waterfall

difficulty ★★★☆☆

[2Days] [1-6 Guests] [From ¥180,000-]

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.

HIGHLIGHT

■ Takigyo waterfall experience following 1200 years of mountain worship.

■ Accompanied by a Shugendo practitioner.

■ Participate in an early morning worship service for overnight guests only.

■ Direct instruction from a Goshu, a mountain priest who has been teaching mountain worship for 1200 years.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Meet at JR Mitake Station. Take the cable car to the summit station. First, we will visit Musashi-Mitake Shrine at the summit to greet the mountain deity. We will learn about the history and current status of Mitake while touring around the surrounding points. After noon, we will learn how to perform the waterfall ceremony directly from the master and experience the waterfall ceremony. By being hit by the waterfall, we will remove impurities from our bodies. After dinner, we will have a meditation experience under the guidance of the Oshi Master. Meditation is a way to purify the mind.When the mind is ready, we will go to bed.

The waterfall experience will be performed in traditional Japanese training attire. Before being hit by the waterfall, we will say special words and connect with the mountain goddess under the supervision of a master. Each participant will be plunged into the waterfall in turn. By receiving the power of nature throughout the body, one‘s inner abilities will blossom, and at the same time, one’s defilement will be dispelled. The very power of nature will sweep away the garbage of the body.

After the waterfalls, you can participate in meditation. While the waterfalls work on the body, meditation cleanses the mind of the debris that has accumulated in the mind. By quietly meditating and reflecting on oneself, the mind can be regulated. Shugendo meditation is an ancient form of meditation connected to Zen and mindfulness.

DAY 2

OKUNO-IN TEMPLE

We will head for the highlight of the trip, Okuno-in, one of the sacred sites of Shugendo. We will begin with an early morning visit to the temple. We will greet the deity in a sacred atmosphere. On the way to the inner sanctuary, we ascend the mountain in silence to calm our hearts. Step by step, we aim for the shrine at the top of the mountain. This is a worship service to look at oneself. After worshiping at the inner sanctuary, we will descend the mountain at a leisurely pace, have lunch, and then disperse.

The morning of the second day begins with early morning worship. In the sacred air, the priest's drum beats, a prayer is chanted, and finally the participants offer sakaki (sakaki). This is a time to experience the sacred atmosphere unique to morning.

Okuno-in Temple takes about one hour from Mitake Shrine to reach the top. Climb up the mountain without speaking a word in order to face yourself. It is a climb where you can feel the energy of nature.
Okuno-in is a hidden spot rarely visited even by Japanese. Please experience the energy of the mountain in Okuno-in.

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