Kyoto Pilgrimage from November 6th to November 18th 2026

Join us for a 12 day spiritual pilgrimage to sacred Kyoto, where ancient traditions and serene landscapes create the perfect backdrop for deep spiritual exploration and personal growth.

We will visit a curated selection of temples and sites that hold historical relevance, and spiritual power or are imbued with unique lessons or experiences that can be supportive of our spiritual awareness and practice. Many of the sites we’ll visit will not be on the top 10 places to visit in Kyoto list. We’ve chosen these sites based on the experience and insight we want you to be exposed to. 

Experience a unique side of Kyoto Japan - the mystical and magical side of Kyoto. Learn the mythical history of kyoto, its unique blend of spiritual traditions and walk the streets and temple grounds where a magical world was woven together during the Heian period.

Receive the energy, wisdom and transmission, woven into the landscape, temples and sites. Step into the spaces beyond concepts and thought. Allow your senses to transform you. Find the spiritual in the mundane. What is a spiritual culture?

Across 12 days we will explore various hand curated spiritual sights that have the “it” factor. Places where we have visited and verified have special “juju”/ We’ll learn the history and background of these sights, the spiritual giants that walked the halls. The political and mythical intrigue that surrounded the capital. You’ll also have time to enjoy some delicious food, shopping and days off for you to wander on your own or with a group of fellow journeyers. This is not some generic kyoto Japan vacation, it’s a deeper look and experience into the mystical and mythical culture of Japan.

Accomodations

Come away with us for a week in the incredible and culturally-rich country of Japan, where we’ll be staying in the cultural capital of Kyoto, the city with 1600 temples. The accommodations we’ve chosen are to support a more communal experience. We’re not going to a luxury resort. We’ve rented a beautiful property/complex in Higashiyama Kyoto composed of 5 homes that surround a small courtyard. There are single, double, and dorm room accommodation options to provide price ranges of access and to invite the group to connect and spend time with each other. Please inquire for pricing.

We’ll be teaching and sharing specific practices and principles that harmonize with being in Kyoto, its history and the sites we will be visiting. We will be doing practices at our accommodations but mostly at or near the sites we will be visiting.

SOME OF THE THEMES OF THE TRIP

• The power of simple rituals and how it impacts our body/mind.

• Zen and practicing in mundane activities

• Receiving transmission from sacred sites

• Tracking the energy and accessing the spiritual benefits of sacred sites.

• The transformational art of Animist and Deity practices

• Esoteric History of Japan and Kyoto

• Shinto and Japanese Buddhist principles

• The spirituality of Japanese tea ceremony

• The use of nature in spiritual environments and practice.

• And much more…

WHAT AWAITS YOU

Ancient Temples and Zen Gardens

Visit 1000 year old sacred sites and temples that hold the history, transmission and energy of spiritual practice and ritual with guides that will reveal the spiritual power, history and relevance of these sights that you won’t get from your average guide! We’ll be visiting many Buddhist, Shinto temples and shrines as well as some secret sites that are home to the wild mystics of Japan. Each visit is designed to immerse you in the peace and wisdom of these sacred spaces.

Historical, Cultural and Mythical Webinars

Previous to departing for the trip, we’ll have online meetings and webinars where we’ll learn about the mystical and mythical background, histories and characters that helped shaped Kyoto and some of the site we will visit. When we have an understanding of the history and background of these sites, our ability to absorb the depth and wealth of transmission from these sites will deepen. 

Guided Self-Cultivation Practices Connected to the History of Sacred Sites

Begin each day with guided practice sessions led by Mark. We’ll be engaging in practices specifically designed to help you connect deeper to the power and significance of the sights we will visit. We’ll have the opportunity to experience the power of uniting our inner practice with our environment.

Ceremonial Tea Practice

Experience the meditative beauty of the Japanese tea ceremony. Learn about the intricate rituals and spiritual significance behind this ancient practice, and enjoy the calming effects of a perfectly brewed cup of matcha.


