Minobu - Retreat at the Nichiren buddhist temple town with scenic Mt. Fuji and Japanese Alps views
Duration3 days
TypeAdventure
Nestled in the mountains of Yamanashi, discover a living, centuries-old tradition of authentic Japanese Buddhism.
Have you ever longed to peek into a much more ancient realm, both Japanese and universal, where scrolls hold more wisdom than smartphones? At Mount Minobu, you’ll not just peek, you’ll be profoundly immersed in Nichiren Buddhism in this 2 nights - 3 days regenerative program.
Itinerary highlights
Stay at the Kakurinbo temple lodge, a 550-year-old shukubo (temple lodging) located within Minobusan Kuon-ji or spend a leisure time at the splendid former sake brewery Ebisuya Villa.
Hike through lush forests and sloping stone pathways of a centuries-old pilgrim's inn village while enjoying panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji.
Artistic workshop classes such as kintsugi, calligraphy and amehata inkstone making.
Veggie Japanese cooking classes on fermented food and plenty of local specialties such as award-winning Yuba tofu.
The spiritual center of Nichiren Buddhism: Kuonji Temple
The spiritual center of Nichiren Buddhism: Kuonji Temple
Whether you are coming from Tokyo or Kyoto, Minobu is conveniently located just half-way between these two popular destination.
Reach Shizuoka station by shinkansen, then transfer to a rapid local train that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji right from your window. Upon arrival at Minobu Station, the accommodation staff will take care of your luggage and guide you directly to your lodging.
While here, you can choose how to spend your time between various cultural activities, including a local cooking class, or a mindful sutra-copying or calligraphy workshop.
Alternatively, embark on a guided tour of the Kuonji Temple grounds, where you can explore splendid interiors decorated with magnificent dragon paintings and elements celebrating the four seasons of Japanese culture. For the physically fit and those committed to the spiritual journey, climbing the Bodaitei Stairway—a formidable, steep stone staircase with 287 steps—is a profound act of devotion, often referred to as the "Stairway to Enlightenment."
In the evening, unwind at your accommodation and savor an excellent Shojin Ryōri (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) course. Dinner includes local specialties such as premium Akebono soybeans and award-winning Yuba Tofu.
Suggested attractions
Exclusive guided tour of Kuon-ji Temple
Learn about Nichiren Buddhism and explore the grounds and interiors of Kuon-ji Temple with a local priest.
Kakurinbo: Calligraphy class
Learn to harness your concentration, breathing, and posture in this Japanese Calligraphy class.
Kakurinbo: Cooking class
Cooking class based on local specialties from Minobu town, including award-winning Japanese Yuba.
Suggested accommodations
Kakurinbo
A 550-year-old shukubo featuring an Edo period charming garden and exquisite shujinryori cuisine.
Ebisuya Villa
Beautifully restored private luxury villa featuring Showa-era historic architecture and state-of-the-art amenities.
Explore the pilgrim trails surrounding Mt. Minobu
Explore the pilgrim trails surrounding Mt. Minobu
On this second day at Minobu, celebrate the first meal of your day with fresh locally sourced ingredients and wear on your white robe and sedge hat to fully embrace the spirit of centuries ago. Once you are ready, start the climb from the mausoleum, pass Myosekibo and head towards the Niomon Gate of Okunoin Shishinkaku. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Mt.Fuji and The Japanese Alps (weather permitting) and taste Minobu's local Kushikiri Dango, a traditional food welcoming good luck or fortune.
Make your way back among shidare-zakura weeping cherry trees (in full bloom during end of March - Early April) and relax yourself making a rosary with stones (juzu-zukuri) or mending a broken object with gold (kintsugi) reconsidering the value of flaws and imperfection.
Alternatively, continue your path to Akazawa-juku, a beautifully preserved centuries-old post town (or pilgrim's inn village) nestled deep in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture. Designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, its steep, sloping stone pathways and cluster of traditional wooden inns provide visitors with a rare, authentic glimpse into a village landscape seemingly frozen in Japan's Edo and Meiji periods.
Suggested attractions
Kakurinbo : Kintsugi workshop
Transform broken ceramics into masterpieces and learn to embrace the beauty of material imperfection.
Mt. Minobu Hike
Hike through lush forests and sloping stone pathways while enjoying views of the Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji.
Suggested accommodations
Kakurinbo
A 550-year-old shukubo featuring an Edo period charming garden and exquisite shujinryori cuisine.
Ebisuya Villa
Beautifully restored private luxury villa featuring Showa-era historic architecture and state-of-the-art amenities.
Early Morning Monk's Practices and Departure
Early Morning Monk's Practices and Departure
Serenity seekers, let the air of Mt Minobu wash away your worries in this second day. Rise before dawn to attend morning prayers at Kuon-ji. You may dream lost in a starry sky, witness a priest bend from toes to head to free the pure sound of a giant bell, follow a parade of priests, sit shoeless on a chair or tatami mat under a dragon painting, and burn incense powder with Japanese worshipers during the ceremony.
At the end of the morning services, head to your accommodation and enjoy your last meal before proceeding to Nagano Alps and other magnificent destinations in Japan.
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