The Mindful Wayfarer
Walk from the sacred halls of Kokubunji temple to a hyper-local neighborhood brewery
Modern Japan blends the ancient with the contemporary, the east with the west. On this exclusive journey, you will immerse yourself in this captivating fusion. Your day begins at one of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage sites, Kokubunji, where a resident monk guides you through a serene meditation session to uncover the secrets of the sanctuary. Afterward, find peace in an exquisite garden while savoring traditional matcha. Next, stroll through historic local neighborhoods and verdant rice fields to reach the Wayfarer Brewing Company. Here, the Australian-Japanese owners serve distinct single-batch beers in local clay cups, paired with a curated light lunch.
Meeting Time
9:00a.m. (Please consult us if you prefer a different time.)
Meeting Place
Your accommodation in Kochi City or Kochi New Port
Details of Tour / Activity
This immersive journey begins at Tosa Kokubunji, a historic stop on the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Alongside a resident monk, you will step inside the temple’s sacred interior to uncover its unique spiritual heritage. The temple grounds hold centuries of history, which you will explore firsthand as the monk guides you from the main hall into a climate-controlled exhibit pavilion housing thousand-year-old artifacts.
With the weight of this history still fresh in your mind, it is time for introspection. Sit quietly in the main hall as a robed monk leads you through the temple's unique meditation ritual. Afterward, refresh your mind and heart with premium matcha at the temple's café, situated right next to a manicured traditional garden.
Now, let’s explore on foot! Your guide will lead you out the back gates and through the vibrant green rice fields that frame the temple grounds. Entering a quiet local neighborhood, you will catch an authentic glimpse of daily life before stopping at a hidden pottery studio. Peer through the window to watch the artisan carefully shape clay into elegant cups and bowls—if you want, you can buy a unique piece to remember Kochi by.
Continuing through the village lanes, your walk leads to the Wayfarer Brewing Company. Here, you will meet the Australian-Japanese owners who have rooted their family deeply into this community. Their beer is brewed entirely on-site, incorporating fresh hops cultivated in the distant mountains on the horizon. Settle in to sample a flight of three distinct beers chosen from five limited-run varieties. Because these batches are brewed only once, the flavors you enjoy today will disappear forever once the final keg is tapped. For a truly unique sensory experience, try pouring a single variety into three different vessels: a clay cup made in the studio you just visited, a copper tumbler, and a classic glass. You will be amazed by how the material transforms the taste! Pair your drinks with a light meal crafted from local Kochi ingredients. Refreshed in body and soul, make your way back to Kochi City.
Details
Availability
All year around
Regular holidays
Monday to Thursday
*Available Monday to Thursday for groups of 6 or more (Inquire required)
Required time
Approximately 4 hours
Price
-2 participants: 30,000 JPY per person
-3 participants: 28,000 JPY per person
-4-5 participants: 24,000 JPY per person
-6-8 participants: 19,000 JPY per person
Included
- English speaking guide
- Taxi from Kochi city or Kochi New Port to Kokubun-ji Temple
- Meditation Experience
- Matcha or coffee at Kokubun-ji Temple
- Craft Beer Tasting Set (3 varieties)
*Additional orders can only be paid for in cash. Guests who do not drink alcohol will be provided with two soft drinks.
- Light meal
- Taxi from Craft Brewery to Kochi city or Kochi New Port
Min./Max. participants
Min. 2 people
Max. 8 people
Important information
-In the event of heavy rain or stormy weather the tour will be canceled.
-Please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activities and walking including slip resistant shoes.
-A guide and an English interpreter will accompany you.
-The photo of the sawachi cuisine is for illustrative purposes only.
Cancellation Policy
-Up to 7 days before the the start of the trip: 20%
-6 days to 1 day before the start of the trip: 50%
-On the day the trip starts, after the start of the trip, or no-show/no-contact: 100%