Exploration of West Tokyo – Rural Metropolis –
Mount Mitake is a 929m high sacred mountain located in West Tokyo. It has been dedicated to Buddhism and has served as a training ground for ascetics since ancient times.
Visitors have the opportunity to stay at shukubo, a temple or shrine lodging facility for monks and pilgrims, and immerse themselves in the local culture via evening and morning programs, including singing bowl healing, morning worship, and a set of cultural options. A shukubo stay also allows you to taste the unique mixture of local delicacies and Shinto cuisine.
Every season at Mount Mitake offers a unique and breathtaking experience. In spring, the mountain is adorned with rejuvenating fresh verdure. The rainy season in June brings a mystical charm with its captivating misty landscapes. Summer days are a perfect time for water sports, refreshment and relaxation. As the year turns, you’ll be enchanted by the magical autumn foliage or the unique winter scenery of Tokyo’s mountainside.
Embark on a spiritual journey to explore a different side of Japan’s capital, one that goes beyond its metropolitan facade. Feel the essence of rural Tokyo, a hidden gem that will leave an indelible mark on your body and mind.
The journey begins by riding the cable car operated by the Keio Group.
Mount Mitake hiking – Rock Garden Course
You will come across oddly shaped, moss-covered rocks of various sizes and the pristine stream that beckons visitors to explore the world of deep gorges.
Musashi Mitake Shrine
★Located at the peak of Mt. Mitake, this gorgeous shrine has been widely worshipped since ancient times and is a pilgrimage site that dog lovers must not miss.
Musashi Mitake Shrine is situated at the top of Mount Mitake. This stunning shrine is a must-see for dog lovers, as it is famous for enshrining a wolf as its guardian deity. The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. It is also renowned for its impressive architecture, seamlessly combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance.
◎Shrine’s treasure house
National treasures, including armor and culturally significant items such as swords, are displayed.
You can purchase tags for your dog and “ema” votive tablets to say a prayer.
The shrine is illuminated at night with fewer people around, creating a picturesque setting for overnight visitors.
Stay in pilgrims’ lodge – shukubo
Shukubo dinner – Oshi cuisine
Taste the rich culinary traditions of Shinto and delectable dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients from the surrounding mountains.
◎Singing bowl healing
★Open your chakras to lift your spirits and improve your concentration.
◎ Morning worship experience at Musashi Mitake Shrine
★Participate in the morning prayer and purification session and receive blessings from a Shinto priest.
【Optional Experiences: Culture Plan】
◎Indigo dye at “Kosoen”
★Dye clothes in indigo using traditional Edo period techniques. This color, derived from only natural resources, is called “Japan blue.”
◎Ninja experience at “Bukeyashiki”
★Train wearing a ninja costume (ninja lesson, sword fighting, blowguns, shuriken, etc.)
【Optional Experiences: Adventure Plan】
For adventure seekers, Mount Mitake offers a range of thrilling activities. Feel the adrenaline rush of river rafting, where you’ll navigate the rapids or experience the thrill of shower climbing as you ascend against the cascading water. Or, for a more leisurely adventure, explore the surroundings on an electric scooter, taking in the scenic beauty at your own pace.
◎ Shower Climbing
★This thrilling water sport offers an excitement packed with breathtaking scenery. Climb up waterfalls, walk along canyons, and slide down, all while surrounded by stunning nature. You will be provided with photos and videos of your adventure.
◎Electric scooter guided tour
★We will take you to places where you can experience Japanese culture and traditions that are known only to a select few and difficult to reach on foot. You will be provided with a video of you riding the electric scooter.
◎Nippara Limestone Cave
Once a revered site for mountain worship, Nippara Limestone Cave holds a significant place in Japan’s history. Today, it stands as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage. The cave’s temperature, a constant 11°C throughout the year, provides a cool respite in summer and a warm haven in winter. As the largest cave in the Kanto region, it offers a variety of breathtaking scenery, inviting visitors to explore its depths. Inside, you will find stalactites and stalagmites formed over hundreds of years. The stroll of 800m through the cave also features a white Kannon statue, strangely shaped rocks, and colourful lights illuminating the cave.
◎Ozawa sake brewery tour (inside Sawanoi Park)
★Tour the warehouse that has been used since the company’s founding, sake, and the cellar lined with aged sake, and the well for brewing water.
★We will stop by “Sawanoi Kikisakedokoro”, where you can taste over 10 types of sake, and “Seiryu Garden Sawanoien”, which offers sake, sake manju and other treats.
＜Dinner＞ Ukai Toriyama
★Enjoy your dinner in the iconic Sukiya-style facility, representing Mt. Takao and the vast 20,000m² garden.
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This tour is designed for groups. For less than 8 people, please consult.
For more information, reach out to Keio Travel Agency.
Contact : dmcjapan@keio-kanko.co.jp
↓Tour video here↓
