Sojourn of Mirrors

Sacred Groves & Temples

Walk the Land, Find Connection

With our last Sojourn for 2027: our focus shifts, because a mirror isn’t just for checking your reflection—it’s for seeing the truth you’ve been avoiding. And a sacred tree isn't just for shade—it’s for learning how to stand your ground when the seasons change.

Sojourn of Mirrors

October 22 - November 5, 2027 | Japan

In Shinto tradition, the mirror is a sacred object—not because it shows us our vanity, but because it reflects the truth of our spirit. The Sojourn of Mirrors is a journey of clarity. We travel to the heart of Japan’s oldest landscapes to stand among the Shinboku(sacred trees) and find what remains of ourselves when the modern world’s noise is stripped away.

The Experience: Stillness in Motion

This is a journey of precision and deep observation. We are not tourists; we are pilgrims. We will walk the ancient cedar-lined paths, participate in the quiet rituals of the shrines, and use the beauty of the Japanese landscape to anchor our internal work.

Expect long, mindful walks, the scent of damp moss, and the kind of "high self-work" that requires you to be fully awake. We don't come here to escape; we come here to be seen.

What is Included:

• 14 Nights of Hand-Picked Stays: A mix of traditional Ryokans and local guesthouses chosen for their proximity to sacred sites.

• All In-Japan Ground Transportation: Seamless travel via Japan’s world-class rail and local transport systems once we meet.

• Guided Facilitation: Lene’s dedicated guidance, focusing on the intersection of Shinto philosophy and inner work.

• Daily Breakfast: Traditional, grounding morning meals to prepare for our daily treks.
  

• Access to (tattoo friendly) Onsen throughout your journey.

• Sacred Site & Temple Fees: Pre-arranged access to specific shrines, groves, and old-growth forests.

• Logistical & Sustainability Surcharge: A 1,200 NOK built-in buffer to handle the complexity of international site fees and exchange stability.

• Comprehensive Pre-Trip Preparation: Guidance on Japanese etiquette and internal "mirror-work" to begin before you fly.
  
  

What is Not Included:

• International Flights: You are responsible for your travel to and from Japan.

• Lunch & Dinner: To allow for the incredible culinary exploration Japan offers, daily lunches and dinners are self-funded (guidance on the best local "hidden gems" will be provided).

• Mandatory Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable for international travel.

• Visas & ETAs: Any fees required for entry into Japan.

• The Final Feast: Our last celebratory dinner in Japan is self-funded.
  
  

Why 14 days?

True reflection cannot be rushed. It takes us 3 days to leave the noise of the West behind, and another 3 to stop performing. We spend 14 days in Japan because we aren't looking for a peek at the truth - we are looking for a permanent shift. This transformation, this sojourn is deep and sustainable.

Pricing & The "Secure Fundament"

Because of the complexity of Japanese logistics, this Sojourn requires a high level of commitment and planning.

• The Mandatory Non-Refundable Deposit: 7000 NOK to secure your spot.

• Final Balance Due: July 2027

• Logistical Security: As part of our commitment to sustainability, we include a 1,200 NOK surcharge to ensure the journey remains viable regardless of international fluctuations.

• Innlandet Accessibility: Despite the scale of this trip, I remain committed to my community. Limited payment plans are available for those with reduced income.
  

• Total Investment: 55000 NOK (Includes the Deposit)
  
  

Why the "Sojourn of Mirrors" Matters:

Japan doesn't ask you to "feel good." It asks you to be sincere. In the presence of trees that have stood for a thousand years, our excuses fall away. By connecting with the discipline of Shintoism and the physical act of walking the sacred paths, we find a reflection that is honest, raw, and ready for change.

Join the Sojourn of Mirrors Waiting List

Who this Sojourn is for:

• The Seekers who wish to experience a unique, niche journey with animistic guidance. This is not just a vacation; it’s a transformative excavation and a sojourn you make for your deepest self.
  

• The Brave who feel there are deeper layers to unravel and are finally ready to face their own shadows in the light of the ancient world.

