okunoin

#HIKING #NATURE #HISOTRY #LANDSCAPE

Hike and learn the teachings of 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.

HIGHLIGHT

■ Day Trip Cultural & Hiking Tour from Tokyo.

■ Tracing mountain worship that has continued for over 1,200 years.

■ Direct lectures by descendants of mountain worship practitioners.

ITINERARY

Mt. MITAKE

Meet at JR Mitake Station. Take the cable car to the summit station. First, visit Musashi-Mitake Shrine at the top of the mountain (greeting the god of the mountain). After checking the Okuno-in (inner sanctuary) at the far side of the shrine, we will actually climb up to the inner sanctuary. On the hiking tour you’ll receive the energy of the mountain from the intricate course of tree roots. It is about a 90-minute uphill walk to the inner sanctuary. This part of the hike will be a time of self reflection and no conversation. At the inner sanctuary, we will greet the mountain deity and descend the mountain.

After visiting Musashi-Mitake Shrine, we will climb up to Okuno-in (inner sanctuary). This climb is the highlight of this tour. In mountain worship, we face ourselves while feeling the energy of the mountain, and aim to be reborn as a new person through the climb. The hike will be different from ordinary hiking, as you will actually walk through the former training grounds and think about the ancient practitioners of the faith. The uphill hike to Okuno-in will be the ascetic practice. After visiting Okuno-in, you will lighten up a bit and gradually return to the mundane world.

After descending the mountain, we will have lunch at a lodge run by the Oshi, where the Oshi will speak to us. You will be able to hear about the current life of the Oshi, mountain life, shrines, and other unique stories that you cannot hear anywhere else.

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