DIFFICULY
★☆☆☆☆
2 Days
2-10 people
From
From ¥198,000 (tax included)
御師集落, 神楽, 正式参拝, ロックガーデン
OVERVIEW
[A Journey to Explore a Rock Garden of Giant Rocks and Moss, and to Appreciate the Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property "Night Kagura"]
"Mount Mitake, a sacred place in Tokyo.
There, the pulse of the earth and dances dedicated to the gods still breathe."
Mount Mitake, which has flourished as a place of asceticism and prayer since ancient times, is a mountain of abundant spring water created by its granite massif and highly permeable geology.
This journey begins by tracing the history of the pilgrimage route and venturing into a mystical forest where nature itself has become a "stage of faith."
Stepping into the rock garden, a different world unfolds, filled with giant granite rocks, deep and vibrant moss, and the resonant sound of a clear stream.
The scenery, stimulating the five senses with the scent of the forest, the sound of water flowing over the rocks, and the shimmering sunlight filtering through the trees, allows you to feel the depth of nature as you walk, eloquently telling the story of how the geology of this land shaped the foundation of mountain worship.
As dusk falls, we arrive at Yamakaso, a temple lodging where the Oshi (religious guide) culture, which once welcomed ascetic monks and pilgrims, still thrives.
After nourishing our minds and bodies with the mountain's food culture, which encapsulates the region's history, it's time for the highlight of our trip: a viewing of the "Night Kagura," a Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
The sacred dance, a fusion of prayer and performance, unfolds in the Kagura Hall of Musashi Mitake Shrine, filled with overwhelming power and a serene atmosphere, inviting viewers into a mystical, extraordinary experience.
The following morning, we participate in the "Nikkusai," an early morning ceremony held at Musashi Mitake Shrine, enveloped in silence.
It's a precious moment to connect with the humble yet sacred daily prayers that the people living in the mountains have continuously practiced.
You'll move your body, read the terrain, experience the heart of traditional performing arts, and share in the local prayers.
A two-day, one-night stay on Mount Ontake will be a truly sustainable adventure travel experience, where nature, culture, and activities come together in perfect harmony to leave a lasting impression.
Embark on a two-day, one-night trip to the sacred Mount Ontake, where nature and faith intertwine.
Walk through the rock garden, a tapestry of granite boulders, moss, and clear streams, and experience with all your senses the mystique of nature itself as a stage for worship.
At night, gather at a historic temple lodging and be captivated by the powerful dance of "Yokagura," a Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The next morning, participate in the "Nikkyosai," a daily prayer of the region.
We offer a deeply moving and sustainable experience that touches upon the profound depths of the ancient Oshi culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
Nature itself is a "stage of worship." Exploring the rock garden woven from moss and giant rocks
Experience the mystical landscape created by the unique granite mountain body and abundant spring water of Mount Ontake with all your senses.
The rock garden, with its continuous giant rocks, moss, and clear streams, has been a place where nature itself has served as a "stage of worship" since ancient times.
As you walk, enveloped in the scent of the forest and the sound of water, you will unravel the deep connections between the geology and ecosystem of this land and how they have shaped the foundation of mountain worship.
Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property "Night Kagura": An extraordinary experience of being overwhelmed by sacred dance and sound
As night falls, you will witness "Night Kagura," a Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property, at the Kagura Hall of Musashi Mitake Shrine, where the tradition has been preserved for generations.
This sacred dance, a fusion of prayer and performing arts, is filled with overwhelming power and a serene atmosphere, and has received extremely high praise from participants, who have commented, "I was overwhelmed by the power of the dance and sound," and "It was mystical."
In this historic space, you can touch the heart of a traditional culture that continues to thrive.
A stay at the temple lodging "Yamakoso" and sharing in the local prayers with the early morning "Nikkusai"
Stay at a temple lodging where the Oshi culture, which once welcomed ascetic monks and pilgrims, still thrives, and savor the mountain's food culture, which is a condensed representation of the region's history.
The following morning, participate in the "Nikkusai" ceremony, an early morning ritual held at Musashi Mitake Shrine.
