8:00, for those arriving by train, we will pick you up at JR Nasu Shiobara Station.
Adorned in splendid robes, monks and pilgrims alike will lead the procession to our destination, ascending the mountainside. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself in a world far removed from the mundane.
As The sacred ceremony begins,you'll witness and partake in fascinating traditional rituals, including prayers and the burning of Goma wood.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional soba noodle restaurant, where elegance meets taste. Savor the healthy and refreshing taste of tempura soba, made with 100% locally sourced, nutrient-rich vegetables. It's a dining experience that not only nourishes the body but also enriches the spirit.
After lunch, we'll visit one of Nasu Shiobara's highlights – its waterfalls, a marvel in an area boasting over 100 cascades. Crossing the suspension bridge offers a breathtaking view, so captivating that it earned the name 'Mikaburi Waterfall,' meaning 'the waterfall you'll look back at again and again.' This spot is also renowned for activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
During the Kamakura period, after losing a battle, the shogun Taira no Shigemori's aunt, Myōun Zen-ni, fled from Kyoto to this area and built this temple. It is a venerable temple with a history of over 800 years. It is famously the only building in Shiobara that survived the ravages of the Boshin War, which engulfed all of Japan. The ceiling, which reveals why it remained unscathed, is not to be missed.
This April, the local souvenir shop "Meigi no Mori Michi-no-Eki" was renewed, offering unique souvenirs found nowhere else, along with fresh vegetables and fruits.
At 15:30 we will escort you back to Nasu Shiobara Station.
Your guide Ann-chan, with Experience in Over 30 Countries
Ann-chan is a native of Nasu Shiobara, having lived in Tokyo for 32 years and is a former commercial production director. With a background of experiences across the globe, she's a unique guide. Always bright and energetic, she never fails to keep her clients smiling.
Photo Session with ”Kansu" the Head Priest
At Kawasaki Daishi, where numerous monks perform their duties, the highest rank among them is the head priest, known as the 'Kansu.' Meeting the Kansu is a rare opportunity, so much so that people come from Tokyo just for a chance to take a photo with him. Securing this photo is incredibly precious, guaranteed to be a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Here, you can purchase a unique "Ofuda" Japanese talisman available only at this location. Named 「Hifuse Mamori」,this is a talisman renowned for its efficacious protection.
You can also obtain a Ofuda personalized with your name (advance reservations only).
Ofuda Small : ¥5,000
Ofuda Medium : ¥7,000
Ofuda Large : ¥10,000
Ofuda Medium with gold& silver "mizuhiki":¥20,000
Ofuda Large with gold& silver "mizuhiki": ¥30,000
※About "Ofuda" ...Japanese Talismans are part of traditional Japanese culture, symbolizing blessings and protection received from Buddhas and gods. They embody an invisible force that serves as a mental support in daily life, believed to bring positive effects. Talismans are made of paper or wood and are typically in the form of a flat plate.
※About "mizuhiki"... Mizuhiki is a traditional Japanese decorative knotting craft used on gift-wrapping and ceremonial occasions.
【Cancellation Policy】
The following fees will apply:
Cancellation 3 days before the event (7/25): 70%
Cancellation 2 days before the event (7/26) onwards: 100%