Cultural Immersion, History and Illumination of Japan’s Hidden Spiritual Gems

Sacred Walks to Kyoto’s Power Sites

Take part in guided walks through historic Kyoto, including the sacred paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates. Feel the spiritual energy as you walk in the footsteps of pilgrims who have sought enlightenment here for centuries.

Why Join Us?

• Expert Guides: Our team of experienced spiritual guides and local experts will ensure you gain the most from every experience.

• Authentic Experiences: Engage deeply with Japanese spirituality and culture through authentic, immersive activities.

• Personal Growth: Return home with a renewed sense of purpose, inner peace, and practical tools for maintaining your spiritual practice.

Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to embark on a transformative journey in the heart of sacred Kyoto.

Cuisine

A hearty breakfast will be provided every morning. Some lunch and dinners will be provided as part of the package. Healthful food is part of the pilgrimage experience. Some meals will have an option for vegetarian, seafood, and/or meat. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the Japanese traditions. We'll enjoy a traditional coursed menu and some special local culinary spots.

What’s Included

• 11 nights lodging (choose your room tier)

• 3 Preparation Webinars and calls before our trip

• Daily spiritual practices, teachings, and guided group sessions with Mark

• Entry to sacred temples, shrines, and cultural sites hand-selected for energetic resonance

• Group transport to pilgrimage locations

• Select traditional meals

• Optional post-trip integration call

Deposit and Payment

Pricing

Pricing starts at $5,000. There are single, double and dorm room options. Please inquire for specific pricing via the contact section of the website. CONTACT HERE

Deposit

• A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place

• Deposit applies toward your total balance

• Locks in your Early Bird rate if placed by June 15

Early Bird Pricing

• Get $500 off of total price

• Pay in full before June 15th to secure early bird pricing.

• Early Bird Ends on June 15th

Payment Plan Available

• Pay deposit now, and the rest in 3–4 monthly payments (June–Sept)

• A $100 admin fee is added for plan management

• Auto-payment required

Cancellation Policy

We understand life happens. Our policy balances compassion with the commitment required to hold this sacred container.

Before July 1 - Full refund minus the deposit

July 1st to September 1st - 50% refund

After September 1st - No refund (If you find someone to take you place, you can transfer the spot)

Important Dates

Now to June 15th - Early Bird Pricing

June 15th - Early Bird Pricing Ends - Payment Plans start

July 15 - 2nd Payments due

August 15th - 3rd Payment is due

September 1 - Final Refund Eligibility Cutoff

September 15th - Final Payment Due

November 6-18th - Pilgrimage Begins

Ready to Join us?

Step 1 - Contact Mark and set up an interview call here

Step 2 - Choose your accommodations and Fill out your Application Form

Step 3 - Pay a deposit and make your payments (zelle QR code below)

Step 4 - Attend the Preparation Webinars with Mark

Step 5. - Pack, Connect with your fellow Pilgrims on What’s App

Step 6 - Bon Voyage!!

Testemonials

My wife and I were fortunate to join the very first Pilgrimage offered by Mark. We had never traveled to Japan before, largely because of concerns about the language and cultural differences. Having a guide who spoke Japanese and deeply understood the customs gave us the confidence to finally take the leap.

What we discovered was a rich blend of the modern and the traditional. It was truly fascinating to see how spirituality permeates so many aspects of Japanese culture. We spent about a week in Kyoto, where Mark and his team guided us through a series of sacred sites—Buddhist temples and Zen shrines, some dating back over a thousand years. Each day felt like a progression into deeper beauty and meaning, with each site more breathtaking than the last.

But this was far from a typical tourist experience. The insights shared at each location brought the spaces vividly to life—wisdom that could only come from deeply intuitive and spiritually attuned guides. Helen and I both felt the journey exceeded every expectation we had.

Equally powerful was the connection we formed with our fellow travelers—a community of people who, like us, are committed to personal and global transformation. We returned home not only enriched by the experience but also with new friendships we continue to cherish and nurture.

- Bill