Apr 21, 2025

Tateyama: A Journey into Mountain Worship and Local Gastronomy

Tour Overview

Embark on a special 3-day, 2-night journey into the spiritual heart of Japan — Mt. Tateyama, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains. Guided by passionate local experts, you’ll explore sacred sites, experience unique rituals, and enjoy the best of regional cuisine deeply rooted in local tradition.

📍 Location

Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture
From Ashikuraji Village to Murodo (altitude 2,450m)

📅 Season

Available from April to November

👥 Group Size

2 to 6 participants

💴 Tour Fee

¥250,000 to ¥300,000 per person
(*Electric mountain bike use requires height over 150cm)

🌄 Highlights & Itinerary

Day 1: Mountain Faith & Women’s Rituals

Electric Mountain Biking
Ride through sacred mountain paths on e-assisted mountain bikes, soaking in Tateyama’s spiritual and natural beauty.
Shojin Ryori (Zen Vegetarian Cuisine)
Enjoy a traditional Buddhist meal called “Ashikura Gozen” at Kyosanbo, a historical temple lodging from the Edo period.
Tateyama Mandala Interpretation
Discover the spiritual worldview of Tateyama through guided interpretation of the sacred Tateyama Mandala by the Chugo-no-kai group.
Nunobashi Kanjo-e Ritual
Participate in a symbolic Edo-period ritual where women dressed in white cross the red bridge of “Nunobashi” with eyes closed — a spiritual journey between life and afterlife.
Accommodation: Hotel Tateyama
A luxurious mountain hotel offering traditional Japanese hospitality and cuisine using local spring water.

Day 2: Murodo Plateau & Cultural Immersion

Guided Walk in Murodo
At 2,450m elevation, enjoy a guided walk led by mountain expert Tomohiko Saeki, followed by a special lunch in the Murodo area.
Stay at Doi House
A 130-year-old renovated traditional home used for community exchange and cultural events. Enjoy a private stay with local catered dinner.

🍽 Meals

Day 1
- Lunch: Shojin cuisine at Kyosanbo
- Dinner: Japanese-Western fusion at Hotel Tateyama
Day 2
- Breakfast: Buffet at Hotel Tateyama
- Lunch: Local restaurant in Murodo
- Dinner: Catered meal at Dohete Mother House
Day 3
- Breakfast: Traditional Japanese meal at Dohete

📚 About Tateyama Faith (Tateyama Shinko)

Tateyama has long been revered as a sacred mountain where deities reside. The mountain’s spiritual heritage blends Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, with practices dating back to the 8th century. One legend tells of Saeki Ariyori, said to have founded the mountain’s sacred path after encountering mystical animals.

Tateyama was once off-limits to women, and many rituals and structures reflect this history. Today, it is open to all and visited by millions each year. The region remains a powerful spiritual destination where traditional beliefs, stunning nature, and local life converge.

📞 Contact

InOutbound Tohoku Inc. (Tour Organizer)
Contact Person: Goto
📧 Email: tours@inutbound.co.jp

Tohoku Local Stories