Zen Harmony: Exploring Ichibata Yakushi’s History and Meditation with the Head Priest

・A Zen experience guided by a priest who is fluent in English

The chief priest of Ichibata Yakushi speaks English fluently. Following a prayer in the main hall, he will provide insights into the history of Ichibata Yakushi and lead you through the temple grounds. Nestled on the mountainside of Mt. Ichibata, the temple grounds include the Kannon hall, which boasts a stunning view of Lake Shinji. Descending the stone steps from there, you will arrive at the lecture hall to experience Zazen. The main hall and Shoin, located on the same premises, feature a teahouse and a garden that were once visited by Emperor Showa. Typically off-limits to the public, this tour provides you with a unique opportunity to explore the garden and tea room as a special highlight.

・A magnificent view from the temple grounds

Perched at the southern base of Mt. Ichibata, Ichibata Yakushi stands at an elevation of 200m, offering breathtaking views over Lake Shinji. The lake can be glimpsed through the cedar trees along the approach to the temple, and on clear days, Mt. Daisen is visible beyond the lake from the temple grounds. In the Autumn of 2025, the Kannon Hall underwent repairs, including the installation of a large glass window on the east side that overlooks Lake Shinji, enabling visitors to partake in "sky meditation," "copying sutras," and "sand stepping". The Kannon Hall provides a sweeping view of the Izumo mythology setting.

Highlights

• Located on a mountain steeped in Japanese mythology, Ichibata Yakushi is an ancient Zen temple celebrated for more than 1,100 years as the "Deity of Eye Health."
• Your spiritual experience starts with a climb up 1,300 sacred stone steps through a historic forest, culminating in a stunning view from the summit that evokes an ancient tale.
• The temple is known for "Ochato," a medicinal tea made from local herbs and pristine spring water. Beyond its delightful flavor, it is believed that applying this sacred tea to your eyelids can safeguard and enhance your vision. You may partake in this ritual on-site or take the tea home in a traditional ceramic container.
• A unique opportunity for international guests is to engage in Zen meditation and sutra copying with the guidance of the English-speaking head priest. This exceptional blend of deep history and approachable instruction makes Ichibata Yakushi an ideal spiritual haven for renewing both mind and body.

Itinerary

• 9:00(13:00) Meet with tour guide in JR Matsue or Izumoshi station
• 9:00~10:00(13:00~14:00) Travel to Ichibata Yakushi Temple by chartered taxi with an accompanying guide.
• 10:00~11:00(14:00~15:00) Go up to the main hall to pray and receive an explanation about Ichibata Yakushi temple, followed by a tour of the temple grounds.
• 11:00~11:45(15:00~15:45) Experience zazen in the Dharma Hall or Kannon Hall.
• 11:45~13:00(15:45~17:00) Move to JR Matsue or Izumoshi station (should be same station started)and disbandling the tour.

Price Details

Included

• Round-trip chartered taxi fare between Matsue/Izumo Station and Ichibata Yakushi Temple
• Zazen Experience
• Experience Fee
• One English-speaking guide

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

Capacity: Max 6 participants

Tour Includes

・Transportation from departure to return (chartered taxi)

・Experience fees: Prayer fee Zazen Experience

・One English-speaking guide

Not include the tour

・Lunch fee

Requirements

　Age: 10 years and older (Children under 10 are not eligible)

　Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Round-trip chartered taxi fare between Matsue/Izumo Station and Ichibata Yakushi is included in the tour price.

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