This Singaporean brings you on a virtual tour of Kyoto’s sacred mountain

Xian Jie, co-founder and partner at Craft Tabby, is a Singaporean who has lived in Japan for over nine years. The ex-documentary producer fell in love with the country after his studies at Waseda University in Tokyo. “I didn’t want to leave Japan,” he says and decided to call the country his home.

Part of his job includes managing a hostel, Friends Kyo, as well as conducting real-life tours. “We don’t do the usual city tours and prefer to focus on a specific theme,” he says.

The company offers two tour experiences: the Hidden Water Cycling Tour, which explores how Kyoto’s underground water sources moulded the city; and the popular Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour that takes people off the beaten path, beyond the famed torii gates.

But these days, with leisure travel being a distant possibility, Xian Jie has turned to provide virtual tours instead. Currently available is the Forest Bathe in Kyoto’s Sacred Mountain, a pared-down version of its physical walking tour.

“I had to strip out a lot of content to focus on activities that could be replicated anywhere in the world,” shares Xian Jie on the difficulties of adapting to a digital itinerary.

The original tour, some four hours long, involves venturing down a forested route, learning about various symbolism and historical contexts behind the shrine complex, and even picking wild tea and seasonal fruits along the way.

“All these activities take time,” he says. “A virtual experience, however, cannot go on for more than an hour because everyone is sitting in front of a screen.”

“Also, without physical objects in front of participants, it becomes difficult to explain nuanced ideas about politics and religion,” adds Xian Jie.

Instead, the online tour focuses on providing a digital escape: through video, Xian Jie takes viewers through an ancient, serene forest, flanked by maple, oak, and cedar trees. Ambient sounds of trickling streams and frogs croaking help paint a soothing atmosphere.

The digital field trip also transcends physical boundaries, a reason why Xian Jie enjoys conducting these tours. People who cannot meet due to travel restrictions can now enjoy a shared experience, and those with mobility issues can visit Kyoto without any hassle.

“Besides, participants tend to come from completely different time zones and you’ll get a peek into the lives and interests of people you would otherwise never meet,” he adds.

What is the reason people clap before praying to the gods? Why are trees important? And what does Pickachu have in common with traditional Shinto beliefs? To make things interactive, Xian Jie weaves in interesting anecdotes, and introduces fun polls along the way.

The journey also involves plenty of self-discovery. Gratitude, according to Xian Jie, is essential when getting spirits to grant wishes. Learn to clear the mind, embark on simple breathing exercises, and even consult the spirits.

“The favorite part of the experience for me is watching the faces of my participants when they hear the messages that the Inari gods have for specific individuals,” Xian Jie shares. It then all culminates to a relaxing forest bathing session, held at a secret location.

“Kyoto is blessed with lots of water, and in the experience you can look forward to bathing in one of Kyoto’s most sacred waterfalls,” says Xian Jie. “I hope the forest bathing experience will help people relax, and get in touch with themselves, especially in these stressful times.”

He adds: “The city of Kyoto has gems that tourists seldom see because everyone goes to the same few sightseeing spots. But we have hundreds of temples here, and we are enveloped in nature. I hope to inspire people to visit the natural treasures that Kyoto has, and in the meantime appreciate the nature they can find in their home countries.”