Photo showing a typical Kyoto, Japan scene on a page promoting the 2025 Japan Reiki Pilgrimage offered by SF Reiki Center and NYC Reiki Center

JOURNEY TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

A Pilgrimage to Japan for Students of Any Level of Reiki
Guided by Christopher Tellez and Brian Brunius

Save the Date — Japan Reiki Pilgrimage
October 20–28, 2026
Join me for a deeply meaningful spiritual journey in Kyoto.
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What’s Included?

What’s Included?

  • 9 days and 8 nights accommodation
  • 17 meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Four open evenings to explore Kyoto’s restaurant and nightlife scene
  • Exclusive Reiki Historical Guide to Japan
  • All admission fees
  • Professional guides
  • Japanese-to-English interpretation
  • Organizational costs

Prerequisites

1. Must be a Reiki student
2. Ability to walk 4 to 7 miles per day
3. Public transportation will be used, requiring walking to and from transit stops. Taxi funds are available for those in need, but participants are encouraged to train beforehand and be prepared for extensive walking.

Dietary Considerations:

1. Japanese cuisine traditionally includes fish-based broth, making most soups not vegan-friendly.
2. Restaurants typically do not customize menu items for dietary preferences.
3. Flexibility with meal choices is appreciated.
 

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Tuesday, October 21st – Arrival & Dinner

  • Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX) – aim for afternoon arrival
  • Transfer to hotel  (self-pay) (KIX to Kyoto transportation options or NearMe shared transfer)
  • Orientation dinner (6:00–7:00 PM, included)

  • Day 2: Wednesday, October 22nd – Eastern Kyoto

  • Yasaka Shrine & Chion-in Temple
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (included)
  • Gion walk (Sannenzaka Ninenzaka)
  • Shibori dyeing workshop
  • Free time
  • Dinner at a local restaurant (included)

  • Day 3: Thursday, October 23rd – Kurama Day 1

  • Walk in the footsteps of Usui
  • Take out Lunch in Kurama (included)
  • Hike to the top of Mount Kurama
  • Kurama Onsen (optional self-pay)
  • Open evening to explore Kyoto’s restaurants, bars, and karaoke (self-pay)

  • Day 4: Friday, October 24th – Fushimi’s Torii Gates

  • Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha with its famous red torii gates
  • Walk the trail to the top of Inari Mountain for a panoramic view of Kyoto
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (included)
  • Visit Sanjusangen-do Temple
  • Free time for shopping
  • Dinner at a local restaurant (included)

  • Day 5: Saturday, October 25th – Kurama Day 2

  • Go deeper into Mount Kurama
  • Blessing at Kurama Temple (extra fee)
  • Take out lunch in Kurama (included)
  • Kurama Onsen (optional self-pay)
  • Open evening to explore Kyoto’s nightlife (self-pay)

  • Day 6: Sunday, October 26th – Free Day or E-Bike Tour (extra fee)

  • Optional guided E-Bike tour (extra fee)
  • Lunch & dinner (self-pay)

  • Day 7: Monday, October 27th – Western Kyoto (Arashiyama)

  • Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple with its unique Rakan sculptures
  • Walk the Kyoto Trail (downhill) to enjoy scenic views
  • Visit Sagano Bamboo Grove
  • Lunch at Tenryuji Temple or a local restaurant
  • Explore Tenryuji Temple’s renowned garden
  • Visit Togetsukyo Bridge
  • Dinner at a local restaurant (self-pay)

  • Day 8: Tuesday October 28th – Kurama Day 3 Kibune

  • Option to hike the mountain or take a direct route to Kibune
  • Visit Kibune Shrine
  • Lunch (self-pay)
  • Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (included)

  • Day 9: Wednesday October 29th – Departure

  • Transfer to KIX via public transport  (self-pay) (KIX to Kyoto transportation options or NearMe shared transfer)
  • This journey offers a unique opportunity to deepen your Reiki practice while immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Japan. We look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you!