Mt. Ishizuchi is one of Japan’s seven sacred mountains. It’s an ancient site for nature worship where the practice of blowing conch shells is at the heart of Shugendō, a religion combining Shintō with Buddhism with physical austerities. Shugendō has been practised for more than 1,300 years at Ishizuchi Shrine.
In this experience, you participate in a typical Shintō shrine visit with taiko drumming, a blessing with a prayer wand, an offering on the altar, and sacred sake. You also take part in a misogi waterfall purification ritual led by a Shintō priest. You can also try blowing a conch shell horn with help from the priest.