DIFFICULY
★★☆☆☆
Approximately 6 hours
Approximately 6 hours
From
From ¥101,200 (tax included)
ウェルネス, ロックガーデン, 御師集落, 青梅市, 正式参拝, 古道
OVERVIEW
[Story: A “Formal Worship” Experience at a Sacred Site in the Sky, Spanning 2,000 Years]
“There is a sacred sanctuary in Tokyo that you have yet to discover”—
Just 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo. When you step off the cable car at an altitude of 900 meters above the clouds, you find yourself in a “village in the sky” where 2,000 years of history come alive.
Here begins a tranquil time, cut off from the modern world.
At the top of 330 stone steps, beyond the vermilion gate, a special “formal worship” experience awaits you.
Deep within the main hall—a place off-limits to ordinary visitors—as you listen to the priest’s ritual prayers amid the taut silence, the distractions of daily life fade away, and a sense of solemn clarity fills your body.
After your prayer, head to Japan’s only remaining “Oshi” settlement.
At a temple lodging that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, savor historical anecdotes shared by the Oshi—the guardians of this place—along with exquisite cuisine. In the afternoon, find healing in the breath of the forest at the moss-covered “Rock Garden.”
The weight of history and the gentleness of nature. Embraced by both, you’ll find the ultimate getaway here to restore your mind and body.
Just about an hour and a half from downtown Tokyo, head to Mount Mitake—Tokyo’s “backyard” and a “sacred sanctuary in the sky.”
At Musashi-Mitake Shrine, which boasts a history spanning over 2,100 years, you’ll enjoy a special opportunity to perform a “formal prayer ceremony” inside the main hall, an area normally off-limits to the public.
After a moment of quiet prayer, savor a seasonal lunch in the historic setting of a shukubo (temple lodging) located in Japan’s only remaining “Oshi settlement.”
In the afternoon, join a guided tour of the “Rock Garden,” where moss-covered rocks and clear streams create a stunning landscape.
Immerse yourself in the timeless nature and history—hard to believe you’re in Tokyo—for a day that rejuvenates both body and mind.
HIGHLIGHTS
A Special Experience at the “Shrine in the Sky” with 2,100 Years of History: A Formal Worship Ceremony Inside the Main Hall
At Musashi-Mitake Shrine, said to have been founded in 91 BC, you will ascend to the main hall—an area normally off-limits to the public—to perform a formal worship ceremony. While receiving detailed instructions from a Shinto priest on proper etiquette, such as how to offer a tamagushi (sacred branch), you will have the opportunity to center your mind in this sacred space enveloped in silence—a precious experience unavailable to general visitors.
A Visit to Japan’s Only Surviving “Oshi Village”: Lunch at a Historic Temple Lodging
We’ll enjoy lunch at a temple lodging located in Japan’s only surviving “Oshi village,” a community that has existed since the Edo period. While listening to the head of the household—a descendant of the Oshi—share stories of the faith and history that have been passed down for over 400 years, we’ll savor dishes made with seasonal ingredients and the famous “sashimi konnyaku,” a specialty handmade at each temple lodging.
A Mystical World of Moss and Clear Streams: A Guided Hike Through the “Rock Garden”
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the “Rock Garden,” a beautiful valley featuring moss-covered rocks and clear streams. An expert guide will accompany the group, so even beginners can enjoy the hike with peace of mind. Along the way, we’ll stop for tea served in special cups made from bamboo harvested in the Tama area. This retreat offers a chance to soothe your senses amidst nature so breathtaking you’ll forget you’re in Tokyo.
ITINERARY
• 9:50 AM [For those arriving by train] Meet at JR Mitake Station
◦ (Travel by the organizer’s car to the cable car station, “Takimoto Station”)
• 10:10 AM [For those arriving by car] Meet at Takimoto Station, Mitake Mountain Railway
◦ Take the cable car to Mitake-san Station
• Around 10:30 AM — Travel to Musashi-Mitake Shrine and formal worship
◦ Climb the steep approach path and 330 steps to perform formal worship at the main hall and tour the shrine grounds (approx. 120 min)
• Around 12:30 PM — Lunch at a shukubo (temple lodging) and interaction with the Oshi (shrine priests)
◦ Lunch at a shukubo in the Oshi settlement (Approx. 60 min)
• Around 1:30 PM — Rock Garden Hike
◦ Explore the valley with moss-covered rocks and clear streams accompanied by a guide. Includes a tea break at a rest area and short breaks every 30–40 minutes (approx. 180 min)
• Around 4:00 PM — Program concludes
◦ (Shuttle service available to JR Mitake Station for those taking the train)
DETAILS
1. Clothing
(Seasonal Recommendations)
Year-round, the basic principle is “layering,” which allows for easy temperature regulation.
* Summer (June–September):
* Please wear clothing made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials (such as polyester).
* Since you will sweat profusely while hiking, be sure to bring a change of clothes.
* Winter (December–March):
* As temperatures drop significantly, you will need sufficient cold-weather gear, such as thick fleece, a down jacket, and highly insulating base layers.
* Accessories like knit hats and neck warmers are also useful.
* Footwear (Important):
* We recommend wearing athletic shoes you are accustomed to walking in.
2. Packing List
* Backpack: One that leaves both hands free.
* Drinks: About 500ml to 1000ml (please bring more during the summer).
* Rain gear: Separate-piece rainwear (required as the hike proceeds even in light rain; it also serves as a substitute for cold-weather clothing).
* Work gloves or regular gloves: Required to protect your hands on the chain ladder and rocky sections near Okunoin.
* Cash: Please be sure to bring cash, as cable car fares, drinks at the temple lodgings, and purchases in the town near the temple entrance are often cash-only.
* Other items: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, portable charger.
3. Rainy Weather Policy
* General Rule: The event will proceed even in light rain. Mount Mitake shrouded in rain offers a very mystical and beautiful view.
* Cancellation Decision: The event will be canceled if a typhoon or weather warning is issued, or if severe weather is expected that makes ensuring safety difficult.
* Notification: As a general rule, we will notify you via your registered email address **48 hours before the event** (or by the evening of the previous day in case of sudden changes).
4. Other Important Notes
* Physical demands: The path to the shrine’s main hall includes a steep slope and 330 stone steps.
* Allergy accommodations: If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, allergies, etc.) for the shukubo lunch, please be sure to consult us at least 30 days prior to your reservation.
* Etiquette: The main hall is a sacred place. Please follow the instructions of the shrine priests and worship in silence.
5. Meeting Place & Contact Information
* Meeting Place:
* [For those arriving by train] JR Ome Line, Mitake Station (meet at 9:50 AM). A guide will drive you to Takimoto Station.
* [By Car] Cable Car Takimoto Station boarding area (meet at 10:10). Please use the parking lot adjacent to the station (cash only).
* Organizer & Inquiries:
* Tokyo Yamagawa DMC Co., Ltd.
* Email: info@fwness.com
* *The emergency contact number (direct line to the guide) will be provided in the detailed email sent after your reservation is confirmed.
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