Nestled near Kansai International Airport, the Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls and Tranquility offers travelers a chance to escape the bustling city. This private tour takes visitors to the historic Shipporyu-ji Temple, a significant site of the Shugendo spiritual tradition. Surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, the tranquil environment promises a serene retreat away from the urban landscape. Those seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s unique religious practices won’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy the sanctuary’s peaceful ambiance.
Key Points
- Private 3.5-hour tour of Shipporyu-ji Temple, a 1,400-year-old Shugendo sanctuary surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, located near Kansai Airport (KIX).
- Discover the significance of Shugendo, a unique Japanese religion that combines Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature worship.
- Enjoy the peaceful and tranquil ambiance away from tourist crowds, with the opportunity to hear the soothing sound of waterfalls.
- Tour offered in English and Japanese, with a private group option available, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Meeting point at Izumisano Station, with comfortable shoes recommended due to damp stone steps, and restrictions on smoking and flash photography.
Activity Overview
The Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls & Tranquility offers a 3.5-hour private tour, with prices starting from $165.19 per person.
The tour is available in English and Japanese and provides a private group option. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Plus, they can reserve their spot and pay later.
The activity highlights include discovering the natural beauty and tranquility of Shipporyu-ji Temple, learning about Shugendo, enjoying the sounds of the waterfalls, and exploring the serene surroundings away from tourist crowds.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Izumisano.
Location and Significance
Shipporyu-ji Temple, founded over 1,400 years ago, is located in Izumisano, near Kansai Airport.
It’s the center of Shugendo, a unique Japanese religion that combines Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature worship.
The temple is surrounded by awe-inspiring waterfalls, lush greenery, and tranquil serenity, providing a serene escape from tourist crowds.
Visitors can discover the temple’s natural beauty and learn about the significance of Shugendo through a guided tour.
The temple’s remote location and natural setting offer a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with Japan’s spiritual heritage amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Itinerary Details
After departing from Izumisano Station, the guided tour of Shipporyu-ji Temple takes visitors on a 1-hour exploration of the temple grounds.
Surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, the tour highlights the temple’s natural beauty and its significance as a center of Shugendo, a unique Japanese religion.
Following the temple visit, the group heads to Gyojano Falls, where they can spend about 10 minutes admiring the serene waterfall.
The tour then returns to Izumisano Station, where it concludes.
Please note that itineraries are subject to change.
Tour Highlights
Visitors can discover Shipporyu-ji Temple’s natural beauty and tranquility during the guided tour. They’ll learn about the significance of Shugendo, a unique Japanese religion blending Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature worship. The sounds of the temple’s waterfalls will create a serene and tranquil ambiance, a stark contrast to the crowds found at many tourist sites.
| Tour Highlights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover the Temple’s Natural Beauty | Learn About Shugendo | Enjoy the Sound of Waterfalls | Experience Tranquil Surroundings |
| The temple is nestled in lush greenery, surrounded by waterfalls. | Shugendo combines Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature worship. | The Gyojano Falls provide a soothing, natural soundtrack. | The site is away from tourist crowds, offering a peaceful respite. |
Preparation and Guidelines
To begin, the meeting point for the tour is the ticket gate of Izumisano Station, where the guide will be holding a yellow sign with the DeepExperience logo.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the damp stone steps and prepare for a tranquil experience away from crowds.
Plus, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Finally, visitors should be mindful of the restrictions, which include no smoking and no flash photography, to ensure a peaceful and respectful experience at the Shugendo sanctuary.
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Prepare for a tranquil experience
- No smoking, no flash photography
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Getting There
The tour begins at Izumisano Station, where visitors can easily access the Shipporyu-ji Temple. A short bus ride takes guests to the temple’s entrance, situated amidst the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings.
The meeting point is at the ticket gate, where a guide holding a yellow sign with the DeepExperience logo will greet participants. From here, the guided tour of the temple and its stunning natural features, including the Gyojano Falls, commences.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves navigating some damp stone steps. Visitors can expect a serene and immersive experience, away from the crowds.
What to Expect
Upon arrival at the Shipporyu-ji Temple, visitors will be greeted by the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings.
The guided tour takes them through the temple’s grounds, where they’ll:
- Discover the unique blend of Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature worship that defines the Shugendo religion.
- Witness the power and serenity of the Gyojano Falls, its rushing waters echoing through the lush greenery.
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the temple’s 1,400-year-old history and its role as a spiritual center.
Throughout the experience, the sights, sounds, and tranquility of this sanctuary create a profound sense of connection with the natural world.
Booking and Availability
How can travelers book the Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls experience?
Booking the tour is straightforward. Visitors can reserve their spot online through the DeepExperience website, where they’ll find details on pricing, duration, and availability.
The tour costs from $165.19 per person and lasts 3.5 hours. It’s offered in English and Japanese, with a private group option.
Travelers can secure their booking now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
With a limited number of spots, it’s recommended to book early to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
FAQ
Is This Activity Suitable for Children?
The activity may not be suitable for young children, as it involves navigating uneven terrain and damp stone steps. It’s better suited for older children who can appreciate the serene, tranquil environment and learn about Shugendo.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the tour. However, the tour provider recommends focusing on the tranquil experience and surrounding natural beauty rather than consuming outside food and beverages.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available On-Site?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available on-site at the Shipporyu-ji Temple. Visitors can use the designated restrooms during the guided tour of the temple grounds as part of the Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls & Tranquility experience.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is needed for this tour. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and water. The tour involves walking on damp stone steps, so proper footwear is recommended for a tranquil experience.
Can We Modify the Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?
Yes, the itinerary can be modified to suit guests’ preferences, though certain activities like the guided temple tour and waterfall visit are central to the experience. Travelers should discuss any changes with the tour operator in advance.
Sum Up
The Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls and Tranquility offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle near Kansai International Airport. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this historic site, surrounded by lush greenery and calming waterfalls, while learning about the unique Shugendo religion. This private tour promises a tranquil retreat, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a moment of respite.
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