By /

Experiencing Shugendo Practice at Ryusenji Temple in Dorogawa Onsen

What You'll Experience

Ryusenji Temple, located in Dorogawa Onsen in Tenkawa Village, is the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism. Here, you can take part in a special experience that immerses you in the extraordinary spiritual world of Shugendo. You can actually take part in sacred goma ceremony and suigyo (water ablutions).

Experiences

Goma Ceremony (Fire Ritual)

After receiving an explanation from the head priest, you write your wish on a prayer stick, offer your prayers, and then take part in the sacred goma (fire) ritual.

Suigyo (water ablutions)

This ritual is performed in the clear, cool spring water believed to have been discovered by En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo.

Concerning Shugendo

Shugendo is a uniquely Japanese faith that fuses ancient mountain worship with Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, and shamanism. It is said that by entering the mountains, Shugendo practitioners gain mental strength, spiritual power, and wisdom, and use these powers to help and heal all living beings.

Itinerary Options

Meet at Ryusenji Temple Reception
You can make reservations between 9:00 AM and 17:00 PM.

Goma ceremony (Fire Ritual)
30 minutes

Suigyo (water ablutions)
30 minutes

Meet at Ryusenji Temple Reception
You can make reservations between 9:00 AM and 17:00 PM.

Goma ceremony (Fire Ritual)
30 minutes

Meet at Ryusenji Temple Reception
You can make reservations between 9:00 AM and 17:00 PM.

Suigyo (water ablutions)
30 minutes

Pricing

Goma & Water ceremony

$210

per group

Experience fee

VAT

Ritual costume ￥500 per person

Goma ceremony

$160

per group

Experience fee

VAT

Water ceremony

$60

per group

Experience fee

VAT

Ritual costume ￥500 per person

English guide service and Shuttle service can be arranged through this web site for an additional fee.
If you would like to book a shuttle, please select this option on the booking form.

Experience Details

Available Days & Times

Available year-round (9:00-17:00)
Due to numerous temple events held on weekends between May and September, the experience may be unavailable on certain days.
See the website for event schedules.

Duration

Goma Ceremony : 30 minutes
Suigyo : 30 minutes

Location

Ryusenji Temple

Meeting Point

Ryusenji Temple Reception

Access

From Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Station (Yoshino Line), take a Nara Kotsu Bus bound for "Dorogawa Onsen" and get off at the final stop. It’s a 5-minute walk from there.
Car parking: 10 spaces.

Capacity

2-20 participants

Foreign Language Support

Unavailable

Barrier-free Access

Unavailable

Notes

Please bring your own towel if you will be participating in the water ablution ritual.

Cancellation Policy

  • 10-8 days prior: 20%
  • 7-2 days prior: 30%
  • 1 day prior: 40%
  • Same day (before start): 50%
  • Same day (after start): 100%

Notes

Please ensure you read Travel Agency Terms and Conditions, etc before applying for a tour.
A document explaining the terms of the transaction will be provided to you online.

Request Now

Request Now

Request Experience

Experiencing Shugendo Practice at Ryusenji Temple in Dorogawa Onsen
Select Date
Reservations may not be available on weekends from May to September due to temple events.
Please check the website for the schedule.
Application Deadline
5 Days Before the Experience Date
Personal Information