Kyoto, Japan · May 12 to 20, 2027
The Deep Roots Pilgrimage
Join me on a life-changing spiritual pilgrimage to Japan, where you walk alongside and learn directly from some of Kyoto's most significant spiritual leaders.
$4,595
Two payment plans are available
Limited to 20 placesReserve Your Place See what's included
The very special guests who will join you on this pilgrimage
My teacher, Inamoto Sensei
The Monday evening Reiki share with Komyo Reiki-dō teachers and practitioners.
The head priest of Shogo-In
A complete tour of the temple grounds and its national treasures, with a goma fire ceremony for our group (TBC).
The head priest of Kurama-dera
Private prayers at Maoden and a walk on the mountain together.
The head nun of Kurama mountain
Walking with her on the mountain, including Osugi Gongen, the place considered the birthplace of Reiki.
The current Ajari of Mt. Hiei
A private audience and goma blessing in the Wisdom King Hall.
The second most senior monk on Mt. Hiei
Private zazen in the former Emperor's hall.
Zen teacher Tosei Shinabe
Teaching and extended seated practice at his private temple.
Two Shugendō priests and horagai masters
A day of mountain practice from Kamigamo Shrine to the sacred peak of Kōyama.
Swipe to see all eight
Filmed during the 2026 pilgrimage by my friend Nicolas, founder of Be Lighted Productions.
Your nine days
Each day, you practice in a temple or on a mountain with the people who keep these traditions.
May 12
Lunch together and a special surprise
The pilgrimage begins with lunch together, followed by a very special surprise to start our journey!
If you are in Kyoto early, you are welcome to join Inamoto Sensei's Reiki share with us on Monday, May 10.
May 13
Shogo-In and its national treasures
The head priest of Shogo-In welcomes us for a complete tour of the temple grounds, including national treasures kept in parts of the temple that are strictly closed to the public.
A goma fire ceremony for our group in honor of Fudō Myō-ō is to be confirmed (TBC). It would take place within former imperial grounds and is one of the most potent esoteric rites in Japan.
The afternoon and evening are yours to rest and explore Kyoto at your own pace.
May 14
Mt. Kurama with the head priest
In the morning I teach the foundation of the day: Reiki, esoteric practice and the meaning of Kurama. Then the head priest of Kurama-dera walks the mountain with us, with private prayers at Maoden and time for real conversation along the way. My students can receive an attunement on the mountain, with a certificate to mark it.
In the film, the head priest recites the sutras for our group at Maoden, the hall of Maōson, believed to be the very place where life first came to Earth.
May 15
Mt. Hiei, the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism
The second most senior monk on the mountain leads us in private zazen in the former Emperor's hall. We enter the rarely opened Tōdō stupa of Hokke Sōjiin, where 1,000 hand-copied Lotus Sutras are kept. The current Ajari of Mt. Hiei, who has completed the Kaihōgyō, then receives us in the Wisdom King Hall for a private audience and goma blessing, and the day ends with a tour of Enryaku-ji with the monks.
The Seven Year Pilgrimage to Enlightenment, a NOWNESS film on the Kaihōgyō. It opens in the same room where our group sat with the Ajari in 2025.
May 16
Zen with Tosei Shinabe
Zen teacher Tosei Shinabe welcomes us to his private temple to teach on Zen, the nature of the mind and the ability to see clearly. We then practice together in an extended seated and guided session.
The rest of the day is yours to rest and explore Kyoto at your own pace.
May 17
Shugendō on Kōyama and the Reiki share
Two Shugendō priests and horagai masters walk with us from the ancient Kamigamo Shrine to its god mountain, Kōyama, with direct teaching and practice on one of Kyoto's most sacred peaks. Shugendō is likely one of the pillars of Reiki, and likely a practice Usui Sensei engaged in before his enlightenment on Mt. Kurama.
In the evening, we join my teacher, Inamoto Sensei, at his Monday Reiki share with Komyo Reiki-dō teachers and practitioners. You practice side by side with the people who carry this lineage in Kyoto.
May 18
Walking the mountains with Shugen monks
You walk the mountains of the Kurama area alongside Shugen monks, taking part in ancient prayer rituals much as Usui Sensei likely did. It is a day of mountain practice and spiritual walking in the traditions that shaped the origins of Reiki Ryōhō.
This is a full day. Anyone who prefers a slower day can take it at their own pace in Kyoto.
May 19
Bujo-ji in the northern Kurama valley
In the morning we travel to the far northern reaches of the Kurama valley to Bujo-ji, a temple of deep significance to Reiki Ryōhō, far from the usual visitor routes. The temple opens for limited hours, and we enter for a private tour and prayer before one of Japan's most significant Kannon statues.
May 20
Deep Kurama and the Uesaku full moon
We begin at Fukuden-ji in the Deep Kurama mountains, a temple dedicated to Bishamonten, for a ceremony with monks and spiritual leaders. After lunch together in Kurama village, we make our final ascent of Mt. Kurama. As the May full moon rises over the mountain, we join the Uesaku fire ceremony, passing candle flames hand to hand as prayers are offered for awakening and world peace.
