We are introducing a jumbo taxi service on a trial basis from Kakurinbo to the popular Kawaguchiko area. The new service will connect Kakurinbo with Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes, which, until now, have been inaccessible without a private vehicle. The taxi for Kawaguchiko will leave Kakurinbo at 8:30 a.m., and the taxi from Kawaguchiko to Kakurinbo will depart at 2:30 p.m. The number of seats is limited, and there may be changes to the schedule once the trial begins. Please inquire at Kakurinbo for more details.
Discover the delights of indigo dye art and Buddhist cuisine this autumn in Minobu
This
fall, head for the foothills of Mount Fuji in western Yamanashi Prefecture to
discover a delicious take on Buddhist cuisine and the captivating beauty of
indigo dye art.
Only
two hours’ drive from Tokyo is Minobusan, one of Japan’s three holiest
mountains and home for the past 750 years to Kuonji, the head temple of
Nichiren Shu Buddhism. Steeped in Buddhist culture, Minobu is synonymous with a
desire for good physical and spiritual health, as symbolized by its two ideograms,
which together mean “to extend one’s life.”
Kakurinbo
is a 550-year-old traditional temple lodging, or shukubo, in Minobusan that has evolved over centuries from a
boarding house for pilgrims and novice priests to a comfortable yet authentic
accommodation that provides fine dining and ornate guestrooms within a temple
setting. Kakurinbo offers attentive hospitality, a delicious fusion of kaiseki and
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and 16 activities and experiences, many of which promise
a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
Activities
especially popular among guests from overseas are dressing up in authentic wedding
kimonos, copying and chanting sutras, writing one’s name with calligraphy, and
attending morning prayers at the imposing Kuonji temple complex.
This year, visit Kakurinbo to experience the beauty of Japan’s autumn and the fascinating history, culture and taditions of Minobusan.
https://kakurinbo.jp/en/experience
“The lighter the blue that comes from the indigo plants, the more beautiful it is, resembling the midsummer sky. The blue of the sky is the starting point from where I “build” my indigo creations.” Sato Fumiko, indigo dye artist
Sato
Fumiko uses indigo dye made from sukumo,
a raw extract from the flowering plant Persicaria
tinctoria, or Japanese indigo. She achieves the spectrum of colors that
exists between white and indigo using itajime
shibori, a fabric dying method that prevents areas of the cloth from
absorbing dye through applied pressure on a wooden board or stick. She folds
and shapes the cloth to express sharpness, and uses the pliancy of the cloth to
create curves. While most indigo dyeing methods use bleach to highlight the
whites, Sato creates her complex patterns by adjusting pressure during the itajime
shibori process. Her extensive body of work and technical skill have been
recognized internationally, while her studio and numerous exhibitions attract
visitors form around the world.
Kakurinbo
in Minobusan is proud to host The World
of Indigo, an installation of many of Sato Fumiko’s creations, on October
20-24. Kakurinbo is a 550-year-old temple lodging popular for its traditional hospitality,
delicious kaiseki and Buddhist fusion cuisine, and many activities that provide
a deeper understanding of local history, culture and nature.
The World of Indigo is open to guests staying at Kakurinbo and day visitors coming for lunch, dinner, desserts or drinks. This autumn, visit Kakurinbo in Minobusan to experience the remarkable world of Sato Fumiko.
Indigo Blue at Kakurinbo!
Kakurinbo is holding an exhibition of indigo dyed textiles from October 20 to 24.
We are open for lunch and overnight stays during the event, so please come and take a look.
Free E-bike Rentals – this Fall at Kakurinbo!
This autumn, guests staying at Kakurinbo are being offered free rental of Bridgestone E-bikes, ideal for navigating the hilly country roads that lead to Minobusan’s remote temples and mountain vistas. Cycling up to Lake Motosu is rewarded with the stunning view of Mt. Fuji – a sight so spectacular that it is depicted on the Japanese 1,000-yen note. The breezy, downhill return ride is worth the trip alone. Free rental of E-bikes is available from September 1 to October 31. Note that this offer has been made available only to guests who have made a reservation through Kakurinbo’s homepage site.
Kakurinbo
Join the Akebono soybean harvest from Oct. 10 to 25! Visit kakurinbo.jp/ for more info.
Kakurinbo is also offering guests the chance to help harvest Akebono daizu, a large sweet soybean that is found nowhere else in Japan. The harvest is a fun way for adults and children alike to meet local people, learn about shojin ryori Buddhist cuisine, and eat lots of these delicious beans. Anyone staying at Kakurinbo between October 10 and 25 can take part in the harvest for a small fee of 1,000 yen per person.
