A spiritual journey near Tokyo. Join a Goma Fire Ritual at Mt. Takao’s Yakuo-in Temple to cleanse worldly desires and pray for good fortune. Enjoy a special Irori course meal at Ukai Toriyama, set in a vast Japanese garden spanning over 6,000 tsubo.
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The Highlight
- Cleanse worldly desires and pray for your wishes to come true at Mt. Takao’s Yakuo-in Temple.
- Walk along the sacred path with a monk and learn about the history of Tengu worship.
- Enjoy a breathtaking cable car ride on Japan’s steepest slope.
- Savor a special Irori course meal, exclusively prepared for this tour, at Ukai Toriyama.
The Experience
Mt. Takao Spiritual & Culinary Journey: Goma Fire Ritual, Monk-Guided Temple Walk, and Irori Lunch Course at Ukai Toriyama
Just an hour from central Tokyo, Mt. Takao rises 599 meters above sea level and welcomes around three million visitors annually—making it the most climbed mountain in the world. Recognized as a Japan Heritage Site and awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide, it offers scenic trails, breathtaking views, and an inviting natural atmosphere that attracts travelers from all over the globe.
At the heart of this sacred mountain stands Yakuoin Temple, one of the major temples of Shingon Buddhism. Surrounded by lush forests and seasonal beauty, the temple’s sacred approach symbolizes spiritual purification for both body and mind. Here, the Tengu - mythical mountain guardians - are enshrined as attendants of Izuna Daigongen, the temple’s main deity. For centuries, Yakuoin has been revered as a holy site for Shugendo practitioners, offering blessings for good fortune, protection, family safety, and business prosperity.
This tour grants you a rare opportunity to witness the Goma fire ritual from a special seat, a powerful ceremony for spiritual cleansing and fulfillment of personal prayers. Afterward, you will receive a Goma talisman and ritual offering (Osonaemono) to take home as a sacred keepsake. (Note: Offerings may vary by season.)
Accompanied by a monk guide, walk along a special pilgrimage path normally closed to the public and uncover the deep spiritual traditions and history of Mt. Takao. Enjoy the ascent on Japan’s steepest cable car, where panoramic views reveal the ever-changing beauty of Japan’s natural landscape.
Your journey concludes with an exceptional dining experience at Ukai Toriyama, a traditional restaurant set within a magnificent Japanese garden spanning 6,000 tsubo (approximately 20,000 m²). Housed in a beautifully preserved gassho-zukuri building relocated from Gokayama, the restaurant offers a serene space surrounded by streams, bridges, and ponds. Here, you’ll savor an exclusive irori course meal, featuring select meats from contracted farms, fresh seasonal river fish, and vegetables grilled over a traditional hearth - each dish showcasing the refined art of Japanese cuisine.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Include: Lunch
- 10:00Meet your English-speaking guide at Takaosanguchi Station, transfer to the cable car.
- 10:30A Yakuoin Temple monk will lead you along the sacred approach, with explanations available in English or Japanese.
- 11:00Experience the Goma fire ritual from a special seat at Yakuoin Temple.
- 12:00Return to the cable car with your English-speaking guide.
- 12:30Transfer by shuttle bus to Ukai Toriyama.
- 13:00Transfer by shuttle bus to Ukai Toriyama.
- 16:00Return by shuttle bus to Takaosanguchi Station.
- 16:15End of tour
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at the designated location.
Purchase Notice
- A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to operate.
- For groups of 30 or more, please contact us separately.
- The tour is guided in English. You may select another language option when making your reservation (additional fee applies).
- Participants should be able to walk uphill and climb stairs comfortably, as the tour includes about 30 minutes of walking after getting off the cable car.
- During the Goma fire ritual, participants are required to sit quietly in the traditional seiza position. Please note that smoke will be present; those sensitive to smoke or with respiratory conditions may not be able to participate.
- Yakuoin Temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and the Goma ritual is a sacred religious ceremony. Guests with concerns due to personal beliefs are advised to review the tour details carefully before joining.
- At Ukai Toriyama, vegetarian and allergy-friendly meals can be arranged upon request. Please inform us in advance.
Important Booking Information
- Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes (sneakers recommended). Heels and sandals are not suitable for the temple approach.
- Depending on the season, the meeting time may be earlier.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 7 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 4 ~ 6 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 3 day(s) of departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 0 ~ 1 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)