• The Truth-Tellers who wish to break free from the shackles that hold them back—those ready to release stored rage, shame, grief, and pain within the safety of a grounded, conscious group.

• The Longing who yearn for a deeper, more authentic connection with other humans, moving past the surface-level noise of modern life.

• The Earth-Bound who crave a visceral, physical connection to the soil and the old, old stories of the land.

• The Overburdened who need time away from every external demand to finally focus on their own internal landscape.

• The Rooted who recognize the vital need for ritual, practice, and a community of peers who are equally committed to the work.

Sacred Groves & Temples

Sojourn of Mirrors

October 22 - November 5, 2027 | Japan

The Framework for the Sojourn of Mirrors. We are still working on the program, changes might be made due to weather conditions as well as development of the journey in the coming months. Please check consistently or get in touch.

Day 1 Arrival & Grounding Land at Tokyo Narita (NRT). We'll have a private minibus that will meet us at the terminal. We'll head straight to the foothills of the Japanese Alps, which takes approx. 3,5 - 4 hours. We'll head to Nagano.

The Element of WOOD

Day 2 Ancient Guardians 

Day 3 The Hidden Shrine

Day 4 The Craftsman's Tree 

The Element of METAL

Day 5 The Soul of the Blade 

Day 6 Hammer & Spirit

The Element of FIRE

Day 7 The Long Road South

Day 8 The Night of 200.000 Kami 

Day 9 The Goma Ritual We rise at dawn for the Sacred Fire Ceremony.

Day 10 Purification

The Root of Animism

Day 11 The Waterfall Kami
Day 12 The Mossy Stairs 

Day 13 The Grand shrine

Intergration & Departure

Day 14 The Mirror Garden 

Day 15 The Return We'll travel back toward Tokyo Narita for our flights home.

This is an active Sojourn, there will be a lot of walking, hiking and exploring.

What should you bring:

Clothing:

• Temple Socks We will be taking off our shoes multiple times a day. Pack high-quality, thick socks - no holes!
• Slip-on/Off Footwear Avoid shoes with complex laces. You want stury walking shoes or sneakers that can be stepped out off in two seconds. For the Kumano Kodo please consider shoewear with good grip for the mossy stones.
• Modesty for Shinto Shrines While Japan is modern, sacred sites prefer modesty. Avoid tanktops or low-cut shirts. Also consider protecting your throat from dry mountain air.
  
  

For the Mind & Soul:

• Sitting Pad: A small insulated pad (reinsdyr skin or foam) for sitting on cold stones/moss during meditation
• Fire Ceremony: While the soot and smoke from sacred fire are blessings, they can occasionally stain very light-colored clothing.
  
• Goshuincho (Stamp Book): This you will receive from the facillitator at the first shrine. It is a beautiful accordion book where monks hand-calligraph and stamp a "seal" of your visit. It is the ultimate record of your journey.
  
• A small "Coin Purse": In Japan, cash and coin are still the norm. You will need 100-yen coins for "Saisen" (offerings) at Shrines and for lockers at Onsens.
  
• Journal & Pen: To capture reflections during your Sojourn
• A Personal Object: something you wish to carry with you during your stay
  
  

Practical Gear:

• Daypack: 20-30 liters for daily excursions.
• Pocket Wifi/eSim: Japan's mountains are dense, staying connected is a safety essential.
• Hand Towel (Tenugui): Carry a small cotton hand towel in your daypack. Most public restrooms do not have dryers or towels, and you'll use it to dry off after the purification ritual at shrine entrances.
• Plastic Bag: There are almost no public trash cans in Japan. Carry your trash with you until you return to the Ryokan.
  
• Essential Medicine: Especially if you do not read Japanese, if in need of the pharmacy things can be excellent, yet very confusing. Take with you your own painkillers and/or blister kits for the longer walks.
  
• A dry back: A small dry bag to keep your journal, electronics and important items safe during a sudden downpour.
• Water Bottle: At least 1 liter
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen. Yes, also outside of Summer season!

What does the journey look like distance wise? Do you have a map?

Absolutely. Here under you can see roughly the outlines of our journey: As you can see it will definitely cover some distance and we will see large parts of Japan.