Japan Tour 2026

Soto Zen Japan Tour 2026

By Bishop Shuji Komagata

On behalf of the Hawaii Soto Mission Association (HSMA) and the Bishop’s Office, it is my great pleasure to invite you to join us on a very special journey: the Soto Zen Japan Tour 2026, taking place from October 13 to 21, 2026.

The heart of this pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Soto Zen Buddhism’s two headquarter temples—Eiheiji and Sojiji. These temples are not only historically and spiritually significant; they are living centers of practice where the spirit of Dogen Zenji continues to be embodied through daily training, ritual, and community. For many practitioners, visiting these temples is a lifelong aspiration, and doing so as part of an organized Soto Mission tour adds a depth of meaning that cannot be replicated when traveling alone.

This journey also offers something refreshingly different from the typical “Golden Route” between Tokyo and Osaka. Beginning in Nagoya, our route takes us through regions rich in culture, history, and natural beauty—areas that many travelers never experience. Along the way, we will enjoy scenic landscapes, charming towns, and meaningful cultural encounters, traveling together at a relaxed and thoughtful pace rather than rushing by shinkansen from one major city to the next.

As outlined in the itinerary, the tour includes opportunities to:

· Visit historic temples and sacred training sites

· Experience regional Japanese culture and traditions

· Enjoy seasonal scenery and thoughtfully selected attractions

· Savor a variety of delicious local cuisine

Tour Cost (per person)

Air & Land Package (Includes roundtrip airfare between Honolulu (HNL) and Nagoya (NGO), ground transportation, hotels, and several meals)

· $3,390 (twin occupancy)

· $3,995 (single occupancy)

Land Only Package (Meet the group at Nagoya Airport)

· $2,425 (twin occupancy)

· $3,025 (single occupancy)

Please note that prices may decrease depending on the total number of participants.

I warmly encourage you to review the itinerary carefully and imagine yourself walking the temple grounds, sharing meals and conversations, and journeying together through parts of Japan that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful. It is my hope that this tour will be not only be memorable, but truly transformative—a journey of practice, connection, and gratitude that we will carry with us long after we return home.

Please register by January 26, 2026 below.

For more information, contact us at: japantour2026@sotomission.org