Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage — Kyoto, Japan — March 2026

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Video Testimonials from Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage Attendees

Myriam – speaking on the 2024 pilgrimage

Melhem Zouheiri @starseedreiki717  

Speaking on the 2023 pilgrimage & his master attunement on Mt. Kurama

 Join Bruce Taylor for this amazing pilgrimage that includes:

• 8 Days/7 Nights in the Kyoto area
• Tours of Mount Kurama and a very special audience with the head priest of Kurama Temple
• Full Moon fire ceremony on Kurama mountain led by the head priest of Kurama-dera temple – a profoundly moving and spiritual experience! 
• Tour of sacred Mt. Hiei with a private audience and training from Ajari Sama (an individual revered as a living god in Japan!) + so much more…get ready to be transformed as this day on Mt. Hiei will be a bookmark in your personal and spiritual evolution for sure! (make sure to see full tour itinerary for all that we will experience!)
• A magical tour of the Deep Kurama area – renowned for its spiritual heritage – where we will come together to write a new chapter in the spiritual history of this sacred valley!
• Private tour of Shogo-In Temple in Kyoto as well as a private Zen meditation experience led by Tosei Shinabe in the most significant Zen temple in Kyoto – Kenninji 
• Teachings from Bruce Taylor on Reiki, Spirituality, and Esoteric Buddhism within the Kurama temple complex & throughout the tour!
• Reiki Share Evening with Komyo Reiki-Do Teachers and Students (TBC)
• Time to explore the beauty of Kyoto with its wealth of temples, gardens, and rich history

Strictly limited to 20 participants — secure your place now.

Below is a video from our tour of Mt. Kurama, accompanied by the head priest.  Here, we stop at Maoden, the main temple on the mountain for Maoson.  The energy of this spot is incredible, and it was so wonderful to have a recital here together on the 2025 pilgrimage.  
I can’t wait to be here again and share in this experience with everyone!  

The elegant simplicity of country life in Japan.  You will experience traditional Japanese culture, customs, and ways of life that are far removed from the tourist trail.

Do you have questions about the pilgrimage?  Contact me via the form below, and let’s talk!

Coming together in the Deep Kurama mountains on the 2025 pilgrimage for a very special afternoon at Fukuden-ji Temple.  We are joined by special guests, including monks, teachers, and Reiki practitioners from Japan.  

The beautiful Kurama-dera temple on Mt. Kurama – the birthplace of Usui Reiki Ryoho and the home of the mysterious Sonten Sect.  

Private audience with Enan Ajari Sama on Mt. Hiei.
He is a monk that is revered as a living incarnation
of the deity Fudo-myoo, making him one of the most significant spiritual figures in Japan. He has remained on Hiei
Mountain for the past 13 years dedicated to practice in the very temples and spaces we will join him in.  These are the same halls and temples that you can see in the video on the Kaihogyo below

Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage Itinerary By Day & In Depth

Please Note: This is a sample of what out tour will look like
As the tour is full of private experiences and exclusive site access, the planning is complex and this itinerary will evolve.  This is a minimum of what you can expect, however. 

👺 March 28 – Kyoto

• Free Morning & Yasaka Shrine: We will come together mid-afternoon to kick off the pilgrimage at the Yasaka Shrine
• Kennin-ji Temple & Zen On our first evening, we will explore Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, before transitioning into a private Zazen meditation session at Ryosokuin Temple. Once the temple grounds are closed to the public for the day, we will be joined by Tosei Shinabe (Shinabe san on Instagram) | (toseishinabe.com)
  for a conversation on the nature of the mind, followed by a private Zen practice within the most significant Zen temple in Kyoto!
• Evening: Free time to relax

👺 March 29th – Kyoto to Mt. Kurama

• Kurama Complex: You begin your first visit to Mt. Kurama with Reiki and spiritual teachings in the temple complex led by Bruce Taylor.  Here you will begin your learning with guided teachings on Reiki, esoteric spirituality, and, of course, the mysteries of Mt. Kurama! 
• There will be opportunities to have Reiki attunements conducted at Osugi Gongen (the site of Usui Sensei’s enlightenment) as applicable (offered to rootsoflife.org students)
• Return to Kyoto: Dinner in Kyoto.

