A 1,200-year-old Shingon yamabushi head temple just outside Tokyo, with a twice-yearly 1-night training retreat at Daihonbo featuring waterfall ablutions, pre-dawn mountain practice and sacred fire ritual.
Features
Highlights
Stay at One of Three Head Temples of Shingon Chizan-ha
Founded in 744 by the monk Gyoki at the order of Emperor Shomu, Takaosan Yakuoin Yukiji is one of the three great head temples of the Shingon Chizan-ha school in eastern Japan, alongside Naritasan Shinshoji and Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji. Mt. Takao itself has been a sacred yamabushi training ground for over 1,200 years, and Daihonbo is the traditional shukubo within the temple precincts.
Twice-Yearly Shinto Buchu Shugyokai Retreat
The temple opens its 1-night, 2-day "Shinto Buchu Shugyokai" believer training retreat to the general public twice a year — once each in June and October — capped at 40 participants aged 20+. The 25,000 yen program (lodging + 3 shojin meals + bath + instruction) covers takigyo waterfall ablutions, pre-dawn kaiho-gyo mountain circumambulation, sutra recitation, gachirinkan moon-disc meditation, shakyo, and the saito-goma sacred fire ceremony.
Year-Round Takigyo and Shojin Ryori
Even outside the retreat dates, Yakuoin opens two waterfall halls — Hebi-taki and Biwa-taki — to lay practitioners on fixed dates each month with beginner instruction, and the temple kitchen serves yamabushi-style shojin ryori for lunch (advance reservation, 2-day notice, parties of 2 or more, 11:00–14:00) at Daihonbo, drawing on the Shugendo principle that the mountain itself is Buddha.
About
Details
Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions about Takaosan Yakuoin Daihonbo
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.
Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.
Takaosan Yakuoin Daihonbo has limited English support. We recommend using a translation app or asking your hotel concierge to help with any pre-arrival communication. The staff is very welcoming and will do their best to assist.
Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is by 15:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.
Yes, Takaosan Yakuoin Daihonbo can prepare vegetarian meals. Japanese Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is naturally plant-based and beautifully presented. Please inform the ryokan of your dietary requirements at least 2 days before arrival so the chef can prepare accordingly.
Yes, most ryokans including Takaosan Yakuoin Daihonbo offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.
Takaosan Yakuoin Daihonbo may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.
The nearest station is Takaosanguchi Station (Keio Takao Line), approximately 50 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.
You can book Takaosan Yakuoin Daihonbo through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).
More in Tokyo