Japan Zen & Wellness

Cross Hotel Kyoto is adjacent to Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi streets in the heart of shopping and gourmet district, yet guests will find a variety of must see heritage sites within walking distance.
Nearest train stations of Keihan Line, Subway Tozai Line and Hankyu Line are no more than ten-minute walk away from the hotel.
This property is a great travel hub to explore the beauty of this ancient capital of Japan.

This morning experience the quintessential Japanese enlightenment experience - Zazen (Zen meditation). Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and take you to a Zen temple, where you can learn the basics of the same-seated meditation style that led the Buddha to Enlightenment! After Zazen, head to Chion-in Temple, the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has millions of followers and is one the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan. The Sanmon Gate, Chion-in's main entrance gate is the largest wooden gate in Japan and dates back to the early 1600s. From Chion-in walk through Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto's most popular Shinto Shrines. Your spiritual day finishes with a Tea Ceremony in a Gion teahouse. Your Tea Master will give you a full explanation of Japanese tea as well as the tea ceremony itself, its long history and relationship with Zen Buddhism. The Master will also tell you the meaning behind each movement involved in the making and serving of the tea, as well as the equipment involved.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Mt. Koya (Koyasan) and its surroundings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to over 100 temples, Mt. Koya has been the center of Buddhism Shingon, an important Buddhist sect, for over 1200 years. The 2.5 hour journey to the mountaintop religious center of Mt. Koya will be one of the highlights of the visit. You will take several local trains winding your way up through the mountains. The final ascent to the top of Mt. Koya is made by cable car.

Make your own way to Mt. Koya and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore the mountain.

Tonight you will be staying at a shukubo - a Buddhist temple lodging. These rooms are comfortable, but simple and not luxurious. However, this is the best way to immerse yourself in the authentic, spiritual atmosphere of Mt. Koya.

Dinner tonight is shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist cuisine. This vegetarian meal is not only healthy but delicious!

It will be an early start today to watch the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a shojin ryori breakfast.

After breakfast, store your luggage at your hotel and then make your way to the meeting point to meet your guide (who is also a monk) for an exciting half day private tour. During the tour, the monk will show you some of the interesting and significant historical sites in Okunoin cemetery and talk about the legends of Mt. Koya, daily life in the temple and the history of the mountain.

After exploring the historical sites in the cemetery, you will have the opportunity to see a ritual ceremony called the Shojingu, in which monks bringing food to their master, the great monk Kobo Daishi. Kobo Daishi founded the temples of Koyasan in the 12th century and is believed to be alive, and praying for people's salvation deep within his mausoleum. You can also visit his mausoleum and its underground prayer room as well as the Torodo Hall, filled with hundreds of lanterns offered by the emperor and royal family.

Your guide will then show you through a hidden forest area called the ''Women Pilgrims Route'' which is said to be the most beautiful trail on Mt. Koya. The forest is just behind Okunoin, but hidden in such a way that only those in the know can find the path. The walk is very easy, just 20 - 30 minutes and very little incline. You'll also be treated to some panoramic views from a private terrace at the end of the walk.

Lunch will be a ''Sasazushi bento'' which is the local cuisine of Koyasan. ''Sasazushi'' is beautifully wrapped sushi in a bamboo leaf. Hot drinks like green tea and coffee will be provided. After the tour, your guide will leave you anywhere you wish to explore within the Koyasan area. Your train back to the Nankai line station in central Osaka is included in the pass provided (please let us know if your next destination is not Osaka) and you can make the journey at any time you wish after the tour this morning.

All the guest rooms have an open-air bath on the terrace and dinner is served in the dining room of each guest room so that guests can leisurely enjoy the stay with the breathtaking view of Hayakawa ravine. The guests can also enjoy three other types of open-air baths in communal baths with the view of Hakone Mountains.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

This morning, transfer to Tsukiji Shijo Station and proceed on foot to the bustling Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, where some 450 kinds of fish are received, haggled over and sold 24 hours a day. After exploring the market, join a professional sushi chef to make your own sushi, and enjoy your creations for lunch!

On this exclusive experience you will meet a priest from a real practicing Shinto shrine and receive their blessing! At Shitaya Shrine, which lies halfway between the popular sightseeing districts of Ueno and Asakusa, you can enjoy a short blessing for safe travels, good fortune or any matter where you feel you may need a nudge from a higher power. A guide will join you for interpretation, so this gives you the chance to ask the priest any burning questions you may have about Shintoism.