👺 March 30th – Kyoto to Mt. Hiei

• Mt. Hiei: The birthplace of Buddhism in Japan – arguably one of the most sacred places in the country!  We will explore the ancient temple grounds and rich history of the mountain and progress to a private zazen meditation practice in a secluded mountain temple that is closed to the public and serves as a meeting chamber for the imperial family of Japan!  
  From our zazen practice, we will then enjoy a privileged tour of Hokke Sojiin Todo, which is the main stupa (out of 6 total in Japan) originally built by Saicho (who founded Tendai Buddhism in Japan).  This incredible stupa serves as a central axis of spiritual protection for the entire country and inside it houses 1,000 hand-copied lotus sutras!   This is an EXCEPTIONALLY special opportunity as this stupa has only been open to the general public a small handful of times in the past 1200 years – and we will learn a very special aspect of this stupa that directly connects it to Mt. Kurama and Usui Reiki Ryoho!
• Blessing from a living god: From our meditation practice and visit to Hokke Sojiin Todo, we will then have our private audience with Ajari Sama, a monk who completed the Kaihogyo and is revered as a living god in Japan.  From this audience, we will then move to our private Goma fire ceremony presented to us in the Wisdom King Hall by Ajari Sama and receive a fire blessing from a living god!  On the 2024 & 2025 tours, we were all left speechless after this event – the gravity of this deeply moving experience is difficult to convey in words!
• Guided Tour of the Enrakuji Temple Complex – Our journey on this sacred mountain continues with a fully guided tour of the most significant temples on the mountain led by the monks of the Enrakuji Temple complex.  Here we will again be able to learn of the significance of this deeply spiritual mountain directly from the monks!
• Return to Kyoto: Dinner and free time

👺 March 31st – Shogo-In &  Mt. Kurama

• Shogo-In Temple: After meeting together for lunch, we will head to Shogo-In Temple in Kyoto.  Gain deep insights and understanding of the practice of Shugendo, esoteric spirituality, and the connections to both your journey and the practice of Reiki as we explore the former Imperial grounds of the Shogo-In temple via a private tour and teaching with the head priest.  This temple houses significant Japanese cultural and religious artefacts and is closed to the public – but you will discover it all via a full-access tour! From Shogo-In, we will make our way again to Kurama Mountain for an unforgettable evening.
• Uesaku Full Moon Fire Festival: We return to the main temple on Kurama again for a magical evening ceremony.  Here we let go into the beauty of the ceremony, into the energy of the full moon and the mountain.  Here you will feel the power of the deities of Kurama Mountain and be transformed by the energy of the group, the fire, and the moon.  It is a powerful and very special evening to say the least!

👺 April 1st – Kyoto to Deep Kurama

• Deep Kurama: We now progress deeper into the Kurama area for a rural Japanese cultural experience.  Your taste buds will thank you as you will enjoy a perfectly prepared gourmet meal from local chefs, who utilize entirely local, organic produce and products.  Our lunch is set in a beautifully restored, traditional Japanese farmhouse and is the perfect opportunity for you to meet our very special guests.  Here, you are free to speak with monks, priests, esoteric practitioners, or be fully immersed in traditional Japanese country living.  
• Fukuden-ji Temple: We come together to celebrate the first anniversary of Fukuden-ji Temple.  Imagine yourself deep in the mountain countryside of Kurama, in a beautiful temple, receiving a powerful sutra dedicated to Bishamonten (the protector of the north).  From here, we will begin our very special celebration for Fukuden-ji.  An unparalleled cultural experience awaits as you come together with our special guests in a traditional Goma ceremony to set the first chapter in the rebirth of this spiritual hub of Deep Kurama.  Following this, we will enjoy a musical performance from Hiroki Okano to christen the temple, and you will be forever woven into the story of this deeply spiritual and mysteriously secluded area.  You will be present for the first chapter in a new ethos of spirituality and connectivity in the Kurama area,.  A hugely significant experience awaits!  

👺 April 2nd – Touring Mt. Kurama 

• Kurama Mountain: We will arrive at Kurama-dera main temple for a very special morning prayer.  From here, we will again explore the “Mountain of Darkness, Mountain of Light” with our private audience with the head priest of Kurama-dera temple.  Immerse yourself in the mountain as we come together for a private prayer ceremony in the main temple on Mt. Kurama.  From here, we will be led by the head priest on a walking tour of the mountain and guided tours of the temples and places of worship along the way.  Imagine walking in the footsteps of Usui Sensei and all the monks and pilgrims who have travelled these same trails – and then see yourself receiving detailed teachings and understandings of the significance of these temples on a firsthand basis directly from both Bruce Taylor and the head priest of Mt. Kurama!  
• Evening: Returning to Kyoto city in the late afternoon, we will have a bit of free time to relax before joining with  Inamoto Sensei and Komyo Reiki-do practitioners (TBC) for an evening Reiki healing practice and share.  Tucked in a quaint temple, here you will experience the simplicity and depth of traditional Japanese Reiki from local and foreign practitioners alike.  These evenings are a wonderful opportunity to chat with local practitioners, Inamoto Sensei and foreign guests – all coming together to share in Reiki. 

