Mt. Minobu — a hidden gem close to Tokyo where you can experience "deep" Japanese culture
Did you know there are three sacred mountains in Japanese Buddhism?
Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, not too far from Osaka; Mt. Hiei, which straddles the prefectures of Kyoto and Shiga; and Mt. Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture near Tokyo.
Mt. Koya, Mt. Hiei, and Mt. Minobu
These mountains are known as the three great sacred mountains of Japanese Buddhism and all revered as sacred places. They are also home to similar-looking temple towns nestled among the mountains where visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese culture and history.
| Mt. Koya | Mt. Hiei | Mt. Minobu | |
| Year of temple founding | 816 | 788 | 1281 |
| Founder | Kukai | Saicho | Nichiren |
| Sect | Shingon | Tendai | Nichiren |
| Head temple | kongobuji | Enryakuji | Kuonji |
| Nearest major city | Osaka | Kyoto | Tokyo |
| Local accommodation | Mainly temple lodgings | Hotels in the Kyoto area | Mainly temple lodgings |
| Nearest international airport | Kansai International Airport | Kansai International Airport | Haneda Airport Narita Airport |
| Getting there | Nankai Line from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station (approx. 2hrs) Cable car from Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan Station |
Eizan Line from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station Cable car and ropeway to Hiei-Sancho Station |
Highway bus from Shinjuku to Mt. Minobu Details here: |
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Mt. Minobu is home to the head temple of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is a spiritual temple town nestled in the mountains not too far from Tokyo where you can gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese Buddhism and culture.
Japan is said to be the most non-religious country in the world. However, much of Japanese culture has been influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism, and a significant proportion of the population identifies with either Shintoism or Buddhism. Many Japanese Buddhists belong to either the Jodo sect or the Nichiren sect.
Mt. Minobu is home to Kuonji Temple, the head temple (holy site) of Nichiren Buddhism, one of Japan's two major Buddhist sects.
Mt. Minobu is a spiritual temple town centered around Kuonji Temple. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape from the ropeway and observation decks. There are also hiking trails for the more adventurous.
Owing to its serene nature as a temple town visited by patrons and devotees, Mt. Minobu is not widely recognized as a tourist destination. Among Japan enthusiasts, however, it is a popular spot for experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
Mt. Minobu is certainly worth a visit if you are keen to experience Japan's traditional culture firsthand.
