteps of Lafcadio Hearn along his preferred route through Jozan Inari Shrine, leading to the picturesque Meimei-an tea house. During your journey, savor matcha tea while you listen to spine-tingling ghost stories and local folklore concerning the castle.

・Exclusive Guidance at Ichibata Yakushi

Take part in a private prayer session and an English-guided tour led by the head priest. This unique experience features a Zen meditation practice in the Dharma Hall and an exclusive visit to the private garden and tea room that was once visited by Emperor Showa.

・Spectacular Panoramic Views

Be amazed by stunning vistas of Lake Shinji and Mt. Daisen from an elevation of 200 meters. Relax in the newly renovated Kannon Hall’s "sky meditation" area, where expansive glass windows showcase the breathtaking scenery rooted in Izumo mythology.

Highlights

• This extensive tour allows you to delve into the rich history and spiritual legacy of Shimane, beginning with National Treasure Matsue Castle, one of only 12 original keeps still standing in Japan, where you will learn about its sturdy and functional design as well as the inspiring tale of how local residents collaborated to rescue it from being torn down during the Meiji era, followed by an immersion into the elegant tea culture of the castle town;
• the adventure then proceeds to the historic Zen temple Ichibata Yakushi, which has graced Mount Ichibata for more than 1,100 years as the center of a faith devoted to the "Medicine Buddha of the Eyes" and the safeguarding of children, providing you with the opportunity to climb its evocative 1,300 stone steps, enjoy legendary views of the Izumo area, and experience healing through the Ochato tradition, a miraculous herbal tea made from the temple's own gardens and sacred spring water.

Itinerary

• Meet your guide at Matsue Station.
• Matsue castle
• A stroll along the walking path of the literary giant Lafcadio Hearn
• Visiting tea ceremony house, "meimeian" and its japanese garden
• Lunch(Buckwheat noodle restaurant "Yakumoan")
• Move to Ichibata Yakushi temple by chartered taxi.
• Visit to the main hall and a guided tour of the temple
• A 45-minute meditation (Zazen)
• Move to JR Matsue or Izumoshi station
• disbandling tour

Price Details

Included

• One English-speaking guide
• Chartered taxi fare for a round trip starting and ending at Matsue Station.
• Experience fees: Zen meditation experience fee /Matcha tea served at head priest’s house

Not included

• Lunch fee

Important Information

Cancellation Policy

20% of the tour fee if cancelled 7 days or more prior to the tour

50% of the tour fee if cancelled 3 days or more prior to the tour

100% of the tour fee if cancelled on the day of the tour, after the

tour has departed, or in case of no show　

Purchase Notice

Tour Includes

・Chartered taxi fare for a round trip starting and ending at Matsue Station.

・Experience fees: Zen meditation experience fee /Matcha tea served at head priest’s house

・One English-speaking guide

Not include the tour

• Lunch fee　　

Wheelchair users and children under 10 are not accepted to participate.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 169 or more hour before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 73 and 168 hour before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 25 and 72 hour before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 25 hour before the activity date: 100% cancellation fee