Mystical Mt. Kurai — Guided by a Local Expert

Mt. Kurai

Rising quietly behind the sacred Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine, Mt. Kurai has been revered since ancient times as a spiritual bridge between heaven and earth. According to legend, it was once believed to be the very place where deities descended to earth during the enthronement of the emperor—hence the name “Kurai,” which can mean “rank” or “enthronement.”
Another story behind the name links the mountain to the yew tree, Gifu Prefecture’s official tree. The rare native yew forest found on Mt. Kurai was once used to craft ritual scepters (shaku) presented to the imperial court. The craftsmen were honored with the prestigious title of “Ichii” (First Rank), which is said to have given the mountain its name.

Tour

On this tour, a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through ancient, moss-covered forests, passing massive stones and trees that are hundreds of years old. As you ascend toward the 1,529-meter summit, you’ll visit sacred power spotssuch as the Kurai Giant Stone Cluster and Amano-Iwato, a cave steeped in spiritual energy. Surrounded by silence and nature, you’ll feel yourself gently reconnecting—with the earth, and with your own inner peace.

Amano-Iwato

Amano-Iwato is an important place in Japanese mythology, a cave where the sun goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami, is said to have hidden. The world was enveloped in darkness when Amaterasu hid in Iwato, but the eight million gods cooperated to lure Amaterasu out of the cave, and light was restored to the world.
This myth is the basis of belief in Japanese Shinto, and Amano-Iwato, the site of this myth, is one of the most important sacred places in Shinto.

Infomation

  • Meeting point: Pickup offered
  • Please bring the following items:
    • Shoes for hiking
    • Rainwear
    • Beverages
  • Travelers: 4~12
  • Date: ugust 27 and September 10
  • Start time: 8:00am (Please come to meeting point 5 min before)
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Inclusions:
    • Lunch
  • Cancellation policy:
    • 10-8 days before tour starts 20%, 7-2 days before tour starts 30%, 24 hours before the tour starts 40%, one day before tour starts 50%, late or after the tour 100% 
    • If the tour is canceled due to bad weather conditions, notice will be sent by e-mail one day before tour date. Tour fee paid will be fully refunded
    • A flight delay or cancellation certificate is required to request for rescheduling or refund.
  • Others:
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for guests who have heart disease or other serious medical conditions 
    • This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a date change or a full refund. 
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it is canceled due to insufficient participants, you will be offered a change of date/experience or a full refund. 

Price

Mystical Mt. Kurai
About 8 hours 20000 yen / person

Reservation