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

Immersive, expert-led journeys tailored to individual passions, designed exclusively for private parties and featuring a signature Mandarin Oriental welcome and touches.

Mandarin Oriental has partnered with The Luminaire, who create luxury travel experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the world, to design a collection of transformational journeys for a growing number of our hotels. 

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. Designed for guests of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, embark on an inspiring immersion in the mountains 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.

This 5-day experience is subject to availability, from £8,245 per person, including 1 night at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, 1 night at Daishobo pilgrim lodge, and 2 nights at Saikan shrine lodge.

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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

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 to/from Japan.

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