A Spiritual Journey in Japan: Transformational Travel through Higan

There are a few special moments amid the normalcy of everyday living when time becomes still, and the physical and spiritual worlds so nearly touch. In Japan, a spiritual journey occurs twice yearly at the Spring and Autumnal Equinox, in a long-standing Buddhist observance known as Higan. For those who have a pull toward transformational travel—the kind that remaps your inner world as well as your schedule—Higan provides an unforgettable journey into the mystical heart of Japan.

What is Higan?

 “Higan” (彼岸) translates as “the other shore”—a reference point in the Buddhist belief in passing from the shore of ignorance and suffering over to the shore of enlightenment and peace. Higan is not a ritual or a celebration; it’s a spiritual pilgrimage in itself, one that promotes reflection, appreciation, and the pursuit of inner balance. It’s a week-long observance aligned with the equinoxes, when day and night are equally matched—a suitable symbol for the balance Buddhists try to create in their hearts.

In sharp contrast to other spiritual practices that emphasize the thinning veil between the worlds of the living and the dead, Higan emphasizes the cultivation of balance through meditation, and for families to visit, clean, and honor ancestral graves, as well to reflect on the impermanence of existence. It’s not ghost stories and visits from the dead, but rather placing one in the space between seasons and letting oneself realign. 

Rituals that Take You on a Spiritual Journey

During Higan, many families throughout Japan go back to their roots by traveling back to their hometowns to tend the graves of their relatives. It’s a moment dominated by respectful stillness—where families tenderly clean headstones, leave flowers and incense as a gift, and recite Buddhist prayers. The air is tranquil, with the scent of earth, flowers, and the gentle smoke of temple incense. All seems bathed in a hallowed stillness. 

One of the more poignant places to experience this ritual, where transformational travel can truly be birthed, occurs in Kyoto, a city whose spirituality and heritage appear to reverberate in each stone. Chion-in Temple, the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, takes on a heightened sense of emotion during this time. There, monks chant in a unison rhythm as the gentle lantern light glows against the early evening air. While Chion-in is a moving site for Higan, it’s only one among countless sites in Japan where similar rituals take place.

It’s not something you watch on the sidelines, this is a deep spiritual journey. For the spiritual seeker, participating in these little things—burning incense, bowing over a grave, passing through temple doors—for the spiritual seeker, engaging in these simple yet profound rituals- offering incense, bowing before a grave, passing through temple gates- can evoke a deep and moving connection. It’s a bridge, not just with one’s ancestors, but with a greater sense of self.

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The Philosopher’s Path: Transformational Travel

Though not officially tied to Higan, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi) provides a setting that is deeply aligned with the spirit of the observance. Stretching alongside a quiet canal and lined with cherry and maple trees, this stone walkway was a favorite route of 20th-century philosophers and poets.

As you walk, each step becomes a form of meditation. The hush of the water, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional temple bell in the distance all create a perfect atmosphere for reflection. It is a place where the spiritual journey becomes physical, where transformational travel takes root not in adrenaline or spectacle but in stillness.

The Transformative Power of Higan

In a fast-paced, digitally saturated world, Higan stands as a quiet yet powerful counterpoint. It asks us to pause. To clean not only the graves of our ancestors but the cluttered altars of our own minds. It is not just about mourning those who have passed—it is about honoring what endures: memory, legacy, and compassion.

For those seeking more than just a vacation, Higan offers something rare and sacred: the chance to reconnect with meaning. To realign. To remember that you, too, are on a journey—and sometimes, it’s not about where you go but who you become along the way.

Travel That Transforms

If you’re looking to deepen your connection with the world and yourself, consider aligning your travels with the equinox and experiencing Higan firsthand. Here at  Mysterious Adventure Tours, we offer curated journeys into Japan’s spiritual traditions, blending guided explorations with personal introspection.

Witnessing Higan is not simply sightseeing—it’s soul-seeing. And in that sacred space where the sun balances day and night, you may find yourself stepping onto your own “other shore.”

Let this be more than a trip. Let it be a pilgrimage into presence.

Embark on a journey that your heart and soul will never forget in 2025!

Experience the sacred Buddhist tradition of Higan during Japan’s autumnal equinox, as we connect with ancestral spirits through timeless rituals and observances. Feel the mystical energy of this special time, when the veil between worlds is thinnest. Delve into Kyoto’s rich history and culture at the grand Jidai Matsuri festival, where a dazzling parade brings Japan’s past to life. Explore the vibrant tapestry of Kyoto’s heritage as we celebrate its illustrious past.

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