Join us and uncover Mt. Horaiji’s rich 1,300+ years of history, stunning natural scenery, and spiritual significance. This captivating journey combines cultural exploration with a moderate walk (going down the third-largest staircase in Japan, instead of up!).
Up to 2 people: 30,000 yen
3 or more people: 30,000 yen + 1,000 yen/person for the third and extra guests
Private Experience
Toyohashi Station, Toyohashi, Aichi (Google Maps)
Hon-Nagashino Station, Shinshiro, Aichi (Google Maps)
10:00 ~ 17:20 (7 hours)
English, Japanese
English: Native ★★★★★
Japanese: Native ★★★★★
After meeting at Toyohashi Station we will take an express train towards Mt. Horaiji, passing charming Japanese countryside “inaka” scenery on the way. From the train station next to Mt. Horaiji, we take a bus up the mountain.
We start the tour by exploring the rocky Gyoshagoe cliff and its views from the top. Then we’ll explore the incredible shrine devoted to one of Japan’s most powerful samurai, and after this we’ll enjoy a delicious bento lunch made by a local restaurant, eating and marveling at the views. After this, we visit an amazing viewpoint higher up the mountain before going down the famous stone steps, including a detour through centuries-old Buddhist stone monuments and statues.
On Saturday tours we visit the beautiful river nearby instead of the higher viewpoint because of public transport timetables. Please note that on cloudy days or days with light rain, the mountain still has an amazing atmosphere, but due to the need for extra caution while descending the steps, we cannot visit the higher viewpoint.
Join us on an adventure of cultural discovery and natural exploration, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the spiritual essence of Mt Horaiji. Come along and create lasting memories as we explore this remarkable mountain, covering approximately 6-7 kilometers on foot. Please note: a basic level of fitness is needed for this tour, as we will be walking and climbing down a long staircase, with breaks.
We will meet you before 10 am, to help you buy a limited express train ticket to Yuyaonsen Station (next to Mt. Horaiji).
From the top there are amazing views, and we will tell you about the history of the more quiet side of the mountain while we snack on onigiris.
We’ll walk around the shrine and see its intricate painting and decoration while taking in the incredible atmosphere.
We’ll look out over the view while eating our bento.
After a walk through the forest, feel like you’re walking on air from this rocky viewpoint where samurai used to hunt hawks and practice falconry.
We will walk through the temple grounds and enter a place with Buddhist monuments and sacred spaces from hundreds and hundreds of years of monks living and praying on the mountain.
Much easier than climbing up, we will go down the steps, and see the spiritually and culturally significant landmarks on the way.
See the charming and historical small village nested in the valley below Mt Horaiji.
We help you to get the train back to Toyohashi Station for the Shinkansen.
We are an Australian/Japanese couple that has loved this part of Japan for a long time. In 2023 we were able to buy our dream house not far from Mt. Horaiji, and we’ve made it our mission to spread our love for this incredible place and its stories as much as we can. Mt. Horaiji and this area deserve much more attention, and the local history needs to be preserved!
With both of us guiding you, we offer both native-level English and Japanese, which is useful when talking about the complicated cultural history of Japan.
We can’t wait to share this place with you!
