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LIVE WITH JAPAN’S MOUNTAIN MONKS: TRAIN YOUR MIND AND BODY
Guided by spiritual masters
HIKE THROUGH THE CEDAR FORESTS AND PARTICIPATE IN ANCIENT SPIRITUAL RITES
Dress in white robes and split-toe shoes and join the Yamabushi way of life, monks and Japanese citizens who follow ancient spiritual practices, where "I accept" are the only words spoken. Embark on inspiring mountain training that includes meditating under waterfalls. View life through a unique lens that could forever alter your perspective.
At dawn, a giant conch sounds, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Travel along sacred routes through the Dewa Sanzan, The Three Holy Mountains of Dewa, located on the west-cost of Honshu near the Sea of Japan.
Designed for guests of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
YAMABUSHI MEDITATION
Master the transformational training of Japan’s mountain ascetics in the forested Dewa Sanzan peaks. Guided by a Yamabushi master, gain understanding of nature-immersed meditation practises of Shugendo and visit sacred natural spaces and ancient shrines to experience the earth-bound spiritual awe found at the heart of Yamabushi worship, a religious sect subscribed to elements of Shintoism, Buddhism and Taoism. Dressed in the traditional pilgrim garb of white robes and split-toe shoes, learn how to transfer the teachings of this millennia-old spiritual belief system into modern life.
SHOJIN-RYORI BANQUET
Celebrate at a pilgrim feast following a traditional hike to the summit of one of three sacred peaks in Dewa Sanzan, Mount Haguro. Prepared in line with Buddhist principles using wild, mountain ingredients such as bamboo shoots, flowers, mushrooms and grasses, the vegetarian, shojin ryori banquet is a key component of pilgrim purification rituals and was developed by monks when Zen Buddhism spread through Dewa Sanzan in the 13th century.
MOUNT HAGURO
Climb Mount Haguro under the guidance of a Yamabushi mountain monk. One of Dewa Sanzan’s three sacred mountains, the 414m peak sits at the start of a traditional pilgrim route through the mountains and is said to represent a journey of rebirth. Pay respects at important sacred sites along the 17km, stone-paved route, including ancient cedar trees and historic shrines, and delve into the core principles of the Yamabushi practice, gaining insight into how the historic spiritual practice can be incorporated into our contemporary lives.
SOKUSHINBUTSU VISIT
Visit a sokushinbutsu, the mummified remains of Shingon sect ascetics who followed strict regimes of self-discipline to preserve their bodies in death. Between 1081 and 1903, at least 17 monks succeeded in mummifying themselves by entering meditative states of suspended animation. On a private viewing of a sokushinbutsu, a priest will offer in-depth insight into the practice and its relevance to modern Yamabushi training.
THE JOURNEY
A 5-day itinerary through Japan
DAY 1
Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, a luxurious city stay located in the understated Nihonbashi district.
The Luminaire can arrange evening experiences, including reservations at the hotel’s 12 acclaimed restaurants
DAY 2
Take a private transfer from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, to Haneda Airport
Fly from Haneda Airport to Shonai Airport (approx. 1 hr), before travelling to Dewa Sanzan, a trio of three sacred mountains revered for their spiritual power
Meet your guide and venture through an avenue of Yamabushi pilgrim lodges, an ancient pathway lined with historic dwellings for spiritual travellers
Under the guidance of a local Yamabushi master, get to grips with the Yamabushi style of meditation. This ancient worship practise is rooted in nature, and can include silent mountain walks and meditation within natural landscapes
Craft a shime, a traditional talisman necklace worn by pilgrims to signify their onward sacred journey
Stay overnight at Daishobo Pilgrim’s Lodge in a Japanese-style room and experience a traditionalshojin ryori vegetarian or fish dinner
DAY 3
Following breakfast, change into traditional pilgrim clothing and climb the sacred Mount Haguro with a Yamabushi guide, paying respects to sacred sites on route. Your guide will outline spiritual learnings offered by the pilgrimage experience, and lead meditative practises during this immersive pilgrim experience
Practice quiet reflection and meditation, before joining an evening prayer session at the Saikan pilgrim lodge, your lodgings for the night. Be guided through a Shinto-style meditative practice and experience a night walk in nature, alongside other Yamabushi-guided activities
DAY 4
Wake up to a traditional morning ritual with a Yamabushi master, hike around the shrines and meaningful locations at Mount Haguro’s summit. In the Yamabushi tradition, this iconic mountain walk is symbolic of the cycle of rebirth
Guests have the rare chance of experiencing a special Yamabushi ceremony at a Dewa Sanzan Shrine
After completing the pilgrimage, eat a celebratory shojin ryori banquet prepared in line with Buddhist principles and consisting of vegetarian dishes made using wild, mountain ingredients
Stay overnight in a traditional, Japanese-style room at the Saikan pilgrim lodge
DAY 5
Following a morning ritual, descend Mount Haguro, reflecting on the experiences of pilgrimage
Dewa Sanzan was designated the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and The Luminaire will hand-selected a local restaurant for lunch
Visit a sokushinbutsu, or living buddha, the mummified remains of a Shingon sect ascetic. During a private viewing, a Yamabushi priest will offer insight into this unique tradition
Meet your driver and transfer to Shonai Airport
Take a return flight to Tokyo Haneda Airport, before departing Japan
The Luminaire can make personal recommendations for exploring the Japanese capital, as well as offer extended itineraries within Japan
THE STAYS
EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
The Luminaire designs and operates luxury travel experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests and Fans that are rooted in culture and curiosity, with additional products launching each month in close collaboration with Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.
From a private masterclass with one of the world’s finest watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, to an immersive trip to the private site where Van Gogh painted his last canvas just outside Paris, each experience has been designed by experts in their field – art historians, conservationists, sommeliers. Discover exciting new ways to explore each Mandarin Oriental destination and enjoy the signature service for which each hotel is renowned.
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THE JOURNEY
Price from £8,245 per person, for 5 nights, based on 2 people travelling
INCLUSIONS
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
All private transfers
Meals as mentioned
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Japan
Return flights to and from Yamagata
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons.
Experiences are subject to availability.
TRAVEL DESIGNER'S NOTES
This is not a tourist activity; it's an invitation to live as a Yamabushi, embracing their ascetic lifestyle. The monks describe their routine as a pursuit of "hellish torture on earth", aiming to build unparalleled mental and physical resilience.
By hand-selecting Yamabushi guides and spiritual experts for this unique journey into Dewa Sanzan’s sacred landscapes, our travel designers have ensured guests live an authentic, life-changing experience. Contemporary in outlook, but rooted in pilgrim traditions, this one-of-a-kind journey pairs hands-on experiences and expert-led learning for a rare and private encounter with Japan’s mountain monks.
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