👺 April 3rd – Kyoto 

For the 2025 Tour we spent the morning at the Aio Matsuri Festival – for the 2026 pilgrimage, we will likely spend this day on Mt. Kurama or in Kyoto.  As with this entire detailed itinerary, this is for reference and general ideas as to what you can expect.  The full itinerary will be updated once all events are confirmed.  

• Aio Matsuri Festival – Today we will enjoy one of the three major festivals of the year in Kyoto!  We will have privileged access to the Aoi Matsuri Festival with exclusive seating within the Shimagamo Shrine, ensuring spectacular views of this significant festival.  Participants arrive dressed in traditional attire from the Heian Period (794-1185).  The Shimogawa Shrine predates the foundation of Kyoto itself. Established in the seventh century, it found a powerful patron in the Imperial court. The emperor’s daughter served here as a shrine maiden, its beautiful setting playing host to many a royal ceremony. One year the priests decorated the buildings with hollyhock. This was the forerunner to the Aoi Matsuri, or the Hollyhock Festival. 
• Late Afternoon – We will then have the late afternoon for final sightseeing in and around Kyoto 
• Evening – Final evening meal together and opportunity to reflect on this incredible journey 

👺 April 4th – The final embrace 

• Toji Temple: Here we are – the final day.  Why Toji Temple?  This is your moment to put it all together.  This has been a transformative journey.  You have seen and experienced Japanese esoteric spirituality and the roots of Reiki far beyond the lens of a tourist.  You have likely received deep guidance on your own journey and have likely uncovered more questions and wonderings about yourself.  One thing is certain – you did it and a new chapter is now unfolding for you.  Here, at Toji Temple, you will begin to write that chapter.  
• Tour Concludes at ~12:30: We share our final embrace and final photos together – but it is not goodbye.  The journey continues from here and we remain bound by all that we experienced together.  The experiences you had, the people you’ve met, the places you’ve seen – all of these serve as components to your journey

– Given the nature of our experience, the guests involved, the uniqueness of all private site visits, temple access, and special audiences, and external circumstances that may be beyond control, the above itinerary may change or be modified at any time and without notice.  However, what is shown here and above is considered up to date and should be what you can expect to experience, at a minimum, on the pilgrimage.

The Kaihogyo – A taste of what’s to come on Mt. Hiei

Bruce Taylor teaching at the base of Mt. Kurama during the 2023 pilgrimage.

 Refund Policy & Further Details:

The tour is strictly limited to 20 people.

It is the full responsibility of each tour participant to ensure any/all travel requirements are met:

Adhering to the tour refund policy as outlined below, please note that there will be NO refunds offered should an individual not be able to join the tour because of visa/document/personal issues that may arise beyond the dates set forward in the refund policy.  This is inclusive of personal injury or family issues that may arise.

Tour Size, Booking and Refund Policy:

Tour dates: March 28 – April 4, 2025
Early Bird Pricing is open until November 29th, 2025 for rootsoflife.org members only!  Not yet a member? Register Here

Tour Group Size min/max:
Minimum number for tour to run: 12 pax (or per the discretion of rootsoflife.org)
Maximum: 20 pax

Should the minimum of 12 pax (or as noted by rootsoflife.org) not be met then all booking fees will be refunded in full to each person (not restricted to the refund policy dates as discussed below)

Tour Liability Policy:

From your payment which secures your space on the Deep Roots of Reiki Tour 2025, you agree to remove Bruce Taylor, Rootsoflife.org, and any associated guests, and those deemed as guests by Bruce Taylor, fully free from any liability – personal or otherwise – from your attendance on this tour.
Further you have agreed that you have fully read and fully agree to the tour liability terms and conditions which is outlined within the general terms and conditions for rootsoflife.org, which can be found here  

Refund Policy and Refund Dates:

• Before November 29th, 2025: Bookings (including deposits and full payments) are 100% refundable, less non-refundable transaction fees charged by payment processors (approximately 1–2%)

• November 30th, 2025 – January 1st, 2026: Bookings (including deposits and full payments) are 50% refundable, less non-refundable transaction fees charged by payment processors (approximately 1–2%)

• From January 2nd, 2026 onward: Bookings are non-refundable. Additionally, from January 2nd, 2026, deposits for new bookings will no longer be accepted.

