【TOKYO to TOHOKU】TRADITIONAL SPIRITUAL HIKING OF EAST JAPAN
【TOKYO to TOHOKU】TRADITIONAL SPIRITUAL HIKING OF EAST JAPAN
This six-day pilgrimage journey takes you from Tokyo’s sacred Mt. Mitake to the spiritual peaks of the Dewa Sanzan in the Tohoku region. Traversing ancient sites of mountain worship, this immersive tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Japan’s unique Shugendo practices while restoring your mind and body.
The journey begins at Mt. Mitake in Tokyo, where you’ll visit the Musashi Mitake Shrine and hike along trails historically used by Shugendo practitioners. The tranquility of the mountain path provides a powerful contrast to the city’s bustle, helping you reset mentally. At a traditional temple lodging (shukubo), enjoy a Shojin Ryori-style vegetarian dinner and participate in the early-morning Shinto ritual, Nikkusai.
In the second half of the tour, you will travel to the sacred Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture. Guided by a yamabushi (mountain ascetic), you’ll make a spiritual pilgrimage across the three sacred mountains—Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono—each symbolizing life, death, and rebirth. Surrounded by nature and steeped in ancient spirituality, this journey offers a deep connection with Japan’s sacred traditions.
This is not merely a sightseeing or trekking tour—it is an inner journey. Step away from daily life and encounter the heart of Japan’s spiritual heritage through prayer, nature, and tradition.
Itinerary in detail
Arrival at Haneda or Narita Airport
Transfer to Shinjuku (hotel check-in on your own)
08:30 Depart from Shinjuku hotel (private vehicle)
10:00 Arrive at Takimoto Station, Mitake Cable Car
11:00 Visit Musashi Mitake Shrine
12:00 Lunch followed by hiking on the Shugendo trail
16:00 Stay at a temple lodging (shukubo)
Dinner: Shojin Ryori-style vegetarian meal
06:30 Participate in early-morning Nikkusai ritual
09:00 Check out and hike to the Inner Sanctuary (Oku-no-in)
11:30 Descend via cable car
12:30 Lunch at Hatonosu Gorge
16:00 Overnight stay in central Tokyo (near Tokyo Station)
Dinner: Free time
09:12 Depart Tokyo (to Niigata), transfer to Sakata (via express train)
12:50 Meet at Tsuruoka Station (please have lunch beforehand)
13:30 Change into Shugendo attire at temple lodging
Guided visit to Mt. Haguro Shrine
(Ascent: 401m / Descent: 373m / Distance: 5.2km)
16:00 Return to lodging (Dinner: Shojin Ryori)
08:00 Morning prayer at the temple
Full-day pilgrimage to Mt. Gassan (Lunch: packed bento)
(Ascent/Descent: 950m / Distance: 12km)
17:00 Stay at Yunohama Onsen
Dinner: Japanese seafood cuisine by the Sea of Japan
09:00 Check out of hotel
10:00 Visit Mt. Yudono (Details omitted due to its sacred nature)
12:00 Lunch at Mt. Yudono (soba noodles)
16:00 Tour ends at Shonai Airport (return flight to Tokyo)
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