rockgarden

#HIKING   #NATURE   #HISOTRY   #LANDSCAPE

Hike in the steps of the mountain ascetics

difficulty ★★☆☆☆

[1Day] [1-6 Guests][From ￥78,000-]

Prices are per person, for reference only, and can vary depending on the season, number of participants, and tour content. Please contact us for specific, detailed estimates.

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HIGHLIGHT

■ Hike a route that once served as a training site for mountain worship.

■ A day trip from Tokyo, a casual hiking tour.

■ Refresh yourself in the forest.

■ Relaxing time along a mountain stream.

ITINERARY

Meet at JR Mitake Station. Take the cable car to the summit station. First, we will visit Musashi- Mitake Shrine at the top of the mountain (greeting the god of the mountain). After praying, we will head for the rock garden. We will walk slowly around the mountain on a relatively gently sloping mountain path. On the way, you will see “Tengu Iwa,” where ascetic practitioners in the past are said to have meditated and practiced meditation at the top of the rock, and “Ayahiro Falls,” where waterfall practice is still conducted today.

Tengu Iwa is characterized by tree roots wrapped around a boulder. It was once used as a training ground by many ascetic practitioners. Today, a bronze statue of a tengu and a small shrine are enshrined at the top. Legend has it that some trainees, stuck in their ascetic training, would sometimes throw themselves off the rock in agony. Climbing up Tengu Iwa conveys the fact that these ascetic practices were truly life-threatening.

Ayahiro Falls is a sanctuary where waterfall ascetic practices are still conducted today. It is forbidden for the general public to enter the sanctuary. In the past, many ascetic practitioners performed waterfall asceticism, but today only a small number of practitioners perform the practice. Waterfall training aims at self-renewal by being hit by a waterfall, feeling the energy of nature, and reflecting on oneself. This is a rare spot where you can receive the energy of the waterfall.

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DETAILS

INCLUSIONS

■ 1 lunch (including a talk by the priest)
■ All entrance fees to temples, shrines, and cultural sites included in the itinerary
■ Private tours with English-speaking guides (interpreters may be provided)
■ Transportation during the trip (local buses, cable cars)
■ Participation in waterfall and meditation experiences

EXCLUSIONS

■ Transportation fee to the meeting place
■ Personal expenses and gratuities
■ Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
■ Travel insurance
■ Optional activities or extensions

MINIMUM AND
MAXIMUM NUMBER 

■ Minimum : 1 participants
■ Maximum : 6 participants
We maintain a small group size to ensure personalized attention and an intimate experience at sacred sites and during cultural activities.

CANCELLATION POLICY

■ Cancelled more than 46 days prior to departure : Zero fees.
■ Cancelled between 45 and 30 days prior to departure : 20% of the Tour Price.
■ Cancelled between 29 and 15 days prior to departure : 60% of the Tour Price.
■ Cancelled between 14 and 8 days prior to departure : 80% of the Tour Price.
■ Cancelled between 7 and 1 days prior to departure : 100% of the Tour Price.
■ Cancelled on the day of departure : 100% of the Tour Price.
*The above policy is for travel agencies. Please contact us for cancellation policy for individual customers.*

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants. We advise a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes coverage for:
１　Trip cancellation and interruption
２　Emergency medical expenses and evacuation
３　Baggage loss or delay
４　Flight delays and missed connections
５　COVID-19 related expenses (check policy details as coverage varies)

Suggested minimum coverage:
■ Medical Expenses : $100,000
■ Emergency Evacuation : $500,000
■ Trip Cancellation : 100% of trip cost
■ Trip Interruption : 150% of trip cost

Please note that many sacred sites and traditional accommodations in Japan have limited accessibility. We recommend that clients disclose any mobility issues or health concerns when purchasing insurance and booking the tour.

GUIDE REQUIREMENTS

Language Proficiency
■ Basic Japanese language skills required; advanced proficiency preferred

Experience and Certifications
■ Licensed by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
■ First Aid certified

Specialized Knowledge:
■ In-depth understanding of Okinawa history, religion, and culture
■ Respect and understanding in Okinawa Ryukyu ancestor worship
■ Familiarity with local customs and etiquette in sacred spaces

Additional Skills:
■ Experience in managing small groups in various settings (busy cities, quiet temples)
■ Ability to handle unexpected situations and make on-the-spot decisions
■ Sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds of international travelers