JICA Tour on Sep 5, 2026

 JICA Tour on Sep 5, 2026: Mystical Fog, Sacred Horagai (Conch Shell Horns), and a Surprise View of Tokyo Skytree!

Date & Time: September 5, 2026 | 9:40 AM – 3:40 PM

Guests: 3 JICA Participants (from Indonesia, The Gambia, and Sri Lanka)

Volunteer Guides: Maki, Guchi, Ken, Rico, Satomi, Nancy

Route: Takaosanguchi Station → Fudodo Temple → Cable Car → Trail 1 → Joshinmon Gate → Sanmitsu Gate → Stupa (Bussharito) → Yakuoin Temple → Izuna Gongendo → Fuji Sengen Shrine → Summit → Fuji Path → Ana-Benten Cave Shrine → Nests of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrels → Chairlift → Takaosanguchi Station

Tour Highlights & Seasonal Wonders

🟢 A Mystical Misty Hike

The mountain greeted us with a dramatic blanket of fog. Hiking through the misty trails felt just like stepping into a traditional Japanese ink wash painting (Sumi-e). The cool, refreshing air brought a lovely hint of early autumn, making it a rare and unforgettable experience for both our guests and guides.

Caption: Misty Kasumi Observatory (Kasumi means "haze"!)

Caption: Misty Joshinmon Gate

Caption: Misty statues of Kobo Daishi

🟢 Sacred Processions and Yamabushi Horns

We were blessed with a rare encounter: two separate sacred processions of monks and Yamabushi (mountain ascetics)! The echoing sound of their Horagai (conch shell horns) felt like a warm, powerful welcome to our group.

• Fudodo Temple: Shortly after starting, we witnessed the once-a-year traffic safety prayer ceremony held every first Saturday of September, complete with a fire ritual (Goma).

Caption: Fudodo Temple

• Yakuoin Temple: At 12:30 PM, we came across monks entering for their regular afternoon prayer. Soon after, the powerful sounds of chanting and taiko drums resonated through the temple grounds.

Caption: Procession of monks and Yamabushi at Yakuoin Temple

Caption: Guests purifying themselves at Temizuya, a ritual purification water basin

Caption: Guests with a giant Tengu mask at Yakuoin Temple

Caption: Tengu guide explaining Izuna-Gongendo in Yakuoin Temple

🟢 Kuniuke-mon Gate – The Gate to Release Suffering

The path leading from this gate represents a moving meditation in Esoteric Buddhism called the "Three Mysteries" (Sanmitsu), which purifies your body, speech, and mind:

• 身密 (Karma / Action): Purifying ourselves through physical practice and actions

• 口密 (Mantra / Speech): Focusing our mind through sacred prayer and chants

• 意密 (Samadhi / Mind): Training our thoughts through meditation

Walking this path is more than just a physical hike—it is a spiritual journey following centuries of Yamabushi traditions.

Caption: Guests at The Gate to Release Suffering

🟢 Stupa at Yukien

As we explained that the sacred relics housed here were donated by the King of Thailand in the early 20th century, Vitha from Sri Lanka shared a fascinating insight. In Sri Lanka, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is the ultimate national treasure, preserved by monarchs throughout history and housed at the world-famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Caption: Misty Yukien

🟢 Post-Lunch Fun: "Japanese English" Quiz

After lunch near the summit, we hosted a 10-question quiz called "Can You Speak 'Japanese English'?" (Wasei-eigo). Explaining terms like "Paper Driver," "Baby Car," "Taipa" (time performance), and "Kosupa" (cost performance) sparked endless laughter. Throughout the rest of the hike, the conversation never stopped, and our guests loved using their newly learned phrases!

Caption: Lunch near the summit

Caption: Guests and guides at the summit

🟢 Vibrant Biodiversity After the Rain

The rain-soaked trees and plants burst with rich green colors as we fully immersed ourselves in Mt. Takao’s early autumn biodiversity.

• Tricyrtis macropoda (Yamapototogisu): Along the steep banks of Fuji Path, these delicate wild mountain flowers were in bloom. Native to Japan, their petals curve downwards—a unique feature not seen in cultivated varieties. The purple spots on their white petals resemble the breast feathers of the Hototogisu (Lesser Cuckoo). Since the bird visits Mt. Takao in summer, August to September is a magical time when you can encounter both the bird and the flower on the same mountain!

