Mindful walking on Japan’s sacred World Heritage spiritual journey

The “Shugendo,” is a unique Japanese religion established in ancient times as a form of mountain worship. “Shu” represents ascetic practices and “gen” signifies realization.

Practitioners engage in rigorous training in seclusion within the mountains, blending natural reverence with intense discipline to attain enlightenment. Reaching a state of emptiness, one can sense a profound awe for nature that everyone inherently possesses.

“Walking earnestly in the mountains, casting away worldly desires” encapsulates the essence of this ancient Japanese faith, a precious and enduring tradition.

Such practices persist today at the sacred site known as Omine Okugake Michi, often regarded as a spiritual center for Shugendo.

The Omine Okugake Michi, connecting Yoshino to Kumano

It was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in July 2004, part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Covering approximately 170 km from Yoshino to Kumano, it is the path of ascetic training established by the renowned ascetic En no Gyoja in the early eighth century.

The Omine Okugake Michi holds remnants of sacred sites and ritual grounds called “nabiki,” preserving the traces of ancient beliefs.

Experience enlightenment at the sacred sites

This fall, JTB Corporation, as part of the domestic travel campaign “Japan’s Seasonal Adventure Tourism,” offered a unique Shugendo experience on the Omine Okugake Michi in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The special plan involves a Shugendo experience guided by practitioners and mountain guides.

Two plan options offered were: “Stay and Experience” and “One-Day Experience.” The former includes a special night viewing of the three largest secret statues of the Kongosho Kingo Zaogongen, enshrined in the Hondo (Main Hall) and Kozan-do Hall of Kinpusenji Temple (a national treasure) at the renowned Kimpuzan Temple. It offers a two-day retreat for both the body and soul in this UNESCO-registered sacred place.

One-night, two-day Shugendo experience includes special nighttime prayer

In the accommodation plan, a Shugendo experience is held on the sacred Omine Okugake Michi, allowing participants to connect with nature and learn the way of life in Yoshino’s Shugendo. The plan includes a sensational nighttime prayer experience at Kinpusenji Temple. This occurs during the autumn unveiling of the three largest secret statues at the temple. Participants can immerse their senses in worship and experience the presence of Zaogongen, surrounded by both light and darkness.

For a day trip: Experience Shugendo and breathtaking views

In the day-trip plan, participants engage in a Shugendo experience on the Omine Okugake Michi, historically revered as a sacred site for Shugendo and registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Accompanied by practitioners and mountain guides, participants delve into the allure of the path.

Highlights along the Omine Okugake Michi include Sho no Iwaya (Sho’s Cave), a site where numerous ascetics have practiced since the Heian period, and Ishi no Hana (Stone Nose), providing a panoramic view of the scenic beauty of Omine.

Discovering “adventure tourism” in Japan

In the Japan’s Seasonal Adventure Tourism by JTB, the ongoing mission is to unearth the seasonal charms of various regions, aiming to contribute to local revitalization by allowing more people to experience the local allure through travel.

Japan still harbors abundant culture and traditions rooted in its history. Those who understand these charms will continue to serve as guides, sharing them with the world. Passing on the essence of tourism experiences to the next generation is a crucial aspect of appreciating the local appeal.

The opportunity to immerse oneself in the rarely experienced Shugendo, walking mindfully in the mountains to dispel worldly distractions and cast away desires, is precious. Embracing such a unique experience may unlock new paths and possibilities.

Originally published on Livhub.