Experience Shinto spirituality with a sacred waterfall ritual in Kyoto. Join a small group tour for a unique cultural immersion.
Experience Shinto spirituality with a sacred waterfall ritual in Kyoto. Join a small group tour for a unique cultural immersion.
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FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji - Gather at FamilyMart near Tofukuji Station
Meet outside the FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji Store, located at EXIT 2 of Tofukuji Station, adjacent to the FamilyMart.
[Traveling from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station] Use the JR line: both rapid and local trains are available.
[Traveling from Shijyo Keihan to Tofukuji…
- FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji - Gather at FamilyMart near Tofukuji Station
Meet outside the FamilyMart Nakai Tofukuji Store, located at EXIT 2 of Tofukuji Station, adjacent to the FamilyMart.
[Traveling from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station] Use the JR line: both rapid and local trains are available.
[Traveling from Shijyo Keihan to Tofukuji Station] Use the Keihan line: sub-express, semi-express, and local trains are available. Please AVOID using express trains.
Your guide will be holding a red or orange sign.
The Google Maps link directs you to the building with a FamilyMart convenience store, which is marked on the map.
- Kyoto Prefecture - Explore Goshano-taki Shrine
Begin your adventure by meeting your local guide at the specified location and walking together to the sacred waterfall purification site. At the shrine, discover its history and spiritual importance, and meet the Shinto priest who will explain the significance of takigyo, the traditional Japanese waterfall meditation practice.
- Kyoto Prefecture - Room orientation and tour overview
Receive a lecture on copying divine words (Shin-kotoba) and determine the order for the waterfall practice. Get detailed instructions on the complete flow of the waterfall purification ritual, decide the order of participants, and learn how to copy divine words (Shin-kotoba) from the priest. Change into traditional takigyo attire in private rooms, and prepare for your turn to walk to the waterfall with your guide. This preparatory stage ensures every participant understands the process and feels confident, blending cultural insight with practical guidance for an authentic and safe experience.
- Kyoto Prefecture - Change into Gyo-yi ritual attire
Experience waterfall purification (takigyo)
At the waterfall, the Shinto priest chants sacred prayers as participants immerse themselves under the flowing water.
- Kyoto Prefecture - Prepare offerings with the priest
Commence the prayer ritual
Enjoy sacred sake or non-alcoholic amazake, followed by a Q&A session.
Afterward, refresh with a warm shower and copy the divine words in a tranquil room. Learn to create your own offerings under the priest’s guidance, present them to the gods, and taste them as part of the ritual. Conclude with a Q&A session, where participants can inquire about the practices and meanings, making this a comprehensive and deeply engaging cultural and spiritual experience.

- Hidden shrine
- Certified guide
- Tour Photos
- Share offerings with the gods
- Hidden shrine
- Certified guide
- Tour Photos
- Share offerings with the gods
Join a tour with us, the proud recipients of the Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a Certified Guide, who is professionally trained and carefully chosen to ensure both quality and authenticity.
Explore waterfall purification in Kyoto through takigyo, a Shinto ritual led by a priest. Dress in traditional attire, receive blessings, and…
Join a tour with us, the proud recipients of the Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a Certified Guide, who is professionally trained and carefully chosen to ensure both quality and authenticity.
Explore waterfall purification in Kyoto through takigyo, a Shinto ritual led by a priest. Dress in traditional attire, receive blessings, and immerse yourself beneath a sacred waterfall for a profound spiritual experience. This 2.5-hour small-group tour includes offerings, guided prayers, and a Q&A session, providing insight into Shinto beliefs. Perfect for couples, friends, and solo travelers interested in Japanese spirituality.
- 2.5-hour small group tour led by an English-speaking guide
- Participate in the sacred takigyo ritual at a secluded shrine
- Create personal offerings and join in a guided prayer
- Enjoy a warm shower and a reflective drink following the purification ceremony
- To respect all participants, the tour will start on time. Guests arriving late will not be able to join, reschedule, or receive a refund. Please note that there may be other participants on the same tour.
- Guests under 15 years old and those aged 65 or older are not eligible to participate in the waterfall purification (takigyo). They may observe only, but if you originally booked for takigyo and decide to observe instead upon arrival, no refund will be provided.
- During the waterfall purification (takigyo), you will change into a white ritual outfit. Since it may become see-through after the takigyo, we recommend wearing a swimsuit underneath. If you forget to bring one, disposable undergarments are available for purchase at the shrine for 100 yen.
- While other participants from the same group are performing takigyo, please wait quietly in your own room.
- The tour may be canceled due to traffic conditions, weather, facility operations, or safety reasons.
- The tour fee includes the takigyo experience, shrine entrance, a towel for after the shower, and the offerings set.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.