• 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.

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.