This year’s Kyonan Summer Festival at Fujikawa Craft Park in Minobucho will culminate in a floating lantern extravaganza. The festival kicks off at 12 noon on August 19, with the so-called “lantern launch” beginning at 20:30. The event is available to up to 200 participants. The participation fee is 5,000 yen for one lantern or 8,000 yen for two. For more information and to make a reservation, visit https://forms.gle/rSNnHY2Krs6xRzJD9
Information of Vegan Culinary Experience Tour Series
Learn to prepare “Vegetable Mandala” using fresh local ingredients With Yoshiko Hondo, the founder of “Wa-Vegan” Japanese Vegan foods
After graduating from high school, Yoshiko Hondo became a food coordinator. In 1990, Yoshiko decided to move to New York by herself after working for the accommodation development company as a cooking workshop assistant. At an early stage in New York, she acquired the art of various cuisines while working. Soon after, she was employed by “the Hudson River Club” and temporarily transferred to “Nomura Executive Dining” as a sous-chef and served her dishes to foreign executives. In 1996, Yoshiko moved to Los Angeles with her career and experience. Through an organic and macrobiotic style in Los Angeles, she experienced the differences between East Coast and West Coast cultures. She ended her 10 years of American life and returned to her homeland, Japan in 2000.
Gourp1
Group2
Vegan Culinary Experience Tour Series #2
Culinary Class of Japanese Ancient Vegan Cuisine by Masayo Minagawa, gastronomist and cooking expert for innovative vegan cuisine
Born in Yokohama City, worked at a facility for the handicapped in Yokohama City to fulfill her goal of “working for the benefit of society” . While working, she suffered from severe back pain and cervico-omo-brachial disorder, which were occupational diseases, she depended on medication heavily. Her illness raised her awareness about food, and she came across “Future Meal Tsubu-tsubu (millet & vegan diet).” After retirement, she moved to Mt.Minobu. She has chosen Mt. Minobu, because it is magically located on the ecliptic connecting Japan’s religious sacred places from Mt. Fuji, Mt. Shichimen, to Izumo Taihsa Shrine, on the Spring/Autumn Equinoxes. She renovated and lives in 140 years old traditional Japanese house and enjoying the country-side living with “Tsubu-tsubu (millet & vegan diet)” style.
Award-winning French Chef Meets Minobu’s Heritage
Witness how the RED U-35 Grand Prix-winning French chef Kohei Horiuchi creates nouvelle cuisine with local produce, in a traditional atmosphere
Born
in Fuji-Yoshida, a town at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, in 1986.
Graduated from a culinary academy, worked
as cook at restaurants and hotels in Tokyo, and developed career at a Michelin
2-star-restaurant “La Grenouillère”, located in a northern France countryside.
Returned
to Japan in 2018, made chef at a French restaurant “Ichii”
in Roppongi, Tokyo.
In
2021, awarded with grand-prix at RED U-35.
Since
April 2022, preparing to open his own restaurant in his hometown
at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Learning From The Temple Mountain / Jazz Night
Discover the history of the sustainable food traditions of Mount Minobu with renowned food researcher Ayame Osanai / Enjoy jazz live in the evening !
Food culture researcher
Senior researcher Keio University SFC
CEO Shokunokai Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Chef, pâtissière, Sake sommelière
Born in 1996, she started her own blog as
a pâtissière when sha was 14, and is hosting the blog since, now as a food
researcher.
While her master’s degree study in food
culture, she founded and opened Shokunokai Nihonbashi in Tokyo to re-create and serve dishes
based on the lost recipes in the past aera.
She was awarded with grand prize in U-30
entrepreneurs contest at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
She is actively involved in the areas of
food loss, creative cooking, and food education.
Celebrating Japanese Food and Culture
Noh performers, gagaku musicians, an indigo dyeing artist, and kaiseki chefs will collaborate to put on an unforgettable gala
Review English Version from Emma (a guest from France)
Testimony of a guest at Kakurinbo in December 2018
December is the best month: temperatures are usually still pleasant and being the driest month of the year means a cloudless blue sky. Furthermore, between the end of November and end of year holidays, it is low season which is an additional benefit.
Summer on the contrary is very humid and it is more difficult to see Mont Fuji. But it is the best time to climb up the mountain.
Spring and Autumn are also good times to visit but it is high season: Spring is Sakura where the cherry trees blossom, and Autumn is the time of the Momiji (trees with the colors of autumn). The prices of accommodations might be much higher and there will be many tourists.