Caption: Tricyrtis macropoda (Yamapototogisu)

• A Tiny Red Mushroom: Friend or Foe?
  We spotted a bright red mushroom smaller than a baby's pinky finger. Depending on its shape as it grows, it could be a harmless cup fungus (Cup O' Oysters) or the infamous Kaentake (Poison Fire Coral). Kaentake is one of Japan's most deadly mushrooms—not only is it fatal if ingested, but touching it can cause severe skin irritation! Autumn is a wonderful season for mushroom spotting on Mt. Takao, but remember: look, don't touch!

Caption: A Tiny Red Mushroom: Friend or Foe?

🟢 The Ana-Benten Cave (Fukutoku Benzaiten): The Secret Tunnel to the Sea and Mt. Fuji

This hidden shrine dedicated to Benzaiten (the goddess of wealth and fortune) is one of Mt. Takao’s best-kept secrets and spiritual power spots.

• The Low Ceiling: The cave ceiling is only about 1.2 meters high, requiring visitors to duck as they enter.

• The Enoshima Legend: Local legend says this tiny cave tunnel runs deep underground for 50 kilometers all the way to Enoshima Island on the coast! Furthermore, another ancient legend claims the sea caves at Enoshima connect directly to the frozen ice caves of Mt. Fuji, another 100 kilometers away.

While these are mythic tales, on a clear day, you can view Mt. Fuji both from the summit of Mt. Takao and from the shores of Enoshima, reflecting the deep ancient spiritual connection between Japan's sacred mountains and the sea.

Caption: Guests exploring Ana-Benten Shrine cave

🟢 The Ultimate Surprise Ending: Tokyo Skytree!

Just as we reached the Kasumidai and Cablecar Station observation decks on our way down around 3:00 PM, the thick fog magically cleared away! The panoramic view opened up all the way to the Shinjuku skyscraper district and Tokyo Skytree.

Everyone—guests and guides alike—erupted in cheers at this incredible surprise!

Caption: Erupted in cheers at Takao Cablecar Station observation deck

Caption: Guests and guides finishing the tour together

Mt. Takao brought another magical and unforgettable day to our guests and volunteer guides.

Thank you, Mt. Takao!

A huge thank you to our amazing JICA guests for making this tour so vibrant and fun. We wish you a meaningful, happy, and successful stay in Japan!

TENGU – Takao-san Volunteer English Guide Club

Instagram/FB: @tengu_guide_club

🌲 Free English Guided Tours of Mt. Takao

Discover Mt. Takao with local volunteers who love the mountain | Nature, history & sacred traditions

🗓 Choose your preferred date + every third Sunday

🔗 Book your tour: https://www.takaotengu.com

JICA Tour held on August 1, 2026

 

Today, we welcomed a group of 10 JICA Tokyo trainees from 10 different countries: Peru, Fiji, Georgia, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Palau, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Senegal.

It was a pleasure to meet such a diverse group and share the natural beauty, history, and culture of Mt. Takao. Despite the extremely hot weather, we had a wonderful hike together and enjoyed the beauty of Mt. Takao in the summer.

(in front of the Takaosanguchi station)

(in the cable car)

(at the observation deck)

(at the summit)

(at the lunch table)

(at the suspension bridge)

(at the cable car station)

 

 

We hope they enjoyed their visit and wish them every success in their training and future endeavors. Thank you for spending the day with us!

 

By Shin

 

Report on TENGU Tour held on 6 June 2026

 

Our guests were a merry group of five who spent more time at more places of interest in Mt. Takao and took a lot of photos.

A fun group of five

 

TENGU guides included Satomi, Ken, Rico, Mika and Shiro as tour leader.

The weather was reasonably good on that day to the extent that we were able to see Tokyo Skytree and high-rise buildings in Shinjuku from Sumika-mae Observation Deck.

After the briefing on the dos and don’ts at Mt. Takao, the tour plan on that day, etc. in front of Takaosanguchi Station, we started the tour.

At the foot of the mountain, we showed our guests the statue of Osoji-kozo (young Buddhist trainee monk cleaning the temple) as a symbol of our Mt. Takao clean-up campaign that has proven highly effective and successful, and then statues of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel native to Japan, another symbol of Mt. Takao.

