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Historic Buddhist Monastery

Mount Minobu offers a secluded stay in a temple lodge or historic residence, where traditional arts, local cuisine, and Buddhist influences come together for self-reflection and spiritual renewal.

Duration
2 days~
Group Size
1-6 people
Price
¥200,000〜/person

Kakurinbo with 550 Years of History: at Kakurinbo temple, Worship services are held three times a day: early in the morning, at midday, and in the evening. Monks here adhere to the five precepts and dedicate themselves fully to their training.

Kakurinbo Temple and Sunset: surrounded by mountains, Kakurinbo Temple offers stunning natural scenery. It is said that by appreciating the beauty and charm of nature, one comes to recognize the existence of forces beyond human control.

Temple Bell and Young Monk: the temple bell is so large that monks must use their entire body weight to pull the bell pole and ring it. This fascinating process is also an integral part of their daily training.

Morning Yoga at a Temple Lodging: in the crisp morning air, guided by the gentle voice of the instructor, you'll naturally focus on your breath. It's the perfect opportunity to forget the everyday and refresh both body and mind.

Private Villa: stay in a traditional 90-year-old villa located right on the river and immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era. Inside, with many traditional artworks' displaying, creating a beautiful fusion with historic architecture.

"Shojin-Ryori" Traditional Vegetarian Cuisine: it excludes meat and fish, aligns with Buddhist teachings on avoiding the killing of living beings. You will be deeply satisfied by the beautiful presentation and healthful qualities of this cuisine.

Buddha Statue Carving: calm your mind and focus on carving a little Buddha statue. Through this act of deep concentration, you may discover insights into clearing your mind and achieving mental clarity.

With a Skilled Craftsman: this is from a scene where we visited the workshop of an inkstone craftsman. Experiencing his work up close and hearing his words give us a far greater impact than reading about it in books or online.

Painting-Like Window: the round windows of traditional Japanese houses have originated from a concept associated with Zen enlightenment. Light filters through these delicate lattice window and create a scene that resembles a living painting.

Authentic Cultural Experience: wearing a genuine kimono, meticulously crafted to be passed down through generations, offers a truly unique experience. Photographs capturing its beauty and delicacy will become cherished treasures for a lifetime.

Introduction

Nestled in Yamanashi’s lush countryside, Minobu is a peaceful Buddhist retreat with 750 years of history, located just 2.5 hours from Tokyo. Overlooking sacred Mt. Minobu, one of Japan’s three most revered Buddhist peaks, the town offers a tranquil escape. Travelers are drawn to its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, including temple stays, tours of Kuonji (Nichiren Buddhism’s head temple), and exquisite “shojin ryori” Buddhist cuisine. Minobu is also home to artisans and performers, providing visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Japan’s traditional crafts and spiritual legacy in a deeply meaningful way.

More Information

Shukubo Temple Stay

A "shukubo" is a temple that offers lodging for worshippers. Originally, it was reserved solely for monks in training and worship. Staying in a traditional tatami room at a shukubo allows you to experience the monastic life. Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, relax in tranquil gardens, and learn about Zen philosophy—immersing yourself in the serene lifestyle of a monk.

Guest Villa Ebisuya

This beautifully restored 100-year-old residence to a villa features an open terrace with views of lush mountains and a river. Inside, enjoy traditional Japanese-style rooms with artisan designs and Western-style rooms reflecting Western influences. Contemporary artworks throughout add a modern touch. This unique blend of old and new, like a small art museum, is perfect for savoring carefully selected local food and drinks.

Sacred Mountain Minobu

Minobu is one of the "Three Sacred Mountains of Japanese Buddhism," alongside Mount Hiei and Mount Koya. As the sun rises, monks gather at the temple for their morning service, their voices echoing as they solemnly recite sutras throughout the temple. Experiencing this timeless ritual, you may find a striking contrast to modern life, gaining insight into Buddhist teachings of self-restraint and the beauty of modest living.

Buddhist Workshop

In Zen Buddhism, it is believed that by letting go of attachments through various practices, one can attain a richer mind and life. Just as meditation helps to reset the mind, Buddhism has preserved various practices such as Buddha carving and calligraphy as ways of training.
When you engage in these activities with focus and dedication, unnecessary thoughts disappear and you can fully concentrate on the task at hand.

Cultural Experiences

Shukubo offers a wide selection of wedding kimonos with vibrant, intricate designs, ensuring beautiful, unforgettable photos. In "Kintsugi," broken pottery is repaired with lacquer and gold powder, transforming it into a unique work of art. At a workshop hosted by a local paper craftsman, you can learn the traditional process of making washi paper, experiencing its unique texture that differs greatly from industrial paper.

Traditional Musical Instruments

Gagaku, with over 1,200 years of history, is deeply connected with Buddhism and highly regarded worldwide as a form of Japanese classical music. A gagaku troupe will perform Japan's oldest classical music. Additionally, there will be a live performance by skilled taiko drummers from the Minobu region. Don’t just watch their powerful performance—participate and experience it for yourself.

Chartered Heli Mt. Fuji Tour

We offer charter helicopter tours that provide a unique and breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji from the sky. Experience the awe-inspiring sights that only a helicopter can offer, with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, the surrounding lakes, and the stunning natural landscape. Enjoy a luxurious experience, safely guided by a professional pilot—perfect for creating unforgettable memories or sharing with someone special.

¥300,000/person~

What's Included

Accommodation for 2 nights in Shukubo Temple or Villa

Dinning and Breakfast

Full-day professional guide's escort and car service

Pick-up and drop-off at your acommodation in Tokyo or other requested location

Activity Fees

Languages

English

Francais

Espanol

Chinese

Korean

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Historic Buddhist Monastery

Mount Minobu offers a secluded stay in a temple lodge or historic residence, where traditional arts, local cuisine, and Buddhist influences come together for self-reflection and spiritual renewal.

¥200,000~
/person

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