This is a precious opportunity to experience the daily prayers of the region and will be a highlight of this sustainable trip, allowing you to feel firsthand the way of faith of the people who live in the mountains.
ITINERARY
■Day 1
12:00 PM: Meeting (JR Mitake Station)
Registration and tour details will be explained.
12:30 PM: Cable Car Ride
Travel from Takimoto Station to Mitakeyama Station.
1:30 PM: Fieldwork 1: Omotesando Walk
Walk while listening to explanations about the Oshi (pilgrimage guide) culture and the history of the pilgrimage route.
3:00 PM: Activity 1: Visit to Musashi Mitake Shrine
Perform a regular worship service at the main shrine building.
3:40 PM: Fieldwork 2: Rock Garden Stroll
Observe the iconic topography of Mt. Mitake, including granite boulders, springs, moss, and vegetation.
4:30 PM: Return to the temple lodging "Yamakoso"
A rest period will be held at the temple lodging from 5:00 PM.
6:00 PM: Dinner
Enjoy the mountain's food culture, steeped in local history, at Yamakoso.
19:00 Activity 2: Night Kagura Performance
We will watch the Night Kagura, a Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property, at the Kagura Hall (Musashi Mitake Shrine). It will be a mystical experience enveloped in the power of dance and sound.
21:00 Bedtime/Accommodation
We will stay overnight at the historic temple lodging, "Yamakoso."
■Day 2
07:30 Activity 3: Participation in the Daily Offering Ceremony
We will participate in the early morning ceremony at Musashi Mitake Shrine and share in the daily prayers of the region.
08:00 Fieldwork 3: Stroll along the Shrine Approach
In the crisp morning air, we will delve deeper into the Oshi culture and the connection between nature and faith.
09:00 Check-out
09:30 Descent
We will descend to Takimoto Station by cable car and transfer to JR Mitake Station.
10:00 Dismissal
We will have a debriefing session and then disperse after receiving information about the next day.
DETAILS
■1. Clothing
The hiking trails on Mt. Mitake include rocky areas and wetlands, and temperatures drop significantly at night and in the early morning. Please prepare clothing that balances warmth with ease of movement.
• Hiking boots or trekking shoes
The Rock Garden has slippery sections with rocks and streams, so shoes with good grip are essential.
• Layering
While your body temperature will rise while walking, it will get cold during the night Kagura performance and the early morning ceremony (Nichigyosai). Be sure to bring warm clothing that is easy to put on and take off, such as fleece or a down jacket.
• Moisture-wicking and quick-drying underwear
To prevent chills from sweat, we recommend using synthetic fiber innerwear rather than cotton products.
■2. Items to bring
Since the itinerary includes an overnight stay at a temple lodging, we recommend organizing and bringing separate luggage for hiking and overnight stays.
• Rain gear (separate top and bottom)
Be prepared for sudden changes in mountain weather, be sure to carry highly waterproof rainwear.
* Backpack (approx. 20-30 liters): A backpack large enough to hold your belongings for a 1-night, 2-day trip, allowing you to keep both hands free while walking.
* Personal medications and toiletries: Essential personal items for your stay at the temple lodging.
* Smartphone and camera: Please follow the etiquette guidelines shared by your guide beforehand regarding photography of the night Kagura performance.
■3. Precautions: To ensure a safe and sacred experience, please observe the following:
* Watch your step: When walking on the rocky areas and wetlands of the Rock Garden, follow your guide's instructions and proceed cautiously, one step at a time.
* Respect for traditional performing arts and rituals: The night Kagura is a sacred ritual that blends prayer and performing arts. Please observe proper etiquette and maintain a quiet environment.
* Adherence to proper worship etiquette: When attending the early morning daily offering ceremony or visiting the shrine, please follow the appropriate procedures based on the explanations provided by your guide.
* Health management and route changes: If you experience a sudden change in weather or feel unwell, please inform your guide immediately. Depending on the circumstances, the route may be changed to prioritize safety.
This tour is a special experience visiting a sacred site where nature and faith are deeply intertwined. By preparing in advance, you can immerse yourself more deeply in the culture and nature of Mount Mitake.
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