The pilgrimage closes late that night under the full moon on Kurama mountain.
Private audiences and temple arrangements are confirmed through the year, and new opportunities open as they do. What you see here is a reliable guide to the depth of each day.
The impact of the Deep Roots Pilgrimage, in the words of those who walked it
Laura White on the 2025 pilgrimage. Laura is a Reiki, yoga and meditation practitioner and teacher based in Oslo, Norway, and online at Laura White Beyond.
Suzanne Gallo on her 2025 pilgrimage. Find Suzanne on Instagram at @innerlightreikisuzanne.
Loretta Carraro of Nourished Energy on the 2026 pilgrimage with her private group from Australia, in a deep-dive talk of about an hour.
Melhem Zouheiri (@starseedreiki717) on the 2023 pilgrimage and his master attunement on Mt. Kurama.
Myriam on the 2024 pilgrimage.
Hear from more past pilgrims
I joined the 2025 Deep Roots Pilgrimage and it blew away any expectations that I had. There were so many opportunities to practice and learn from monks and spiritual leaders in Kyoto. As soon as the Zen temple closed to tourists, and it was just us sitting with Tosei-san in the rain, in the stillness of the temple, I knew this pilgrimage was going to be magical, and somehow each day seemed to get deeper and better.
Bruce created an outstanding Reiki pilgrimage. It was full of unexpected blessings that revealed themselves like miracles. Many times the spaces we were welcomed into brought me to tears. We had so many experiences that were off the beaten path, and I felt so privileged to have this special access. Thank you, Bruce, for the incredible journey!
When I saw the ad about this tour, I immediately felt that I was already there. It was the quickest "yes, I am in" I have ever given in my life. After that, all the logistics (I need a visa to travel almost everywhere) fell into place. It turned out to be one of the most cherished experiences of my life!
It was an amazing adventure, beautifully put together. The tour allowed such unique access to people and places that you just can't get anywhere else. Bruce's efforts in crafting a spiritual tour of a lifetime didn't disappoint!
Going on a pilgrimage through the sacred sites of Reiki was incredibly powerful and impactful. The tour was elegantly organized and culturally rich. It was wonderful to have Inamoto Sensei on the tour to give us a deeper awareness of Reiki from a Japanese perspective. Thank you, Bruce, for organizing such a meaningful tour.
Everything included in your pilgrimage
Your pilgrimage fee covers the full program on the ground:
- All teachings and guided practice with me, each day
- Private sessions with monks, nuns and priests at the temples on the itinerary
- The private goma fire ceremony at Shogo-In and the goma blessing on Mt. Hiei
- Every temple experience on the itinerary
- All temple admissions on Mt. Hiei, along with others I announce on the day
- A home-cooked meal at the Deep Kurama homestay
- The Monday evening Reiki share with Inamoto Sensei
- Welcome gifts
- Translation, local guiding and full coordination throughout
- A private group for updates and questions before you travel
Along the way you can choose small extras, such as a set of prayer beads at a temple or an afternoon of sutra copying. These are all optional, and I announce them on the day. A few smaller temples charge an entry of around $3 to $5.
Your stay in Kyoto
You choose where you stay and what you eat, and I help you with both. Kyoto has everything from private Airbnb apartments at around $40 a night to small boutique hotels, many of them a few minutes' walk from our meeting point at the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni. Tell me your budget and the kind of place you like, and I'll send you three options near the meeting point and help you book.
Book your stay for the nights of May 11 to 20, checking in on the 11th and out on the 21st. Our last evening ends with the full moon ceremony late on the 20th.
Kyoto's food is one of the joys of the trip, and about $40 a day covers meals, local transport and small admissions comfortably. Vegetarian and vegan food is easy to find, and I'll point you to the places I love.
The full cost of your pilgrimage
Your fee goes to the pilgrimage itself: the private audiences, ceremonies, teaching, translation and guiding. Your room and meals are yours to choose, so the whole journey comes to about this, door to door:
| Simple | Comfortable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pilgrimage fee | $4,595 | $4,595 |
| Round-trip flights to Osaka (Kansai) | about $1,500 | about $1,500 |
| Your stay, 10 nights | about $400private Airbnb | about $1,500boutique hotel |
| Meals and daily spending | about $400 | about $500 |
| All in | about $6,900 | about $8,100 |
When you compare trips, add flights, meals and personal spending to any listed price, so you're comparing whole journeys.
You can pay in full, or choose one of two payment plans at checkout.
Reserve your place
$4,595
Limited to 20 placesBoth payment plans are available for another:
Questions about the pilgrimage
Do I need years of Reiki practice to join?
Newer and longtime practitioners take part side by side, and some guests are new to Reiki and come for the depth and the culture. I explain every ceremony before it begins, and each person joins in as fully as feels right to them.
