Shamanism and Tengu on Mount Takao

(8:00—16:00)

Tengu-Who are they? Mountain demons? Pagan devils? European goblins or Japanese goblins? The great mentors of famous ninjas? Beings with the secrets of divine combat? You will find answers to all these questions during our tour.

Our journey will begin with a visit to the sake factory. Sake is a traditional alcoholic drink in Japan, which is obtained by fermenting rice by fermentation. The first mention of this drink first appeared more than 2000 years ago. Initially, this drink was prepared only at the court of the emperor and in Shinto temples, but in the Middle Ages, village communities began to prepare it. The best sake varieties have a taste of soy sauce, ripened cheese and even fresh mushrooms. The color can range from transparent to yellowish-amber or green. More than two thousand years ago, the Japanese borrowed sake recipe in China Walking through the halls of the plant, we will get acquainted with the intricacies of making an alcoholic beverage, hear the history of the production of Japanese alcohol. At the end of the tour, we can taste a hot drink and buy our favorite varieties. At noon we will enjoy beautiful views of the running mountain river, suspension bridge and rocky banks. In a local cafe in the fresh air, we will try local delicacies in the form of soy cottage cheese "tofu" and the most delicate rice dough of this prefecture.

Take the car to the foot of the mystical mountain Takao. Takaosan is one of the closest natural recreation areas to the center of Tokyo with picturesque landscapes, the amazing Shinto temple of Yakuoini, where well organized routes for walking. The mountain is located within the limits of Tokyo and, it takes only 60 minutes to get to it, it is considered a sacred mountain and is an object of worship for more than 1000 years. At the foot of the mountain you can see several waterfalls, where monks every morning undergo a ritual of purification of the soul and body. There are also cells of the servants of the temple. Climb the mountain on a mountain local train with an eerily steep angle of ascent. This cable car began to function in 1927. The route is laid along the steepest part of the climb (31°), and it is the largest inclination angle of the cable car in Japan. At the top we will meet magnificent views of the city of Tokyo. Following the mountain trail, we will go out and visit the Wild Grass and Monkey Park, where we will have the opportunity to meet 40 macaques and find out their names. Throughout the day there are performances with their participation. Along the way, we will come across a 450-year-old cryptomeria or an octopus tree with a magic hollow, where according to legend, Tengu – the “demons of the night” – live. The Japanese worship the “octopus tree”, believing that communicating with the mountain rulers, you can get a piece of their sacred power. We climb the stairs above, pass the famous gate with Joshin treasures and go to the pilgrimage road with temple shops, where we will buy incense sticks and amulets. Overcome 108 steps with high elevation and appear before the Supreme in the form of a 4-meter war raven Tengu with a long nose, wings and armor. Tengu has long been considered a patron of martial arts. Historical references to tengu can be found not only in the context of Buddhism and Shintoism, but also in ancient stories about the martial arts of Japan, including ninpo (as well as ninjutsu). The presence of drawings with images of tengu can be found in hundreds of treatises and manuals on ken-jutsu, ninjutsu, ju-jutsu and other traditional Japanese schools of budo, which confirms the significant influence of tengu on the martial arts of Japan. Among the Japanese, there is an opinion that the ancestors of the ninja were tengu, who passed on to their descendants unclean demonic power and skill. Sometimes Tengu shared their skills with ordinary people, and perhaps we are lucky enough to enlist their support. We will enter the temple of the demons Yakuoin, which was built in the 8th century and is famous for its icy multicolored carvings. Near the temple you will see huge iron Gata shoes presented to the temple in the hope of gaining good health and physical strength. In the Middle Ages, faith in Tengu was so strong that even in 1860, the Japanese government sent them a formal petition to liberate the provinces through which the shogun passed.

A luxurious lunch awaits us and the doors in front of us will open a charming traditional Japanese restaurant "Ukai Toriyama", known for its signature dishes - chickens fried on coals and hida steaks. The restaurant is located in an old reed-covered residential building in front of which a large, delightfully beautiful Japanese garden is laid out. on an area of 2 hectares. In small rooms, lined with tatami, dishes will be served by waitresses dressed in real kimonos.

At the end of the program, charge your phones and cameras! As we head into the world of magic and tricks in a corner of wonder and fantasy, where we get a sea of amazing emotions! The Museum of Optical Illusions consists of many exhibitions, where visitors become part of them. This is a new format of the museum, in which photography is not only not prohibited, but also an integral part of the consideration of the exhibition. The Museum of Optical Illusions is open to viewers of all ages without restrictions and we guarantee that it will not be boring! To sail on the Titanic, to be among giant toys, to escape from evil alligators, to receive a prize from the head of state – this is only a small part of what we will feel!

Takao-san is a very popular place for hiking and tourism. This place is visited by more than 2.5 million people per year. Michelin called Mount Takao a must-see point in Tokyo.

Full day excursion, Duration 9 hours

The cost of the tour by car: 73000 JPY / 690 USD per group from 1st to 3 people. (more than 3 people - contractual)

(The tour starts and ends at your hotel)

on public transport tour is possible, but without a plant for the manufacture of "sake" - 30,000 JPY / 280 USD for a group of 1-3 people.

The price includes:

Services of a Russian-speaking guide on the program. The price does not include:

Lunches -

Public transport 3,000 JPY per person.-28DOL

Entrance tickets for the excursion program are 2100 JPY per person-20dol.

The starting point of the tour: Meeting with the guide at 8:00 in the hotel lobby. The guide has the name of the client in his hands.

What to bring with you: comfortable shoes.

Prices can vary from the number of people in the group to the season. For a more accurate assessment please write a request by emai