Find Zen with Japan’s Sōtō Buddhist Monks

Immersive, expert-led journeys tailored to individual passions, designed exclusively for private parties and featuring a signature Mandarin Oriental welcome and touches.

Mandarin Oriental has partnered with The Luminaire, who create luxury travel experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the world, to design a collection of transformational journeys for a growing number of our hotels. 

On this five-day journey, designed for guests of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, travel from Japan’s supersonic capital to the serene tranquillity of the mountainous Fukui region to the west, and gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Sōtō, the country’s largest Zen Buddhist sect.

Sleep and eat in a temple community and immerse in the rhythms of monastic life alongside local monks. Master gurus impart their lifetimes knowledge of Zen, meditation and prayer. Explore the ancient temples and gain practical understanding of the fundamentals of Sōtō Zen Buddhism. Learn how to transmute the core principles of this ancient, spiritual belief into everyday life. 

This 5-day experience is subject to availability, from £11,925 per person, including 1 night at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, 2 nights at Eiheiji Hakujukan temple stay, and 1 night at Beniya Mukayu luxury ryokan.