At the statue of Osoji-kozo (young Buddhist trainee monk cleaning the temple)

At the statue of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel

We took a cable car leaving Kiyotaki Station at 10:00 am where we showed our guests unique white or pale pink Sekkoku orchid flowers that grow on other plants without harming them while their peak blooming season was about to be over.

At Sumika-mae Observation Deck

At Kasumidai Observation Deck

 

After getting off the cable car, we showed our guests various landmarks such as some 500-year-old Octopus Cedar Tree, six-sense purification stone, wheels, Joshin-mon tori-i gate symbolizing the fusion of Shinto and Shingon sect of Buddhism, etc. along Trail 1.

At the statue of lucky octopus

 

At the information board about “Asagimadara” with its English name of Chestnut Tiger Butterfly, we explained the butterfly that is famous for its incredible long-distance migration across Asia,

Interestingly, one of our guests asked us what is the longevity of the butterfly. Looks like he thought that the butterfly’s long-distance migration should require a long life of the butterfly. Then, we explained that a key aspect of the flight mechanism of the butterfly is to ride ascending air currents which allows them to save time and energy rather than rely solely on constant wing flapping.

At a folk on Trail 1, the front approach to Yakuo-in Temple, our guests bravely chose the more challenging route called “Otoko Zaka”, literally, the Slope for Men

At Otoko Zaka

 

We spent some time at Yuki-en (Joyful Garden) featuring an outdoor fire altar and a photogenic Thai style white stupa we explained to our guests.

In front of Thai style white stupa

 

Before we got to the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple, we showed our guests a wooden plate mentioning TENGU as a donor to Yakuo-in Temple to demonstrate our loyalty to Mt. Takao.

Pointing to the wooden plate showing the name of TENGU as donor to Yakuo-in Temple

 

When we went into the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple going through Shitenno-mon (the Gate of Four Heavenly Kings), it was around noon which indicates that we moved so slowly.

In front of Shitenno-mon (the Gate of Four Heavenly Kings) 

In front of a pair of stone carved guardian lions

At the last stone steps before Izuna Gongen-do Hall

 

We got to the peak of the mountain around 1:00 pm. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to see clearly a graceful figure of Mt. Fuji from the peak of the mountain due to unwanted clouds. 

At the peak of the mountain 

At the lunch table

 

After having lunch together, we took a group photo at the peak of the mountain, and left there around 13:40 pm.

 

At the peak of the mountain

 

On the way back, after stopping by the restroom, we took a little different route by following Trail 1 briefly and then switching to Iroha no Mori Trail, then further switching to Trail 4 going through a suspension bridge.

At Ihoha no Mori Trail

At suspension bridge (Miyamabashi bridge)

Even after coming back to the Sumika-mae area, a curious group of five wanted to explore the observation deck of Takaosan Beer Mount, Tokyo’s beer garden closest to the sky while unfortunately we found that the observation deck was not open to the public at this time of the year.

Then, some of our guests tried a local dessert, beer at the shop of Takaosan Sumika.

A happy man having got a Mitsu-fuku Dango (Three Good Luck Dumplings)

 

On the return journey, we took a chairlift for a change.

Taking a chairlift

 

After coming back to the mountain base taking a chairlift, we took the final group photo in front of cable car Kiyotaki Station almost 4:00 pm, which was the end of the tour.

In front of Kiyotaki Station

 

Thereafter, the merry group of five appeared to have a plan to visit the Takao Trick Art Museum located in the vicinity of Takaosanguchi Station.

 

Written by Shiro

Dated: 8 June 2026

Report on Waterfall Meditation practice at Biwa-taki Fudo-do Hall on 18 May 2026

 

Our guest was a British gentleman from Manchester, UK.

In front of Biwa-taki Fudo-do Hall

One of his plans on his 12-day trip to Japan was to experience a waterfall meditation practice at Mt. Takao that has long been revered as a sacred mountain of Shugendo.

Shugendo emphasizes the denial of physical and psychological desires to attain the spiritual ideal through rigorous physical and mental training in nature confining oneself in mountains. 

It was a sunny day with the peak temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, which should be helpful for the waterfall meditation practitioner.

Looks like this is his 7^th or 8^th visit to Japan.

He claimed that he has some understanding of Shugendo as he believes that it has some links to the martial arts he practices.