• No exceptions: Because of the nature of this pilgrimage, the advanced reservations made for the group, the commitments made by all monks, temples, and special guests, and the exclusive confirmed experiences, the above refund policy will be strictly followed, and exceptions will not be offered under any circumstances.

• Travel insurance requirement: It is strongly advised that you purchase fully refundable flights and a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy that will ensure your external trip costs can be fully refunded if the tour does not take place due to pandemics, natural events, travel restrictions, border closures, or other unforeseen issues.

What is included in the tour cost, and what costs are your responsibility?

• All teachings, meditations, and private practice sessions with monks.

• Select admission to temples, sacred sites, and locations closed to the public.

• All pilgrimage coordination, scheduling, translation, and local guiding.

• 1–2 nights’ accommodation in private Japanese homes in the mountains (TBC).

• Welcome gifts and ceremonial items for use during the pilgrimage.

Further, there will be a PRIVATE Facebook group established where I will share tour information and travel details and assist with your questions on accommodation and logistics. 

What is NOT included in the tour cost listed here at Rootsoflife.org?

Not Included in the Pilgrimage Price

• Special temple experiences — e.g., Mt. Kurama (sutra copying, private prayer with Shoten), Mt. Hiei (Hokke Sojiin Todo temple), and Aio Matsuri festival tickets. Estimated at ~$30 USD per person, per experience. Costs may vary; final details shared on Day 1.

• Transport to and from Kyoto — including flights into Japan and any domestic travel needed to reach Kyoto.

• In-country transport — all rail, taxi, bus, and other local transport unless specifically listed as included.

• Additional admission fees — to sites, temples, or excursions not listed as part of the guided pilgrimage.

• Meals and snacks — only the meals specified for Deep Kurama are included. All others are your responsibility.

• Travel & medical insurance — strongly recommended. Purchase fully refundable flights and comprehensive coverage to protect against pandemics, natural events, travel restrictions, border closings, or other unforeseen issues. The stated refund policy will be strictly followed, and no exceptions will be offered.

Lodging can be arranged to your taste and budget via Airbnb.  I would recommend Airbnb bookings as you are generally able to get more unique lodging for a similar price to a hotel.  Please click here to check properties around the Yashaka Shrine area on Airbnb. Further, I am happy to recommend the following hotels, which span a variety of budgets:
– Good Nature Hotel Kyoto (https://goodnaturehotels.com/ja/home-ja/)
– Yoin Hotel Kyoto Gion (https://rinn-kyomachi.com/en/list/yoin-hotel-kyoto-gion/)
– Rinn Gion (https://rinn-kyomachi.com/en/list/rinn-gion-shirakawa-%E2%80%BB3%E6%9C%88open/)
– The Hotel Higashiyama (https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/higashiyama-h/index.html)
– Granbel Hotel Kyoto (https://www.granbellhotel.jp/kyoto/)

Our pick-up and drop-off location will be the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, as shown below.  All of the recommended hotels (except the Hotel Higashiyama) are within a few minutes walk of our meeting point.

A General Estimate On Prices In Kyoto:

GREAT NEWS! Currently, the Japanese YEN is still very weak.  Your USD and EUR are going to go FAR in Japan! 

Visa Fee: (USA, Europe, and most countries enter visa-free. Some countries may need to apply in advance; please check this list:

General Transportation Estimated Costs:
Osaka-Kyoto bullet train ~$10 each way
Subway ride in Kyoto ~$1 USD per trip (depends on distance traveled)
Bus fare ~$1 USD per trip, based on distance
Taxi in Kyoto ~$10-25 USD depending on distance

Entrance to most shrines (Mt. Kurama, etc) ~$5 USD or less

Dinner out at a mid-range restaurant ~$15-20 USD
Budget restaurant dinner (still amazing food!) ~$6 USD

Onsen (public bath) entrance fee ~$7-10 USD per person and usually good for an entire day

A rough estimate of all of the above might be around $40 USD/35 EUR/day for food, admission, transport, and general expenses. Slightly more,  depending on the quality of restaurants and transport used.

As a very rough estimate for the total trip cost, you should budget between 6-7.5K EUR (~ 6500-8000 USD)  , which would be inclusive of all travel, personal expenses, and retreat costs,

Don’t wait — the 2026 pilgrimage is capped at just 20 participants!