Live With Japan’s Mountain Monks: Train Your Mind and Body

Immerse yourself in the world of the Yamabushi, practitioners of an ancient Japanese mountain tradition centred on endurance, humility and spiritual awareness.

Dressed in traditional robes and split‑toe footwear, follow sacred routes through the Dewa Sanzan, meditate beneath mountain waterfalls, and submit to rituals governed by silence, where “I accept” are the only spoken words. This demanding yet restorative experience offers a rare shift in perspective through total immersion in nature and practice.

Details

4-Night, 5-Day Journey
From GBP 8,245 per person
When to Go: Magnificent in all seasons

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Day 1

A Luxurious Arrival in Tokyo

Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, a serene sanctuary in the refined Nihonbashi district.
Begin your Japanese journey with an elegant dinner at one of the hotel’s 12 renowned restaurants, expertly curated by The Luminaire to suit your tastes.

Day 2

Spiritual Paths and Yamabushi Wisdom

Journey from Tokyo to Shonai Airport, then on to the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains, celebrated for their spiritual energy.
Walk through an avenue of historic Yamabushi pilgrim lodges before meeting a local Yamabushi master.
Discover the meditative Yamabushi practice, from silent walks in nature to crafting a shime talisman necklace.
Stay at Daishobo Pilgrim’s Lodge, where a traditional shojin ryori dinner completes your day.

Day 3

Climbing Mount Haguro

Begin your pilgrimage by donning traditional attire and ascending the sacred Mount Haguro with a Yamabushi guide.
Along the way, explore spiritual sites, reflect through meditation, and immerse yourself in the lessons of this ancient path.
As evening falls, join a prayer session and experience a serene night walk in nature.
Stay overnight at the Saikan pilgrim lodge, embracing Shinto meditative traditions and Yamabushi-guided activities.

Day 4

Rituals and Rebirth on Mount Haguro

Start your day with a morning ritual led by a Yamabushi master, hiking to the shrines atop Mount Haguro.
Participate in a special Yamabushi ceremony at a Dewa Sanzan Shrine, symbolising the cycle of rebirth.
Celebrate your pilgrimage with a sumptuous shojin ryori banquet, crafted with wild mountain ingredients, before retiring to the Saikan pilgrim lodge for the evening.

Day 5

Reflections and Departure

Conclude your journey with a tranquil morning ritual and descend Mount Haguro, reflecting on the spiritual insights gained.
Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, hand-selected by The Luminaire, in the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Witness a private viewing of a sokushinbutsu (living Buddha), guided by a Yamabushi priest who will share the tradition's profound meaning.
Return to Tokyo via Haneda Airport, with options to extend your stay or explore Japan further, expertly arranged by The Luminaire.

Inclusions

From GBP 8,245 per person for 5 days, based on two people sharing.

1 night at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, in a Deluxe Room, with breakfast.
1 night at Daishobo pilgrim lodge in a Japanese-style room, with breakfast and dinner.
2 nights at Saikan shrine lodge in a Japanese-style room, with breakfast and dinner.
Yamabushi meditation experience, including pilgrim clothes and split-toe shoes.
Celebrate at a pilgrim feast, a Shojin-Ryori banquet, pilgrim clothes and split-toe shoes.
Private guided hike at Mount Haguro, and private viewing of Sokushinbutso, the mummified remains of Shingon sect ascetics.
Return flights from Yamagata.
All private transfers.
Meals as mentioned.

When to Travel

Magnificent in all seasons.

Exclusions

Flights.

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Mandarin Oriental has partnered with luxury travel company The Luminaire to create transformational experiences for a growing number of our hotels around the world. Combining behind-the-scenes access with our world-renowned service, each journey sparks curiosity - offering fun, excitement, and a deeper understanding of the world.

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