Minobusan: my stay in a Buddhist temple (shukubo) in Japan
Minobusan, a well-kept secret
Honestly, I hesitated before sharing with you my heart stopper I had for Minobusan. Minobu is a destination off the beaten track which should remain that way. Differently to “spiritual” popular destinations like the Mont Koya (with a wide choice of shukubo for tourists), Minobu has only one shukubo which limits the flow of tourists… and that makes the experience much more charming and authentic. Nowhere else in Japan have I been welcomed with such benevolence and kindness. Looking back still brings tears to my eyes… The inhabitants of Minobu are also incredible and welcoming that they do deserve to be well-known!
If you are looking to revitalize yourself, to enjoy the Japanese nature, to learn more about the Japanese culture and all of this less than 4 hours from Tokyo, then I cannot recommend you enough to come spend a few days in Minobusan. The vegetarian cuisine, the didactic welcome of the Monks, the morning prayers, being face to face with Fujisan from the top of the mountain, the exceptional 14th century garden, the onsen and having the hotel all by myself… This is an experience I will never forget!
Getting to Mont Minobu
Mont Minobu and its temples are located West of Mont Fuji. The easiest way to reach it is to take a highway bus from Tokyo (around 3h30 from Shinjuku station, be aware to book in advance at the ticket counter or online). If you do not have a JR Pass, the long-distance bus is often the cheapest way to travel.
The other option is the train. It is not direct from Tokyo but the JR trains can reach Minobu Station. Between Minobu Station and the village/temple of Minobu, there is a local bus to take (possible to use the Suica card/Pasmo!) because it is a long trek by foot.
To go up to the top of Mont Minobu, there are also two ways: either using the ropeway or hiking (read below).
Minobu is particularly busy during Sakura and Momiji seasons in Spring and Autumn. Early December I was almost the only one here which was very cool! But depending on the season you prefer, I think Minobu is worth visiting all year around!
Since I was only using public transport during this trip, I only stayed in Minobu. But, Minobu being between Mont Fuji and Minami Alps, there are of course many other things to do in the area! If you would like to stay longer in the Japanese Alps, another cool experience is to stay in the oldest hotel in the world at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a ryokan with hot springs opened in 705! Or if you like walking, it is also possible to follow the pilgrimage between Mont Minobu and Mont Shichimen.
My 2-day stay in a Buddhist temple (shukubo) at Mont Minobu
To better experience my stay at Minobu, this article will be written like a travel journal. Mont Fuji being often covered with clouds, make sure to book a few days here to have the best chance to see the scenery. On my end, I was very lucky with the weather (December being a good month, slightly cold but often very dry with a cloudless blue sky), but if I had to do it again, I will spend at least 3 days here to walk a bit more and simply to disconnect at the shukubo.
Day 1: Scouting and relaxation
After a week in Tokyo, I leave very early on the highway bus from Shinjuku. I even get to see Mont Fuji before arriving in Minobu! I instantly know this week would be great but I still had no idea that I will have one of the best experience in my life…
My bus finally arrives in Minobu village. I still need to walk a few hundred meters with my luggage to reach the shukubo. The temple is located a bit uphill compared to the village: it is quite difficult specially with the luggage! But a magical surprise awaits me during my break: a group of does stop and stare at me from the other side of the woods!
I finally arrive in Kakurinbo Shukubo. It is my first time sleeping in a Buddhist temple’s ryokan and I could not have dreamt of a better place! As soon as I arrive, the temple’s monk welcomes me with an incredible kindness even though he does not speak well English. He seems to be spending his days walking his shiba dog between two prayers!
The staff then tells me that a Japanese man and myself are the only two guests tonight and that I will have the ryokan to myself tomorrow. This getaway sounds promising!
Wedding kimonos decorate the hallway that brings me to my room on the ground floor. It is a traditional room with tatami and sliding doors. On the other side, the room opens on the 14th century Japanese garden. I am already in love; it is beautiful! My bed is not made yet, during the day a small table with cushions is in the middle of my room. The hostess offers me to serve me tea which is free all day.
Initially I had planned to do nothing today but since the weather is nice outside, I finally decide to walk around and try my first attempt to see Fuji on top of Mont Minobu.
To do so, I first need to reach Kuon-ji Temple, the main temple at the foot of Mont Minobu but already “slightly” uphill compared to the village. The access to the temple is generally through a huge door followed by a flight of 287 steps. But today I will use the less uphill path to the temple.
