This experience invites you to step into the role of a seeker. By donning traditional vestments and subjecting the body to the rigors of the trail and the rituals, you access a clarity of mind that modern life obscures. It is a physical dialogue with history, nature, and your own soul.
A profound four-day journey into the heart of Nichiren Buddhism. Beyond mere observation, you will engage in centuries-old rituals - from water purification to chanting ascents - guided by monks. This is a rare opportunity to internalize the wisdom of the sutras and experience true spiritual renewal.
Your journey into the ascetic life begins not with observation, but with participation. Under the guidance of monks, you will undergo Suigyo or Takigyo - traditional cold water purification rituals. This intense physical experience is designed to cleanse the mind of worldly clutter and sharpen the spirit for the training ahead.
Experience the ancient court music of Gagaku, a bridge between the human and the divine. In a rare collaboration with local students from Minobu High School, you will not only listen but learn to play these sacred instruments. It is a lesson in harmony, breath, and the collaborative spirit essential to community life.
Donning the white robes of a pilgrim, you will undertake the Odaimoku Tohai. This is not a hike, but a kinetic prayer. Led by a monk, you climb the slopes of Mt. Minobu while continuously chanting the sacred mantra. The rhythm of your breath, step, and voice unifies, creating a powerful state of walking meditation.
Descend into the preserved history of Akasawa-juku, a post town that has welcomed weary pilgrims since the Edo period. Walking these cobblestone paths offers a tangible connection to the millions of seekers who came before you. Here, the history of faith is not read in books but felt underfoot.
Leaving the valley, you face the rigorous climb of Mt. Shichimen, a peak revered as the dwelling place of the guardian deity of the Lotus Sutra. This trail is known as a "path of rebirth." The physical exertion required to navigate the steep ascent mirrors the spiritual effort needed to shed one's past self.
Your destination is Keishin-in, a temple lodge perched near the summit, isolated from the modern world. Staying here offers a profound silence rarely experienced. Surrounded by deep forests and the stars, you will spend the night in contemplation, far removed from the distractions of society.
Before dawn, you will stand at the temple gates to witness Goraiko, the sunrise over Mt. Fuji. In this tradition, the rising sun is not merely a celestial event but a manifestation of universal truth. Witnessing the light flood the world from this high altitude is a moment of pure awe and spiritual awakening.
The journey concludes not with a simple goodbye, but with a deep dialogue session. You will sit with young monks to discuss and process your experiences. This exchange is crucial for "internalizing" the insights gained over the last four days, ensuring that the transformation you felt remains with you long after you return home.
