Overview
Escape the crowds and discover a more peaceful side of Himeji on this unique wellness day tour—combining Zen meditation, Buddhist culture, nature, and a rare radon bath for a day of mindfulness and detox that resets both mind and body. - Mt. Shosha Ropeway & Engyoji Temple: Take a scenic ropeway up Mt. Shosha, then explore the historic Engyoji Temple—over 1,000 years old, known as the "Mount Hiei of the West" and a filming location for The Last Samurai. - Monk-Guided Tour & Zen Meditation: Learn about the temple's history and Buddhist teachings from a monk, then take part in an authentic Zen meditation session in a special area not normally open to the public. - Rare Underground Radon Bath: Head to Tomisu no Sato, a wellness facility inside a former gold mine—one of only three of its kind in the world. Enjoy a lunch made with local ingredients on your preference, then refresh in tunnels naturally filled with radon. (You'll change into a provided robe for the radon bath.)
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Zen meditation experience
- Round-trip Mount Shosha Ropeway
- Round-trip and in-tour transportation from JR Himeji Station
- Lunch
- Mount Shosha guide fee
- Interpreter guide (English/Mandarin Chinese/Japanese)
- Mount Shosha admission fee + minibus transportation, Tomisu no Sato radon bath admission (radon bath robe included).
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from JR Himeji Station (before and after the tour) is not included.
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Glide up Mt. Shosha by ropeway for panoramic views over Himeji.
Stop 2
Explore Engyoji Temple, a 1,000-year-old mountain temple often called the "Mount Hiei of the West" and a filming location for The Last Samurai. With a monk as your guide, discover its historic halls and traditions, then experience an authentic Zen meditation in a special area closed to the public. You will visit: ① Maniden Hall — learn about the temple's history and Buddhist teachings from a monk. ② Daikodo (Great Lecture Hall) & Jikido (Dining Hall) — explore two of Engyoji's impressive historic buildings. ③ Jogyodo Hall — take part in a Zen meditation experience in an area normally closed to the public.
Stop 3
A unique wellness retreat hidden inside a former gold mine—said to be the only one of its kind in Japan, and one of just three in the world. Enjoy a lunch of local ingredients, then relax deep in the tunnels, surrounded by naturally occurring radon that gently restores body and mind. Similar to a bedrock bath, you relax lying or sitting in the radon-filled tunnels, not soaking in water. Afterward, you're welcome to enjoy the hot bath. Notes: ① You'll change into a provided robe for the radon bath. ➁ Towels and bath towels are not provided—please bring your own. (Hand towels are available on-site for ¥400 each.) ③ Guests with tattoos: the radon bath is available, but use of the hot bath is not permitted.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Some parts of the itinerary involve walking (all within 10 minutes walking distance).
- Guests with tattoos: the radon bath is available, but use of the hot bath is not permitted.