Hidden hot-spring retreat at Hijiori-Onsen

Okura Trip Overview

This is a rare chance to stay overnight at a hidden hot-spring village with a unique history. Hijiori-onsen is one of the ancient entrances to Dewasanzan, the ‘Three Holy Mountains of Dewa’. A pilgrimage through all three mountains (Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono) is believed to represent a journey of rebirth, with the mountains representing the present, the past and rebirth respectively. The journey gives pilgrims the chance to both reflect on their lives and reconnect with nature by receiving the spiritual power of the mountains. One way of receiving this power is to eat ‘Shojin Ryori’ (Japanese Shinto vegetarian cuisine) made with the wild local vegetables from the mountains. Traditonally, visitors would eat a Shojin Ryori meal made with vegetables and mushrooms from Mt. Gassan and purify themselves in the hot-spring water of Hijiori before beginning their pilgrimage.

Additional Info

Duration: 2 days
Starts: Okura, Japan
Trip Category: Food, Wine & Nightlife >> Dining Experiences

What to Expect When Visiting Okura, Yamagata, Japan

This is a rare chance to stay overnight at a hidden hot-spring village with a unique history. Hijiori-onsen is one of the ancient entrances to Dewasanzan, the ‘Three Holy Mountains of Dewa’. A pilgrimage through all three mountains (Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono) is believed to represent a journey of rebirth, with the mountains representing the present, the past and rebirth respectively. The journey gives pilgrims the chance to both reflect on their lives and reconnect with nature by receiving the spiritual power of the mountains. One way of receiving this power is to eat ‘Shojin Ryori’ (Japanese Shinto vegetarian cuisine) made with the wild local vegetables from the mountains. Traditonally, visitors would eat a Shojin Ryori meal made with vegetables and mushrooms from Mt. Gassan and purify themselves in the hot-spring water of Hijiori before beginning their pilgrimage.

After a walking tour through the quaint streets of Hijiori-onsen hot spring village, you will check-in to traditional Japanese Ryokan lodging. For dinner enjoy a delicious meal of ‘Shojin-ryori’ cuisine (traditional shinto vegetarian cuisine) made from locally sourced vegetables and historically eaten by pilgrims staying overnight at Hijiori-onsen before beginning their journey through Dewasanzan, the ‘Three Holy Mountains of Dewa’. In the morning, choose from a range of activities available in the Hijiori-onsen area; from hiking or snow-shoeing, to local cuisine cooking classes!

Sample Menu

• Side dishes made with seasonal vegetables – The menu will change with each season but typically includes dishes like wild-vegetable tempura and mushroom hot-pot.

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