Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind with Waterfall Meditation

Reconnect with nature by meditating under a waterfall and soaking in a sauna in a spiritual forest

Shirataki Daimyojin in Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture is a forested mountain area famous as a center of nature worship. It’s only about an hour away by train from the Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most significant religious sites in Japan. If your travels have your body aching for some relaxation or your mind wanting for deeper introspection, look no further. Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls revered as gods, this is an ideal spot to participate in waterfall meditation as well as shinrin-yoku, or therapeutic “forest bathing.”

You can participate in a number of guided English experiences to cleanse your body and soul while learning about the local history and culture. Reconnect with nature while participating in the ancient religious art of takigyo, which is meditating under a spiritual waterfall. Center yourself as the water rushes over you―an uncommon experience even within Japan. You can also enjoy a sauna to heighten your sense of warmth and relaxation. Calm your senses by listening to the sound of the wind rustling through the forest leaves on this ultimate healing tour. Finish your experience by indulging in tea, coffee, sweets, or a whole meal made with locally grown ingredients at the Shirataki Mori no Chaya Café.

Shirataki Daimyojin is located within Ise-Shima National Park, a rich expanse incorporating gorgeous coastline and inland forests and mountains. It is also a region in which many ancient traditions, such as pearl diving, still thrive. After you have refreshed your body and mind, be sure to explore what else this lush region has to offer.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya Station (about one hour 40 minutes), then transfer to the Kintetsu Shima Line for Kintetsu Funatsu Station (about eight minutes). From Kintetsu Funatsu Station, walk for about 10 minutes.