Nobody is in the temple; it is quite strange… The weather is still nice but there are more clouds now. Not sure if I will be able to see Fuji today: as I will learn later, end of day is often not ideal to see Fujisan… I buy a return ticket for the ropeway (I will not have time to hike today) for the top of Mont Minobu. But it is a missed attempt! Fuji is covered with clouds unfortunately…
However, I am right on time for prayer at one of the smallest temples in the middle of the forest: drums are echoing everywhere. I also look on the other side of the mountain where we can see a beautiful cloudless view of Minami Alps! I wait while eating a yummy soy sauce mochi hoping Fujisan will appear… with no luck.
Arriving to the village, I continue my walk in the temples until Nichiren-Shonin Mausoleum and the Prayer Hall (Gosoan-ato) at the edge of the forest… Minobu is actually a big temple complex: its original temple, Kuon-ji, established in 1274, is the main temple in the Buddhist branch called Nichiren Shu, which owes its name to its founder, the reformer temple Nichiren Shonin, who is buried on this very spot. He is the one who created the “Sutra Lotus”, whose section is always sung in each prayer of this Buddhist branch. Therefore, it is a very important place for this religion and makes it a pilgrimage site.
After that, I come back to my shukubo to enjoy the place! An accommodation in a temple is actually not very different from a traditional ryokan. Here, there is no curfew and prayers are optional. I am completely free to enjoy the place the way I wish. At nightfall and during the night, the 14th century temple garden is even more magical and peaceful. Everything has a meaning in a Japanese garden: the shape of the pond for example represents the “love” Kanji! An abundantly peaceful place… until a group of wild monkeys appear! Did I forget to mention that does are not the only wild animals in the area? Monkeys arrive at nightfall and in the morning, their noises make it impossible to miss them! But, I prefer meeting them than the other forest inhabitants: the bears…
Now time for the bath! Kakurinbo Shukubo has a small onsen that you privatize at the time you want (usually it is only once a day per person, but since we are only two guests, I can enjoy it as much as possible!). The spring water is livened up by pink grape flavoured bath salts produced locally. A perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
After this very relaxing bath, comes dinner, because half board is included in the price of the room! Traditionally, Buddhist eat vegetarian food so the food served in shukubos is also vegetarian. Here they make a small exception by offering a small portion of fish (no meat) to clients who want it but the food remains 95% vegetarian and everything is delicious.
Every meal is served in beautiful china, sake and a very enjoyable service! I am also able to taste one of the temple’s specialty for dessert, soya soft cream… delicious!
After the meal comes today’s activity! Since I am the only guest (the Japanese man had already gone back to his room), the staff offers to make me try one of their collection kimonos worth 2 million ¥… that is an offer you cannot refuse! I did not think they would take out all the accessories! Another memory I will never forget…
My first day at Kakurinbo Shukubo ends with a silent contemplation of the illuminated garden before going to bed. I need to sleep early tonight if I want to get up before 5am for the morning prayer…
Day 2: Hike on Mont Minobu and view of Mont Fuji!
Unfortunately, today again, my first attempt to attend the morning prayer (which is at the main temple and separated with almost 300 steps from Kakurinbo…) is a failure: torrential rains lash Minobu until 8 in the morning… Hence I decide to postpone my expedition to tomorrow and stay warm waiting for the rain to stop… which is a very good idea!
After a delicious vegetarian breakfast, it is time for attempt n*2 to see Mont Fuji from the top of Mont Minobu!
This time, I walk through the village, which looks just as empty (should this be the only Japanese village without a 7-Eleven?! Looks like it!). After the rain stops, I think it is a good time to face the 287 big stone steps of the Boda-tei, stairs lasting from the 17th century that allow to go from the Sanmon gate (one of the biggest temple gate in Japan) to the main temple and its 5-story pagoda.
The stairs are separated in seven parts that represent the seven stages to enlightenment in Buddhism… It is exactly the feeling I feel arriving at the top! The steps’ abruptness made me think of the Maya Pyramids!
I painfully take 20 minutes to go up the steps and an old man passed me by… he went up all the way without stopping once! Anyway, at this rate, I would have definitely missed the start of the morning prayer! Tomorrow, I will take the “easy” route…
I then take the ropeway again towards the top of Mont Minobu hoping for the view this time. However, I only buy a single ticket: I will walk down. The sky is not completely cloudless but it is normal because of today’s rain. Fujisan requires patience…
I walk around the temple at the top of Mont Minobu waiting for Fujisan to pop up.
Here it is! Patience succeeded: Fujisan is here and cloudless!
Fujisan completes the view: I cannot go back down, it is so magical!
I do not know how long I spend admiring the view but quite a long time… starting to feel hungry, I eat at the ropeway station’s restaurant and once again, the food is delicious, cheap with an incredible view! The moon also makes its appearance!
