A Day Trip From Tokyo to Sacred Mt. Mitake to Explore Nature and Spiritual Culture

Mt. Mitake, a Sacred Mountain Steeped in Faith

Mt. Mitake is one of the most sacred mountains in the Kanto region, reachable in about an hour and a half from Tokyo’s city center. At its summit, 929 meters above sea level, stands Musashi Mitake Shrine, a site with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Known as the "Shrine in the Sky" for its serene presence atop the mountain, it offers panoramic views of Tokyo and has been cherished and worshipped for centuries.

The torii gate of Musashi Mitake Shrine stands with dignified beauty

For roughly 1,400 years, Mt. Mitake has been a center of mountain worship—a uniquely Japanese belief that gods dwell within the mountains—and a sacred site for Shugendo, a spiritual practice combining physical and mental training in the mountains. This Wabunka-exclusive experience offers a guided tour through Mt. Mitake’s majestic nature and living spiritual culture.

Discover the famous “Tengu no koshikake sugi” (cedar where the tengu sits), a sacred tree estimated to be around 350 years old

Aim for Musashi Mitake Shrine, the Shrine in the Sky

Your guide will meet you at JR Mitake Station. From there, you’ll transfer to Takimoto Station on the Mitake Tozan Railway and board a colorful cable car that climbs to the “village in the sky” at 831 meters, offering sweeping views of Tokyo. After disembarking, the sacred area begins at the shrine gate, known as the torii. It’s a 1.3 km walk—about 25 minutes—from the first torii to Musashi Mitake Shrine.

The cable car climbs over 400 meters in just six minutes. Enjoy the stunning views from the window

Along the way, you’ll pass through the nostalgic streets of Oshi Village, home to shukubo run by oshi—masters who have guided worshippers for centuries. At its peak, the village had 50 shukubo; today, 25 still warmly welcome visitors. This spirit of hospitality dates back to the Edo period, continuing for over 500 years. As you walk, listen to your guide share stories about Mt. Mitake’s history, mountain worship, and the practice of Shugendo.

Walk through temple lodges and trees while enjoying the peaceful scenery

After climbing 330 steps from the imposing Otorii gate, you’ll reach the worship hall of Musashi Mitake Shrine, with its 2,000-plus years of history. There is no need to worry about the rituals: your guide will explain how to purify your hands and mouth at the Chozuya (water purification basin) and the proper way to pass through the torii gate. Take a moment to breathe in the view of Tokyo sprawling below and understand why this place is called the “Shrine in the Sky.”

When passing through the torii gate, remove your hat, stand to the left, and bow

From here, you can select one of two experience courses on-site and explore Mt. Mitake’s unique character from each perspective.

[Culture Course] A Formal Shrine Visit at Musashi Mitake Shrine

Guests choosing the [Culture Course] will participate in a traditional Japanese shrine ceremony. Inside the shrine building, you’ll undergo purification and offer a branch of the sacred sakaki tree, called a tamagushi, at the altar. In a quiet, solemn atmosphere, the chief priest will beat a drum and recite a norito—a prayer expressing gratitude to the gods and wishing for peace and good health. Afterward, guests will present their tamagushi offering and join in the prayer.

No need to worry about etiquette—your guide and the chief priest will explain everything clearly

A formal shrine visit at this historic site, especially at a personal milestone, creates a meaningful memory of your time in Japan. Following the ceremony, your guide will take you on a walk around the worship hall and grounds. Unlike many shrines guarded by lion statues called komainu, Musashi Mitake Shrine’s guardian is the Japanese wolf. Listening to the story of the wolf that aided Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, the legendary hero enshrined here, helps bring the ancient spirit of Mt. Mitake to life.

Behind the shrine grounds lies the Oguchimagami Shrine, which enshrines the wolf deity

[Shugendo Course] Trekking to the Mysterious Inner Sanctuary

Guests on the [Shugendo Course] won’t perform a formal shrine visit but will first pay respects at the worship hall and a remote site overlooking Oku-no-in, a small shrine located at the mountain summit and the destination of the trek. It is said to have been the original main hall of Musashi Mitake Shrine. The trail from the main shrine to Oku-no-in is about 1.5 km one way, taking roughly an hour. It includes unpaved paths, rocky sections, and chains, so wear comfortable clothing and sturdy trekking shoes.

Head toward Oku-no-in atop the mountain ahead

The trek is a mystical journey that brings you closer to nature. Passing moss-covered rocks and deep, rugged forests, you’ll reach Oku-no-in, a sacred place where ascetics have trained since ancient times. Experience the calm and clarity that come from being surrounded by profound silence and untouched wilderness.

A Moment to Enjoy Lunch at the Shukubo and Conversation with the Priests

After the formal worship or trekking to Oku-no-in, enjoy lunch at the shukubo operated by the shrine. Meals feature seasonal ingredients, including home-grown vegetables and wild plants. You can choose from options like soba noodles or kamameshi, a mixed rice dish (menu changes daily). The gentle flavors provide a comforting pause for both body and mind.

The freshly cooked kamameshi offers an exquisite taste

During lunch, engage in conversation with the oshi (master priest) who manages the shukubo. The oshi family has guided worshippers and upheld faith traditions since the Edo period, safeguarding Musashi Mitake Shrine alongside a faith group called the ko. With very few oshi and ko remaining in Japan today, this is a rare chance to gain insight into history and tradition.

A conversation with the oshi, rich with learning and insight

Rock Garden Hike That Awakens All Five Senses

After lunch at the shukubo, embark on a 3-hour hike along the popular Rock Garden trail on Mt. Mitake. The course winds through an enchanting landscape dotted with moss-covered rocks of unusual shapes, while a clear stream flows nearby with a bell-like sound—creating a truly mysterious atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll encounter steep rocks and waterfalls once used by ascetic monks for training. Let nature open your five senses as you connect deeply with your surroundings.

The Rock Garden trail’s unique landscape is shaped by moss-covered rocks in intriguing forms

Halfway through the hike, pause at the rest area to enjoy mulberry leaf tea and sweets. You’ll also receive a handmade bamboo teacup as a keepsake of your visit. Sipping tea surrounded by majestic nature offers a rare moment of peace. After completing the three-hour trek, passing through the final torii gate signals your return from the sacred to the everyday world, leaving you feeling renewed in both body and mind.

Gentle sunlight filtering through the trees adds calm to this special tea time

A Special Moment Connecting with Nature and Its Sacred Spirit

Spend a day retreating to Mt. Mitake, Tokyo’s sacred mountain, and experience a deep connection with Japan’s spiritual traditions. Surrounded by majestic nature, you’ll find a rare moment to slow down and reflect. For nearly 2,000 years, Mt. Mitake has quietly welcomed the prayers and wishes of those who visit. Take this chance to feel that enduring spirit for yourself.

Each deep breath clears both mind and body