“Takigyo”Traditional Japanese Waterfall Training meditation

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

For those for whom mere sightseeing is not enough...

This is the ultimate cultural experience, where you can bathe in waterfalls, purify your mind, and encounter the “real” Japan!

Surrounded by the sacred nature of Japan, this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will sharpen your spirit in the silence of

. The prayers of local monks, the challenge of performing waterfall rituals in authentic street clothes, and the feeling of refreshment afterwards will be the unforgettable highlights of your trip.

For those who seek the “extraordinary” and the “real Japan,” this is a trip that will touch you from the bottom of your heart.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Safety prayer at the temple

Video of the experience filmed on GoPro

Guided cultural explanation about the area and waterfall ritual

Japanese / English speaking staff

Rental of traditional outfit (Dōgi and fundoshi for men)

Meeting at Odawara Station and round-trip transportation to the temple

Meals before/after the activity

Change of clothes (please bring your own)

Personal expenses, souvenirs

Activity insurance (please have your own travel insurance)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

What You’ll Experience: pick up at Odawara station 7:30 am 1. Temple Visit & Purification Ceremony Begin your journey at a quiet countryside temple. A local monk will lead you through a traditional purification ritual and prayer for safety and mindfulness. 2. Change into Traditional White Robe (Dogi) Dress in authentic ritual attire worn for waterfall meditation—used by monks and ascetics for centuries. 3. Short Walk to the Waterfall Enjoy a peaceful walk through serene forest paths as you approach the sacred waterfall site. 4. Waterfall Meditation (Takigyo) Step beneath the powerful stream of the waterfall. Calm your mind, breathe deeply, and feel the cleansing force of nature as you connect with your inner self. 5. Reflection & Closing After the ritual, you’ll have time to dry off, reflect, and enjoy tea or warm drinks with your guide and fellow participants.

Options

“Takigyo”Traditional Japanese Waterfall Training meditation

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Most special experience!
H2019LDjessev,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Doing Takigyo was one of the most special experiences we had in Japan. The moment under the waterfall and especially the feeling afterward was unforgettable. You feel completely calm, proud, and deeply grateful. Kai and his team guided us with so much care and kindness, and there was also room to laugh and enjoy the moment together. It was an incredible experience that will stay with us forever, and we truly recommend it to anyone visiting Japan.
Amazing & unique experience
David S,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a truly amazing experience, one you can't miss when visiting Japan. Truly unique. The people are super friendly and speak English well.
Feeling calm
aj888888882019,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The whole experience was wonderful! Kai-san is the organizer for the Buddhist temple that hosts this waterfall meditation experience. It definitely is not something you see or get a chance to experience everyday! You would think the coldness of the water would be unbearable, but the strength of the waterfall itself helps deter any chilling feelings. Afterwards, you feel calm and free from everyday stresses of the world. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel good from overcoming a challenging and difficult activity. The head monk and Kai-san were both a delight to interact with and super-friendly!
A must try experience for the adventurous
franciswP1926WX,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I recently had the privilege of participating in the Takigyo waterfall meditation, which was undoubtedly one of the most powerful and memorable experiences of my trip to Japan. From the very beginning, our guide, Kai, was warm and professional. He graciously picked us up from Odawara station and ensured we were comfortable and informed as we made our way to the temple. At the temple, we had the honor of meeting the monk who would lead our practice. He was a man of depth—soft-spoken and compassionate, yet radiating an undeniable strength, both in his powerful physique and the resonant depth of his voice during the chants. The preparation for the Takigyo was a ceremony in itself. We were dressed in traditional attire and participated in a safety prayer, where the air vibrated with the sound of mantras chanted over a large drum. The monk and his team spared no detail, walking us through every step of the practice with patience and clarity. We were encouraged to prepare our wishes, adding a deeply personal and spiritual dimension to the experience. We were driven to the site; after a short scenic hike, we were there, standing before the raw power of nature. The initial shock of the cold water is a jolt to the senses, but as the waterfall crashes down on you, it's as if all your stress and worries are washed away. You are completely present, immersed in the overwhelming force of the natural world. You scream your wishes in primal release as a declaration to the universe. Afterward, the feeling is one of profound cleansing of both body and soul. One of the many thoughtful touches was that the guides handle all the recording for you. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without any distractions. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. This experience is perfect for anyone seeking a unique spiritual adventure, a powerful form of meditation, or simply a new and challenging experience. Especially if you're into cold exposure like I am (the powerful impact of the waterfall takes it to a whole new level). This was everything I wanted and more. A truly 5-star experience.
Great experience with a great guide
larshI2108SU,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kai was a great guide and accompanied me very friendly and competently during the waterfall training. It was all very well planned and executed. I can only recommend the provider and the experience. Thanks for that!
Awesome experience in Odawara
Tourist00753240958,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I joined this experience during my trip, and it was definitely the most exciting activity of my stay in Japan. After changing into the traditional attire at the temple and receiving explanations and a safety prayer, I felt a bit nervous. However, once I stepped under the waterfall, I forgot about everyday life and entered a state of complete emptiness. After the experience, I felt refreshed both physically and mentally. I am truly grateful for this precious opportunity. Thank you very much to the chief priest.