A Journey Through the First Shogun’s Path of Worship

I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a three day tour offering an immersive experience into Japan’s history and culture. 

Here is the trip itinerary:

This unforgettable 3-day, 2-night tour takes you to three sacred sites deeply connected to Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of samurai governance. Guided by experts, you will retrace the faith, martial arts, and lifestyle of the era, gaining profound insights into the essence of Japanese spiritual culture while creating lasting memories.

Schedule:

• Dates: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Thursday, January 16, 2025

• Locations: Hakone Shrine, Izusan Shrine, and Mishima Taisha

Tour Highlights:

Embark on a journey to three sacred sites linked to Minamoto no Yoritomo, delving into history and culture with expert guidance. Relive the faith, martial traditions, and way of life of the Kamakura period while exploring the depths of Japan’s spiritual culture.

Visiting Sites:

• Hakone Shrine: A site where Yoritomo prayed for victory.

• Izusan Shrine: A place of prayer during his exile and a significant faith center.

• Mishima Taisha: A vital sanctuary that supported the revival of the Minamoto clan.

Activities:

• Worship: Special prayers and commemorative stamps at each shrine.

• Martial Arts: Swordsmith demonstrations and martial arts experiences.

• Gastronomy: Reimagined cuisine inspired by the Kamakura period.

• Crafts: Hands-on carving of a miniature Buddha statue.

• Trails: Walk along ancient paths to relive history.

There were six participants, in addition to the organizer, the guide, the travel agent, the photographer, and other support staff. We ate fabulous food, stayed in comfort, bathed in onsens, and had great weather for our travels.

I’m still going through my many photos, but soon I will be posting the day by day details. (You may want to take this tour in the future!)