What's included in the fee?
All teaching and guided practice, private sessions with monks, nuns and priests, every temple experience on the itinerary, all temple admissions on Mt. Hiei and others announced on the day, the Deep Kurama homestay meal, welcome gifts, translation, local guiding and full coordination. Your flights, your stay and your other meals are yours to choose, and I help you with all of them. The full list is in Everything included above.
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive in Kyoto by May 11 and book your stay for the nights of May 11 to 20. Guests from Europe or the Americas often arrive a day or two earlier to settle into the time zone.
What is the closest airport?
Kansai International (KIX) in Osaka is the easiest. Many travelers also fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) and take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
How do I get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?
KIX is connected to a train station a short walk from arrivals, with clear English signs. At the ticket office, buy a direct ticket to Kyoto Station. The ride takes about 90 minutes and costs about $20 one way.
How much support will I have with travel and logistics?
Once you reserve, I help you directly with flights, your stay and logistics, and a private group opens for questions, updates and coordination.
I'm a solo traveler. Is Japan safe?
Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries to visit. People are courteous, transport is well organized, and staff at stations and shops are used to helping visitors. Most guests are surprised by how easy it feels right away.
How much walking is involved?
The walks are moderate and suit normal fitness. On Mt. Kurama the main path is paved or compacted trail with steps, and the ascent to Maoden is about a mile (around 45 minutes). You can also ride the cable car to the main temple and walk the shorter, gentler half mile from there. Mt. Hiei is reached by road, and walking there is within the temple complex. We take our time and pause as needed, and guests of all ages take part in every day.
The itinerary looks full. Will I be able to keep up?
The days are rich and paced with pauses for reflection, and two afternoons are left open for rest. Many guests count the quiet conversations with monks and teachers during those pauses among the most meaningful moments of the trip.
How is the food?
Kyoto's food is exceptional, and many guests say it becomes a highlight. The home-cooked meal at the Deep Kurama homestay is included, and other meals are yours to choose, at about $8 to $15 a meal. Japan is friendly to vegetarians and vegans, with many Buddhist restaurants, and gluten sensitivity can usually be managed with rice and buckwheat dishes. Tell me your needs when you book and I'll guide your choices.
Can I receive a Reiki attunement on Mt. Kurama?
Yes. My current students can receive an attunement on Mt. Kurama, marked with a special certificate. To become eligible, you can enroll in a course here.
Can my family come to Japan with me?
Yes. Some guests make it a family trip: you follow the daily program while your family enjoys Kyoto, and you meet up in the evenings.
Have a question about the pilgrimage? Write to me with the form below.
Refund policy and travel details
Dates: May 12 to 20, 2027 · Group: up to 20 participants · Fee: $4,595
You can pay in full, or choose one of two payment plans at checkout: ten payments until November 26, 2026, or three payments until January 31, 2027.
Refund dates
- On or before November 29, 2026: 100% refundable, less the 1 to 2% transaction fee charged by payment processors.
- November 30, 2026 to January 1, 2027: 50% refundable, less the same transaction fee.
- From January 2, 2027: non-refundable.
The temples, monks and special guests make their commitments to our group months ahead, and this policy applies to every booking.
Each participant is responsible for having all travel documents and requirements in place before departure, including any visa and insurance.
Travel insurance
I strongly recommend fully refundable flights and comprehensive travel and medical insurance. They protect you if plans change for reasons such as illness, natural events, travel restrictions or border closures.
Liability
By securing your place on the Deep Roots Pilgrimage, you agree to release Bruce Taylor, Rootsoflife.org, associated teachers and all designated guests from any personal or general liability arising from your attendance. You also confirm that you have read and agree to the general Terms and Conditions of rootsoflife.org.
Lodging and our meeting point
Book your stay for the nights of May 11 to 20, checking in on the 11th and out on the 21st. Private Airbnb apartments near Yasaka Shrine start at around $40 a night, and these hotels are also good choices:
Our pick-up and drop-off point is the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, shown below. The hotels above are a few minutes' walk from it, with the Hotel Higashiyama a little farther.
Visas and everyday prices in Kyoto
Visas: citizens of the USA, Europe and most countries enter Japan visa-free. Some countries apply in advance; please check this list.
Getting around: the train from Osaka to Kyoto is about $10 each way, a subway or bus ride in Kyoto about $1, and a taxi in Kyoto about $10 to $25 depending on distance. Most shrines and temples charge about $5 or less.
Eating: dinner at a mid-range restaurant is about $15 to $20, and an excellent budget dinner about $6. An onsen visit is about $7 to $10 and usually good for the whole day.
Altogether, about $40 a day covers food, admissions, transport and general spending, a little more if you choose finer restaurants or taxis. Including the fee, flights, your stay and personal spending, most participants spend about $6,900 to $8,100 in total.
The 2027 pilgrimage is limited to 20 places.
