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Kyoto Fushimi Inari Hidden Waterfall: Sacred Takigyo Ritual Experience

Kyoto Fushimi Inari Hidden Waterfall: Sacred Takigyo Ritual Experience

Experience authentic Japanese waterfall purification with blessings, ritual attire, and guided prayers.

What makes this tour unique

  • Experience authentic waterfall purification guided step-by-step by a Shinto priest
  • Change into traditional ritual attire and receive a blessing before your takigyo
  • Refresh with a warm shower and participate in a guided prayer ritual afterward
  • Create your own offerings, present them to the gods, and enjoy Q&A with the priest
Why Akiko Recommends This Tour

Tips and recommendations by our official guides

Experience a unique and invigorating journey into Japanese tradition with this guided waterfall purification (takigyo) experience. Begin by donning the special Gyo-yi attire and learning from a Shinto priest how to prepare offerings that will later be presented during the ritual. Before stepping under the cascading water, receive a heartfelt blessing as the priest chants sacred prayers, helping you connect deeply with the spiritual atmosphere. Participants also engage in copying divine words before and after the ritual to calm the mind and focus the spirit. After the waterfall practice, enjoy a reflective moment with sake or non-alcoholic amazake, asking questions and learning more about the significance of the offerings and Shinto practices.

This experience offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s traditional spiritual training, allowing participants to feel the power and serenity of nature while embracing centuries-old rituals. It’s perfect for those curious about Japanese culture, eager to understand Shinto beliefs in depth from a knowledgeable priest, or simply looking to challenge themselves with a meaningful, refreshing activity. Couples, friends, and solo travelers alike will find this tour welcoming and enriching.

Even if you have never practiced takigyo or any form of Japanese spiritual discipline, there’s no need to worry. The priest provides gentle, clear instructions, and a guide translates everything so you can fully understand each step. Solo travelers are especially encouraged, as many participants join alone and feel completely at ease. After the ritual, warm showers are available to refresh and comfort you, ensuring that your first takigyo experience is safe, empowering, and unforgettable.

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Akiko

Official guide

What's included
English-Speaking Local Guide (2.5hours)
Your guide will provide clear interpretation to ensure a smooth waterfall purification (takigyo) experience.
Tour Photos
Pictures taken by your guide and sent to you after the tour.
Hidden shrine
Your guide will take you to a hidden shrine unknown to most tourists, where you can quietly practice waterfall purification.
Share the offerings with the gods
Taste the offerings you made and dedicated to the gods
Clothing for waterfall ritual experience
We provide the clothing used for waterfall meditation. If needed, disposable paper underwear can be purchased on site for 100 yen per item. Cash only.

Explore the Shrine Before Your Waterfall Experience

Begin your journey by meeting your local guide at the designated spot and walking together to the sacred waterfall purification site. At the shrine, learn about its history and spiritual significance, and meet the Shinto priest who will explain the meaning of takigyo, the traditional Japanese waterfall meditation practice. This introductory experience sets the stage for a deeper, immersive cultural and spiritual adventure, allowing you to connect with Japan’s unique rituals in a calm, guided setting.

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Learn Rituals, Prepare Attire, and Get Ready for Takigyo

Receive detailed instructions on the full flow of the waterfall purification ritual, decide the order of participants, and learn how to copy divine words (Shin-kotoba) from the priest. Change into traditional takigyo attire in private rooms, and get ready for your turn to walk to the waterfall with your guide. This preparatory stage ensures every participant understands the process and feels confident, combining cultural insight with practical guidance for an authentic and safe experience.

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Experience Waterfall Purification, Create Offerings, and Ask Questions

At the waterfall, the Shinto priest chants sacred prayers as you immerse yourself under the flowing water. Afterward, refresh with a warm shower and copy the divine words in a calm room. Learn to create your own offerings under the priest’s guidance, present them to the gods, and taste them as part of the ritual. Conclude with a Q&A session, where you can ask the priest about the practices and meanings, making this a complete and deeply engaging cultural and spiritual experience.

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Meeting Point

In front of Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store

See on google maps
  • Outside of Tofukuji Station EXIT 2, Next to the Family Mart
  • [From Kyoto station to Tofukuji station]Please use JR line:You can use both rapid trains and local trains.
  • [From Shijyo keihan to Tofukuji station]Please use Keihan line : You can use sub-express trains, semi express trains and local trains. Please DO NOT USE express trains.
  • Your guide will be holding a red or orange sign that says “MagicalTrip.”
  • The Google Maps link points to the building with a FamilyMart convenience store.
  • The building with the FamilyMart is pinned on the map.

Itinerary


  • Meet in front of FamilyMart at Tofukuji Station
  • Guests arrive, Tour begins
  • Visit Goshano-taki Shrine
  • Explanation about the shrine and the waterfall (with interpreted)
  • Room orientation and overview of the tour flow
  • Lecture on copying divine words (Shin-kotoba) & decide the order for waterfall practice
  • Change into Gyo-yi ritual attire
  • Waterfall purification (takigyo)
  • Prepare offerings with priest
  • Start of the prayer ritual
  • Drink sacred sake or non-alcoholic amazake, Q&A session
Remarks
  • To respect all participants, the tour will start on time. Guests arriving late will not be able to join, reschedule, or receive a refund. Please note that there may be other participants on the same tour.
  • Guests under 15 years old and those aged 65 or older are not eligible to participate in the waterfall purification (takigyo). They may observe only, but if you originally booked for takigyo and decide to observe instead upon arrival, no refund will be provided.
  • During the waterfall purification (takigyo), you will change into a white ritual outfit. Since it may become see-through after the takigyo, we recommend wearing a swimsuit underneath. If you forget to bring one, disposable undergarments are available for purchase at the shrine for 100 yen.
  • These are disposable paper underwear.
  • The trunk-style underwear is available for 100 yen per piece, and we also offer a bra-style option. Both are priced at 100 yen each.
  • While other participants from the same group are performing takigyo, please wait quietly in your own room.
  • The tour may be canceled due to traffic conditions, weather, facility operations, or safety reasons.
  • The tour fee includes the takigyo experience, shrine entrance, a towel for after the shower, and the offerings set.
Cancel Policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • Free date/time rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour start time (subject to availability).
Dietary Information
Dietary Accommodation

Inform us about any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance.

Dietary requestAvailability

dairy-free

✓ possible

gluten-free

✓ possible

vegan

✓ possible

vegetarian

✓ possible
Included Allergens

We cannot be held responsible for any food allergens present at street food stalls during the tour.

No known allergens included

FAQ of This Tour
Where and how do we meet the guide?
How long does the tour take?
Is this tour private available?
Can children and elderly guests join?
What’s included in the tour price?
Are there any additional costs?
Can I bring luggage or a suitcase?
How much walking is involved?
What should I wear?
What happens in case of bad weather or heavy snow?
Is this tour available year-round?
Is it possible to decide not to do the waterfall purification after arriving at the site?
Are there any health conditions we should take into consideration for this tour?
What is the water temperature like in Japan during winter?
More Questions?
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