THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Hike through primeval forest to Shippo-ryuji temple, witness the Goma fire ritual of Shugen-do, then unwind in a mountain onsen—an immersive day trip less than an hour from Izumisano. Read on for what to expect, how to prepare, and local tips.
Hike through primeval forest to Shippo-ryuji temple, witness the Goma fire ritual of Shugen-do, then unwind in a mountain onsen—an immersive day trip less than an hour from Izumisano. Read on for what to expect, how to prepare, and local tips.
You step off the minibus where the road thins and the forest takes over—a corridor of ancient cedars and maples whose trunks darken with moss. The trail climbs steadily, roots and stones rearranging your pace, while the steady rush of a mountain stream dares you to move faster. By the time the wooden gates of Shippo-ryuji appear, the air smells of leaf litter and incense.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by icpトラベル · Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture
You step off the minibus where the road thins and the forest takes over—a corridor of ancient cedars and maples whose trunks darken with moss. The trail climbs steadily, roots and stones rearranging your pace, while the steady rush of a mountain stream dares you to move faster. By the time the wooden gates of Shippo-ryuji appear, the air smells of leaf litter and incense.
Mt. Inunaki is counted among Japan’s older sacred peaks and is linked to Shugen-do, the mountain-ascetic tradition of the yamabushi. Geologically it’s a low, rounded massif of ancient sedimentary rock cut by small streams and waterfalls; culturally it’s a place where fire and water meet—literal in the Goma ritual, symbolic in the vows offered at the Gomadan altar.
Expect a 6–8 hour outing that mixes steady forest hiking with guided ritual time in the temple’s main hall and a restorative onsen at Fudouguchi-Kan (or nearby Minamitei if the ryokan is closed for renovations). The Goma fire ceremony is intimate: your guide explains protocol, you enter the hall about 15 minutes before it begins, and wishes are offered as prayer sticks burn.
Practical notes: firm trail shoes with good traction and layered clothing are essential—temperatures can drop in the canopy. Carry water, a small towel for the onsen, and cash for small temple offerings. The route is family-friendly but contains uneven terrain and some stone steps; allow time to move deliberately and to honor the ritual rhythm of the place.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Suitable for hikers with basic stamina who can manage uneven trails and several hundred feet of cumulative ascent; not a technical climb.
The organized tour runs about seven hours total including bus time; expect roughly 1.5–3 hours round-trip on the trail depending on pace and stops.
Yes. The ritual is participatory but respectful observation is fine; guides explain how to offer wishes if you choose to participate.
Most traditional onsen in the area have gender-separated baths; check the ryokan’s rules and bring appropriate modesty items if needed.
Photography is usually restricted in the main hall during sacred rites—follow the guide’s instructions and be discreet.
Mt. Inunaki is cited in recent scholarship as a formative site for Shugen-do mountain asceticism; the temple and trails retain practices dating back centuries.
Trails are fragile—stick to marked paths, pack out trash, and avoid loud group behaviors to protect understory plants and nesting birds.
icpトラベル operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the minibus where the road thins and the forest takes over—a corridor of ancient cedars and maples whose trunks darken with moss. The trail climbs steadily, roots and stones rearranging your pace, while the steady rush of a mountain stream dares you to move faster. By the time the wooden gates of Shippo-ryuji appear, the air smells of leaf litter and incense.
You step off the minibus where the road thins and the forest takes over—a corridor of ancient cedars and maples whose trunks darken with moss. The trail climbs steadily, roots and stones rearranging your pace, while the steady rush of a mountain stream dares you to move faster. By the time the wooden gates of Shippo-ryuji appear, the air smells of leaf litter and incense.
Mt. Inunaki is counted among Japan’s older sacred peaks and is linked to Shugen-do, the mountain-ascetic tradition of the yamabushi. Geologically it’s a low, rounded massif of ancient sedimentary rock cut by small streams and waterfalls; culturally it’s a place where fire and water meet—literal in the Goma ritual, symbolic in the vows offered at the Gomadan altar.
Expect a 6–8 hour outing that mixes steady forest hiking with guided ritual time in the temple’s main hall and a restorative onsen at Fudouguchi-Kan (or nearby Minamitei if the ryokan is closed for renovations). The Goma fire ceremony is intimate: your guide explains protocol, you enter the hall about 15 minutes before it begins, and wishes are offered as prayer sticks burn.
Practical notes: firm trail shoes with good traction and layered clothing are essential—temperatures can drop in the canopy. Carry water, a small towel for the onsen, and cash for small temple offerings. The route is family-friendly but contains uneven terrain and some stone steps; allow time to move deliberately and to honor the ritual rhythm of the place.