🏯 Shugendo Experience Tour in Ashikaga – A Journey of History and Prayer 🏯

In the samurai city of historic Ashikaga, discover Oiwake-san Bishamonten, a sacred site with over 1,300 years of history.
Through unique Shugendo practices, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and the sacred Goma fire ritual, purify your body and spirit while experiencing the essence of ancient Japanese prayer.

✨ Tour Highlights

• Shugendo Practice (Mountain Walk & Goma Fire Ritual)
  Guided by monks, experience mountain pilgrimage and the powerful fire ritual. Purify your heart through the force of fire and prayer, and reflect on your life’s journey.

• Shojin Ryori Lunch (Buddhist Cuisine)
  Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal, explained by monks, learning why Buddhist cuisine avoids animal products and how food itself can cultivate mindfulness.

• Mountain Pilgrimage & Outdoor Tea Ceremony
  Walk from Ashikaga’s oldest temple, Gyodozan Joinji, to the Kanto region’s oldest Bishamonten temple. Afterwards, savor matcha and sweets at the Sky Terrace, overlooking a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kanto plain.

• Goma Fire Ritual
  Take part in the sacred Goma ceremony at Oiwake-san Bishamonten, a powerful prayer ritual that has been practiced for over 1,300 years. Cleanse your spirit and receive blessings for safety and good fortune.

• Lecture on Buddhism
  Learn about Kukai’s “Ten Stages of Mind” (Jūjūshinron) in an interactive lecture with monks. Gain deep insights into Buddhist philosophy and the stages of spiritual development.

📍 Location

Oiwake-san Tamonin Saisho-ji (Oiwake-san Bishamonten)
570 Oiwacho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi, Japan, 326-0841

• Founded in 745 (Nara period) by the monk Gyoki

• Named by Emperor Shomu as Tamonin Saisho-ji

• One of Japan’s Three Great Bishamonten temples, the oldest in the Kanto region

• Revered for nearly 1,300 years as a deity of victory, prosperity, and protection

📌 Tour Information

• Duration: Full day

• Language: Japanese (with English explanations by monks)

• Group Size: Minimum 2 participants, maximum 20

• Meeting Point: On-site (transportation arrangements available upon request)

• Price: Please inquire

• Booking Deadline: At least 2 weeks in advance (last-minute bookings may be possible depending on availability)

⚠️ Please inform us in advance of any allergies.
⚠️ Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as coverage is not included.

🔑 Who is this tour for?

• Travelers seeking more than sightseeing – a deep cultural and spiritual experience

• Those interested in Japanese Buddhism, Shugendo, and traditional practices

• Anyone looking for healing, reflection, and self-discovery

• Ideal for special occasions or memorable journeys

🌟 Additional PR

👉 “Experience 1,300 years of prayer and ascetic practice – a transformative journey of spiritual purification at Oiwake-san in Ashikaga.”