DIFFICULY
★☆☆☆☆
Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
2-10 people
From
¥101,200 and up (tax included)
食体験, 御師集落, こんにゃく
OVERVIEW
[A story of physical and mental regeneration, woven from the blessings of the earth and prayer]
Mount Mitake, a sacred mountain located not far from central Tokyo.
This is a "mountain of prayer," protected by the rugged rock formations created by past volcanic activity and the pure, pristine waters that trickle down from them.
This journey is a tale of harmonizing mind and body, tracing the memories of the earth, offering prayers to the gods, and receiving the wisdom of the mountain people through all five senses.
The story begins on a journey through a mystical forest of shrines located at an altitude of 900 meters.
The abundant spring water nurtured by the volcanic terrain has long quenched the thirst of ascetic monks and supported the faith and lives of the people in this region. Together with our guide, we will explore how geology, water, and faith have been intertwined as we make our way to Musashi Mitake Shrine.
A formal visit to a shrine, conducted in a solemn atmosphere, offers a precious moment to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and quietly reflect on one's inner self.
Participants have commented that this time was an opportunity to "reset their minds and get themselves in order."
After purifying our hearts through prayer, we move on to Katayanagi-so, a temple lodging with a long history.
Here, you'll encounter the traditional "konnyaku making" method, which has been passed down through generations as a way to preserve food in the mountains.
What you learn directly from the innkeeper of the temple lodging is not just cooking techniques, but traditional skills that hone your "sense of water and your hands."
The process of mixing, shaping, and finishing the konjac by hand is far more profound than you might imagine, and you'll likely develop a special attachment to the finished product.
And the moment you taste the freshly made konjac right there, you'll feel the purity of the water nurtured by the land of Mount Ontake in its surprisingly soft texture and flavor.
The series of experiences—walking, praying, creating, and tasting—is the core of adventure travel, integrating the nature, culture, and physical activity of Mount Ontake.
By the time you descend the mountain, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the connection between the materials and the mountain environment, and you will encounter a new you, healthy and balanced in both mind and body.
Why not embark on a 5.5-hour journey to Mount Mitake, a sacred mountain in Tokyo, to experience the blessings of nature and a history of prayer?
After purifying your mind and body with a solemn formal visit to Musashi Mitake Shrine, you will learn how to make konjac directly from the proprietress at the traditional temple lodging "Katayanagi-so," where you will learn the pure water nurtured by volcanic rock and the wisdom of the mountains.
The time spent sharpening your sense of touch and engaging with traditional techniques provides a deep sense of immersion and healing that allows you to forget the stresses of everyday life.
Enjoy a moment of rejuvenation to nourish your mind and body in this sacred space where faith and daily life intertwine.
HIGHLIGHTS
Learn traditional konjac making from the proprietress of the temple lodging "Katayanagi-so" and experience it with all your senses
This is not just a cooking experience; you will learn directly from the proprietress the traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations at the temple lodging, which value the "sense of water and hands."
The process of making it yourself, feeling the amount of force to mix and the timing of shaping with your own hands, is more profound than you might imagine, and will deepen your affection for the finished konjac.
The softness and rich flavor unique to freshly made konjac will give you an experience that will overturn your previous notions of konjac.
Enveloped in the tranquility of Musashi Mitake Shrine, this formal pilgrimage offers a chance to confront your inner self.
In this sacred site where the history of mountain asceticism still thrives, you will participate in a formal pilgrimage in a solemn atmosphere.
With a guide explaining the proper etiquette, even first-timers can confidently participate in this sacred ceremony.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind, the time spent offering prayers in this serene atmosphere will purify your mind and body, providing a moment of "prayer and rebirth" for deep self-reflection.
An intellectual exploration of the pure water born from the story of the earth and the life of a temple lodging
We will unravel the geological and natural connections that underlie how the pure water veins nurtured by the volcanic rock of Mount Ontake have supported the food culture of konjac cultivation and vegetarian cuisine.
While enjoying a meal, hearing stories of "mountain life" and "culinary wisdom" directly from the proprietress is an experience that allows you to touch upon the memories of the region in a way that cannot be obtained through mere sightseeing.
Through the feeling of the mountain's bounty becoming a part of your body, you can gain a deep understanding of the harmony between nature, faith, and human activities.
ITINERARY
■Time Schedule
10:00 Meeting time (JR Mitake Station)
We will take you to the station for registration and explain the tour outline.
10:10 Move
We will take a bus to Takimoto Station for the cable car.
10:25 Travel (ride cable car)
We'll take the cable car to Mount Mitake Station.
10:35 Fieldwork: Stroll along the approach to the shrine
We will walk while listening to explanations about the history of mountain worship and the unique nature and geology of Mount Ontake.
11:00 Cultural Experience: Formal Worship at Musashi Mitake Shrine
In the sacred atmosphere of the shrine, we will perform our worship according to the proper etiquette.
11:40 Move
We will walk from the shrine to the temple lodging "Katayanagi-so".
11:50 Activity 1: Konjac making taught by the proprietress
You will learn traditional konjac-making techniques from the innkeeper of the temple lodging through lectures and practical exercises.
12:40 Lunch
Enjoy a unique temple lodging lunch, including freshly prepared konjac dishes.
13:30 Interaction: Talk by the proprietress
We will hear about temple lodging culture, mountain life, and the role of konjac in vegetarian cuisine.
14:00 Activity 2: Finishing touches and tasting
We'll finish off the konjac, then enjoy tasting it and taking commemorative photos.
15:00 Move
We will walk towards Mitakeyama Station.
15:30 Disbandment (at Mitakeyama Station or Takimoto Station)
DETAILS
■1. Regarding clothing
Mount Ontake is located at an altitude of approximately 900m, and due to the significant temperature difference and weather changes between the base and the summit, appropriate preparation is necessary.
Layering clothes that allow for temperature regulation
To cope with temperature changes due to altitude differences and sudden weather changes in the mountains, we recommend wearing clothing that is easy to put on and take off (layering).
• Comfortable and non-slip shoes
The path to the shrine has steps and some areas are slippery, so please wear appropriate walking shoes such as sneakers or trekking shoes.
• Clean and presentable attire (suitable for formal worship)
Since the tour includes a formal visit to Musashi Mitake Shrine, modest and understated attire appropriate for a sacred place is recommended.
■2. What to bring
·rain gear
Mountain weather is unpredictable, so we recommend bringing a folding umbrella or rain gear.
·drink
This is for staying hydrated while strolling along the temple grounds or during fieldwork.
Apron, towel (optional)
Konjac making involves handling boiling water and mixing with your hands, so if you're concerned about getting your clothes dirty, it's a good idea to wear an apron.
■3. Notes
・Safety management of the area around your feet
You will be informed in advance about any unevenness or slipperiness on the path leading to the shrine, but please be sure to walk carefully and adjust your pace according to the guide's announcements.
Handling of boiling water
Since boiling water is used in the konjac-making process, please be extremely careful not to get burned during the practical session and be sure to follow the safety instructions given by the proprietress and staff.
- Etiquette for formal worship
Visiting a shrine is a solemn experience. A guide will explain the proper etiquette, so please maintain silence and approach the visit with respect.
・Health management
Your guide will check your health on the day of the tour, but if you feel unwell, please do not push yourself and let us know immediately.
This tour is a physically engaging activity that involves walking, praying, creating, and tasting. By preparing in advance, you can experience the connection between the nature and culture of Mount Ontake more deeply and comfortably.
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