Visit the 1,100-year-old Zen temple, the "Deity of Eye Health," by climbing 1,300 sacred steps for stunning views. The English-fluent head priest will guide you through Zen meditation and a tasting of the traditional medicinal Ochatou tea. Experience an authentic spiritual retreat.
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Private tour for 1 people
Private tour for 2 people
Private tour for 3 people
Private tour for 4 people
Private tour for 5 people
Private tour for 6 people
The Highlight
Perched atop a mountain rich in Japanese mythology, Ichibata Yakushi is a historic Zen temple renowned for over 1,100 years as the "Deity of Eye Health." Your spiritual journey begins with an ascent up 1,300 sacred stone steps through an ancient forest, leading to a breathtaking summit view that feels like a scene from an ancient legend.
The temple is famous for "Ochato," a medicinal tea brewed from local herbs and pure spring water. Beyond its refreshing taste, tradition holds that rubbing this sacred tea on your eyelids protects and heals your vision. You can enjoy this ritual on-site or take the tea home in a traditional ceramic bottle.
A highlight for international visitors is the opportunity to practice Zen meditation and sutra copying under the guidance of the English-fluent head priest. This rare combination of profound history and accessible teaching makes Ichibata Yakushi a perfect spiritual retreat for those seeking to refresh both mind and body.
The Experience
・A Zen experience guided by a priest who is fluent in English The head priest of Ichibata Yakushi is fluent in English. After a prayer in the main hall, he will explain the history of Ichibata Yakushi and then guide you around the temple grounds. The temple grounds are spread across the mountainside of Mt. Ichibata. Next to the main hall is the Kannon hall, which offers a spectacular view of Lake Shinji. From there, down the stone steps is the lecture hall, where you will experience Zazen. The main hall and Shoin on the same grounds are home to a teahouse and garden that was visited by Emperor Showa.These are usually closed to the public, but this tour will allow you to see the garden and tea room as a special treat.
・A magnificent view from the temple grounds Located at the southern foot of Mt. Ichibata at an altitude of 200m, Ichibata Yakushi offers a spectacular view overlooking Lake Shinji. Lake Shinji peeks out between the cedar trees lining the approach to the temple, and on clear days, Mt. Daisen can be seen beyond the lake from the temple grounds. In the Autumn of 2025, the Kannon Hall was repaired, and a large glass window was installed on the east side overlooking Lake Shinji, allowing visitors to engage in "sky meditation," "copying sutras," and "sand stepping“. The Kannon Hall offers a panoramic view of the setting of Izumo mythology.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- 9:00(13:00) Meet with tour guide in JR Matsue or Izumoshi station
- 9:00~10:00(13:00~14:00) Travel to Ichibata Yakushi Temple by chartered taxi with an accompanying guide.
- 10:00~11:00(14:00~15:00) Go up to the main hall to pray and receive an explanation about Ichibata Yakushi temple, followed by a tour of the temple grounds.
- 11:00~11:45(15:00~15:45) Experience zazen in the Dharma Hall or Kannon Hall.
- 11:45~13:00(15:45~17:00) Move to JR Matsue or Izumoshi station (should be same station started)and disbandling the tour.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Capacity: Max 6 participants Tour Includes ・Transportation from departure to return (chartered taxi) ・Experience fees: Prayer fee Zazen Experience ・One English-speaking guide Not include the tour ・Lunch fee
Requirements Age: 10 years and older (Children under 10 are not eligible) Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Round-trip chartered taxi fare between Matsue/Izumo Station and Ichibata Yakushi is included in the tour price.
Important Booking Information
Cancellation Policy
20% of the tour fee if cancelled 7 days or more prior to the tour
50% of the tour fee if cancelled 3 days or more prior to the tour
100% of the tour fee if cancelled on the day of the tour, after the
tour has departed, or in case of no show
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 169 hour(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 73 ~ 168 hour(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 25 ~ 72 hour(s) of departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 0 ~ 24 hour(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)