1,000 Years of History Resting in the Tokyo Sky: A Heart-to-Heart Stay at Mount Mitake’s “Shukubo” (Temple Lodges)
Mount Mitake is located in Ome City, at the western edge of Tokyo. Near the summit, at an altitude of 929 meters, lies a landscape that feels worlds away from modern-day Tokyo. This is the “Village in the Sky,” a community that has woven together over 1,000 years of history.
Once a flourishing sacred site for Shugendo (mountain asceticism), this village is still home to Shinto priests known as “Oshi.” Why not spend a special night in this extraordinary place where ancient traditions live on?
What is the "Village in the Sky" Where 1,000 Years of History Still Breathe?
The most striking feature of Mount Mitake is the village located just before the Musashi Mitake Shrine at the summit, where about 20 households still stand today.
The Tradition of Oshi: This village is inhabited by the “Oshi” families—Shinto priests who provide hospitality and perform prayers for shrine visitors. They have preserved their traditions since the Heian period (794–1185), living their lives as the guardians of the mountain.
Thatched-Roof Landscapes: Scattered throughout the village are historic buildings that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. At sites like the “Old Miyamoto House,” a designated National Important Cultural Property, simply walking through the area feels like traveling back in time.
The Shukubo Experience: Luxurious Serenity in the Home of a Shinto Priest
The true essence of a stay on Mount Mitake lies in staying at a “Shukubo” (temple or shrine lodge) rather than a standard hotel. Originally established as lodgings for pilgrims, these facilities now warmly welcome general tourists as well.
What You Can Experience at a Shukubo:
Traditional “Oshi-ryori” Cuisine: Savor the wholesome flavors of washoku (Japanese cuisine) made with an abundance of mountain bounties, including local wild vegetables, river fish, and homemade sashimi konnyaku.
Nights Wrapped in Silence: After the last cable car departs, the mountain is enveloped in profound silence. On clear nights, you can enjoy the rare contrast of Tokyo’s distant city lights and a sky filled with shimmering stars.
Morning Prayers (Nikkyusai): Many lodges offer guidance for the morning prayer service at Musashi Mitake Shrine. Participating in the ritual amidst the crisp, morning air will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.
Musashi Mitake Shrine and the Mystery of "Oinu-sama"
Musashi Mitake Shrine, the symbol of the village, enshrines “Oinu-sama” (the Japanese Wolf), a rarity even within Japan.
The Wolf as a Guardian Deity: Since ancient times, the wolf has been revered as a protective deity that drives away pests and wild animals that ravage crops.
Visiting with Your Pet: Because of this unique history, the shrine is now widely known as a place where you can worship alongside your dog. Many visitors come to pray for the health and well-being of their beloved four-legged companions.
An Experience of Purification: The Rock Garden and Takigyo (Waterfall Meditation)
The day after your stay at a shukubo, take a stroll through the lush natural surroundings.
The Rock Garden: This 1.5-kilometer trail is lined with moss-covered boulders and crystal-clear streams. Here, you can experience Tokyo’s “inner sanctum,” a place filled with refreshing “minus ions” (negative ions) and natural energy.
Ayahiro Falls: This waterfall has long been used as a site for rigorous training by mountain ascetics. Depending on the lodge, some offer “Takigyo” (Waterfall Meditation) experiences that are open to the general public.
From JR Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line/Ome Line to Mitake Station (approx. 75 minutes). From there, take a local bus and transfer to the cable car to reach the summit.
Budget: Approximately 12,000 to 20,000 yen per night, including two meals (varies by lodge).
It depends on the lodge, but in recent years, an increasing number of facilities—especially those popular with international tourists—now offer English support and online booking.
While the main path to the shrine is paved, if you plan to walk through areas like the Rock Garden, non-slip sneakers or trekking shoes are recommended.
Tokyo is not defined solely by skyscrapers and neon signs. A stay at a shukubo on Mount Mitake offers a precious opportunity to step away from the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself deeply in Japan’s spiritual culture and abundant nature. Why not plan a getaway to this “Village Above the Clouds” next weekend?
This article was brought to you by the editorial team of “Another TOKYO TAMA,” operated by the Tama Tourism Promotion Convention. We provide tourism information for the entire Tama region, including Ome City, where Mount Mitake is located.
For more travel information on the Tama region, visit “Another TOKYO TAMA”:
https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/
