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.

• Day 1. Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, a luxurious city stay located in the understated Nihonbashi district. Enjoy an evening at one of the hotel’s many acclaimed restaurants or indulge in a signature treatment at the hotel’s spectacular Spa.
• Day 2. Travel to Dewa Sanzan, a trio of sacred mountains revered for their spiritual power, and venture through an avenue of Yamabushi pilgrim lodges, before being guided by a Yamabushi master in a traditional style of meditation. Craft a shime, a traditional talisman necklace worn by pilgrims to signify their onward sacred journey before retiring to Daishobo Pilgrim’s Lodge for an overnight stay with a traditional shojin ryori dinner.
• Day 3. Begin the day by changing into traditional pilgrim clothing and climb the sacred Mount Haguro, with a guide who will outline spiritual learning offered by the pilgrimage experience and lead meditative practises. Practise quiet reflection and meditation, joining an evening prayer session at the Saikan pilgrim lodge, alongside a night walk in nature and other guided activities.
• Day 4. Hike around the shrines and meaningful locations at mount Haguro’s summit, an iconic mountain walk symbolic of the cycle of rebirth, before experiencing a special Yamabushi ceremony. After completing the pilgrimage, eat a celebratory shojin ryori banquet prepared using wild, mountain ingredients.
• Day 5. 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 nique tradition.

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.