Key practices of Shugendo include long distance trekking on mountain trails, waterfall meditation, Goma fire ritual, cliff-hanging meditation, etc. 

While cliff-hanging is a traditional, extreme practice for overcoming fear, Mt. Takao focuses specifically on waterfall meditation at sites like Biwa-taki Fudo-do Hall and Ja-taki Seiryu-do Hall.

We met up just outside the ticket gate of Takaosanguchi Station around 10:00 am so that we can have enough time to be in time for the waterfall meditation practice staring at 11:00 am at Biwa-taki Fudo-do Hall.

On the way, I gave him a rough picture of Shugendo practices, the history of Mt. Takao, etc.

We arrived at the temple office of Yakuo-in Temple adjacent to the Biwa-taki Fudo-do Hall before 11:00 am.

Our guest paid JPY3,000 in cash as an instruction for the waterfall meditation practice.

After he borrowed training robe (including a sash) in his size, he changed into it waiting for the Shugendo master in the break room.

In the training white robe

The number of his ascetic fellows on that day was 25 out of which over two-thirds were female.

The master’s speech (Buddhist sermon) started at 11:00 am and lasted for 30 minutes. He admitted that he had got carried away and talked longer than usual.

For my guest, I summarized the master’s message that the practitioner should not work too hard not to die so that he can survive to realize that experiencing the extraordinary helps him appreciate his everyday life.

Then, after the 10 minute’s break, a waterfall meditation practice started which involved a complicated flow of actions. 

So, practitioners need to follow the instructions of an experienced instructor (i.e., the master) to get through the complicated process.

That is, before entering the waterfall, practitioners purify the surroundings and themselves with salt and water. They pay respect to Fudo Myo-o (Immovable Wisdom King) enshrined at Biwa-taki Fudo-do Hall, offer incense sticks, candles and, form three (3) different mudras (hand gestures) depending on different occasions, and chant mantras before facing the waterfall.

Pray for safety and success in the waterfall meditation

 

Overall, our guest did a great job which may be partly thanks to his own preparation in advance. 

Ready to sit under the waterfall

 

He finished his waterfall meditation practice around 1:00 pm.

We came back to the cable car “Kiyotaki Station” area at 1:30 pm, which was the end of the tour.

I hope that he has realized that experiencing the extraordinary (waterfall meditation) helps him appreciate his everyday life.

Dated: 20 May 2026

Written by: Shiro

Private tour on May 11th, 2026.

 

Today we were blessed with unbelievably beautiful weather and crystal-clear skies — perfect for a hike on Mount Takao with a wonderful couple visiting from Connecticut, USA.

 They arrived even before our meeting time, and since it was a weekday, the mountain was pleasantly quieter than usual. After picking up lunch and drinks at the Seven-Eleven kiosk near Takaosanguchi Station, we started our adventure right away.

　(at the cable car station)

 

We took the cable car up the mountain and stopped at the Kasumidai Observation Deck, Monkey Park, the famous Octopus Cedar, and Joshinmon Gate before continuing along the Otokozaka.

(peaceful mountain trail)

(at the otokozaka)

 

Since they had already visited the Tokyo Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine earlier in their trip, they already had some basic knowledge of Shinto. That allowed us to have some enjoyable conversations along the trail about the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. One highlight for them seemed to be the goma fire ritual inside Takao-san Yakuo-in, which they watched with great interest.

(at Four Heavenly King Gate)

(in front of the Gongendo Hall)

 

At the summit, we saw a few groups of elementary school students on school excursions, but overall, the mountain felt surprisingly uncrowded for Takao.

 

(at the summit)

Unfortunately, Mount Fuji remained hidden behind the clouds today, but we still enjoyed lunch at my usual “secret spot.”

(at the secret spot for lunch)

 

For the way down, we took Trail No. 4 and crossed the suspension bridge. Everything worked out perfectly — no waiting time for the chairlift, smooth hiking conditions all day, and we even finished the tour about an hour earlier than planned.

(at the suspension bridge)

(at the cable car station)

 

It was their first trip to Japan, and they told me they’ll be spending about two weeks traveling around the country after Tokyo, visiting places such as Hakone, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. I’m truly grateful they chose Mount Takao as part of their Japan journey.

 Wishing them a wonderful, safe, and memorable adventure for the rest of their time in Japan!

 

By Shin