Mt. Takao, Tokyo: Monk-Guided Yakuoin Temple Ritual & Traditional Irori Dining at Ukai Toriyama

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Highlights

  • An exclusive mix of monk rituals and gourmet dining. A rare Yakuoin x Ukai Toriyama collab unavailable to solo travelers
  • A resident monk guides you through Mt. Takao, sharing deep insights into its history and sacred faith as you walk along
  • At Yakuoin, witness the Goma fire ritual. Purify your soul amidst flames and chanting in this sensory spiritual journey.
  • Visit Ukai Toriyama in Okutakao to explore historic Gassho-zukuri houses and traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Dine in a private room, savoring seasonal charcoal-grilled dishes. Relax in nature and reflect on your spiritual journey

What to expect

Explore Michelin 3-star Mt. Takao. A monk guides you through Yakuoin’s history followed by a powerful Goma fire ritual up close. Finally, retreat to Ukai Toriyama for a charcoal-grilled feast in a private room set within vast gardens.
Mt. Takao: A Michelin 3-star sacred site just 1 hour from Tokyo. Enjoy silence and nature.

Unlike standard visits, a resident monk guides you through the temple approach, sharing the history of Yakuoin. Experience the Goma fire ritual up close—a rare chance even for locals. Pray for your wishes amidst sacred flames and chants.

Next, visit Ukai Toriyama. Explore historic Gassho-zukuri houses, then savor a charcoal-grilled course in a private room nestled in a vast garden. Relax and enjoy the spiritual afterglow in this peaceful space.

We use the cable car for both ways to reduce physical strain. Perfect for all fitness levels.

~ Itinerary ~
10:00 Meet at Takaosanguchi Station.
10:30 Monk-guided walk through the approach.
11:00 Goma ritual at Yakuoin. Receive a talisman.
12:30 Shuttle to Ukai Toriyama.
13:00 Irori charcoal-grilled lunch.
16:15 Tour ends at the station.

What's included

  • Instruction
  • Ticket
  • Lunch
  • Meal (refer to the details in the schedule)
  • Admission
  • Application fee
  • English-speaking guide
  • Japanese-speaking guide
  • Misc. fees (Guide's meal, fuel, etc.)

About this experience

Available dates
Until Jul 31
Starting at
09:00
Group size
2–20 people

Schedule

  1. 08:50
    Meet on-site
  2. Move to the cable car station
  3. 09:20
    Meet with a Yakuoin monk
  4. Guided walk along the temple approach to Yakuoin
    Walk with a monk along the temple approach and receive a guide to the history of Mt. Takao and Yakuoin.
  5. 11:00
    Goma fire ritual
    Pray for the fulfillment of your wishes at Yakuoin's main hall.
  6. Descend the mountain to return to the cable car after the Goma ritual
  7. 12:40
    Take the shuttle bus to Ukai Toriyama
  8. 13:00
    Lunch
    Savor the Irori (charcoal-grilled) menu at Ukai Toriyama.
  9. 15:50
    Take the shuttle bus to Takaosanguchi Station
  10. 16:00
    Tour ends on-site

Location and Directions

  • Check-in / Check-out

    Takaosanguchi Station

    2241 Takao-machi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo

    Takaosanguchi Station — 2241 Takao-machi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo

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Restrictions

  • The tour involves walking on uphill paths and climbing stairs after departing the cable car. We recommend this tour for participants who are comfortable walking and ascending/descending stairs independently.

What to bring

  • Towel
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes (sneakers recommended). Heels and sandals are not suitable for the temple approach.

Additional notes

  • 【Using Takao Tozan Railway】
    Fares are not included in the tour price.
    If the cable car is suspended, the chairlift will be used instead.
  • 【Notes on the Goma Ritual】
    Using mobile phones (calls, photos, or videos) is strictly prohibited during the ritual inside the temple. Please follow etiquette to ensure the solemn ceremony is not disturbed.
  • 【Meeting Point】
    Please meet your guide holding a banner just outside the ticket gate.
  • 【Guide Languages】
    The tour is usually guided in English, but multilingual guides are available upon request. Please select one language when booking:

    ・French
    ・Italian
    ・German
    ・Spanish
    ・Portuguese
    ・Korean
    ・Chinese

Other requirements

  • Tour fees do not include transportation (bus, cable car, etc.). Please purchase and pay for your own tickets at each boarding location on the day.
  • Yakuoin is a Shingon Buddhist temple, and the Goma (fire ritual) is a sacred religious ceremony. If you have any concerns regarding personal religious beliefs, please review the tour details carefully before booking.
  • The Goma fire ritual produces smoke. Participants who are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory conditions may be unable to participate in this portion of the tour.
  • Vegetarian and allergy-friendly menus are available at Ukai Toriyama upon request. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Operated by

EIKO M&T JAPAN,INC.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation until your booking is confirmed.

前日・当日100%
2~3日前50%
4~6日前30%
7日前0%

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