But I cannot spend the whole day here: I need to walk back down to the village. There are actually two different paths (if you are staying here two days, you can walk on one path per day):
5km long East Path one way: it goes past for example the Toshogu and Daikokudo temples, to finish at the back of the main Kuon-ji temple
8km long West Path one way: (entrance is close to the ropeway’s arrival) this path goes by a few minor temples (including the Shojuan temple, the others do not even have a translation on Google Maps…) to finally arrive at the Gosoan-ato temple (where I went yesterday). This is the one I chose.
Mont Minobu is almost completely covered by forest and… bears so be
very careful! It is highly not recommended to go hiking without a bear whistle. I do not have one with me because it “usually” is their hibernation time but I soon regret not taking one: every small noise make me scared! I decide to make my own noise (which is supposed to prevent the bears where you are and to make them go away, works like the whistle) and I sing during the whole hike.
The West hiking path does not have any major difficulty. The trees still had some autumn colours and the small temples I walked by were beautiful but the most impressive was the trail in the forest with huge conifers. I also see a doe and her fawn!
The descent is still quite long, it takes me more than 2 hours to walk the 8kms, the sun had already started to set when I arrive… I am quite happy to see the gate separating the first temple with the bottom of the mountain.
The hot bath is well deserved after this long hike!
Dinner course is again excellent. Being the only guest tonight, I have the whole staff for myself, it is great and helps me to relax. I try another local specialty, fermented prune juice.
This time, my meal is livened up by a golden leaves special sake (surprise by my lovely waiter Endo even though I ordered regular sake!)
After the meal, tonight’s activity is origami! With a very good teacher, again Endo, I am doing quite well for a first time!
I get to know Endo a bit more tonight because he is the one who speaks the best English. He tells me that he came to Kakurinbo as a guest last year for a week and loved it so much he decided to stay. I cannot agree more with him… The staff team here is lovely!
Day 3: Morning prayers… and a wish to never leave!
This time is the right one! I get up at 5am to attend the Buddhist monks’ first morning prayer in the main Kuon-ji temple. As I am painfully going up to the temple via the easy route (on the road), a woman stops by in her car and I understand (she did not speak one word of English) that she offers to drive me up to the temple! Of course I happily accept.
I am very grateful to have met her because otherwise I would not have known where to go, or where I could sit, what I could do etc. As a reminder, not many people speak English in Minobu and Internet does not have much information on it.
The prayer releases such a strong emotion for me that I decide not to take any pictures. My personal driver guide even entrusts me to one of her monk friends who shows me how to manipulate the incense during prayers, that we usually cannot do alone. I will always remember this morning prayer followed by the impressive drum beats in this dark night… I even follow my new friends to the second prayer, in a smaller group, in the neighbor temple. You need to live it to experience it.
The lady offers me to bring me back to the village in her car. That is an offer difficult to refuse! The sun had started to rise and light the temple. The monks were continuing their prayers (in private only) with the drum beats in the background that echoed in the whole valley. The monks also give a lucky charm paper at the end.
Words are not enough to transcribe this incredible experience. Japanese people are so welcoming, even in the most remote areas. Do not be scared to meet them, the language barrier is not a problem!
One thing is certain: my breakfast is highly deserved after all those emotions! I am not getting tired of eating the delicious vegetarian food while facing the beautiful garden…
This is how ends my spiritual retreat at Mont Minobu. As I left, the whole team says goodbye and gives me a Japanese word to give to the bus driver to make sure he drops me off at Minobu station. The owner, who keeps a small notebook with all her clients’ stories, tells me I am only her second Belgian guest.
You can book your stay at Kakurinbo Shukubo on Booking.com. Now, there is not much information about Minobu but feel free to use Google Translate, it works well!
Kakurinbo featured on The Washington Post’s travel site
Our temple was interviewed by the Washington Post. The theme of the interview is to stay at Shukubo. Our Shukubo is summarized in the video.
Our temple was published in JNTO 100 experience in japan.
Mount Minobu (Minobu-san) is home to Kuonji Temple, the headquarters of the Buddhist Nichiren-shu sect. Kuonji offers you the chance to embrace traditional Japanese Buddhist customs — the aroma of incense, droning sutra chants and the calming rhythm of copying sutras by hand, are your gateways to an all-new experience. To really do it properly, book a stay at the nearby Gyogakuin Kakurinbo temple lodgings. Eat simple but nourishing shojin ryori — traditional vegetarian Buddhist fare — as you feed your spiritual curiosity. Mt. Minobu is in Yamanashi Prefecture, about 3 hours by road, from Tokyo.
