Mt. Minobu Tourist Guide

Mt. Minobu in Minobu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, is home to Minobusan Kuonji Temple, the head temple of the Nichiren Shu.Why not stay at a shukubo (temple lodging) and spend a day starting with the morning service?

4 Things to Do in Minobu

1

First, apply for the Okaicho

Upon arrival, head to Hoonkaku, the main reception. The doors of the Soshido will be opened, allowing you to see the figure of Saint Nichiren, which is usually not visible. No reservation required, takes about 15 minutes.

See how to apply for Okaicho → 2

Attend the morning service early in the morning

The chanting of dozens of monks and the sound of large taiko drums echo through the main hall of Kuonji Temple at dawn. Free, no reservation required. You can walk from your shukubo to attend.

See the flow of the morning service → 3

View Mt. Fuji from Okunoin

About a 7-minute ropeway ride. From Okunoin at the summit, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji and the Fuji River flowing below.

See how to get to Okunoin → 4

Savor yuba in the temple town

Enjoy local specialties like fresh yuba and Minobu manju. Stroll through the temple town leading to Kuonji Temple and explore the restaurants and souvenir shops.

See where to eat and shop →

Minobusan in the Future — Nearby Events

1. First, apply for Okaicho — worship the figure of Nichiren Shonin at the Soshido

Upon arrival at Minobusan,first apply for Okaicho at the general reception, "Ho-on-kaku."

"Okaicho" is the act of worshipping the enshrined image within the zushi (miniature shrine) of a temple hall. At Minobusan, the doors of the Daikuden (main hall) of the Soshido (Seishinkaku), which enshrines Nichiren Shonin, are opened, allowing visitors to specially worship the figure and face of Nichiren Shonin.The doors of the Daikuden (main hall) of the Soshido (Seishinkaku), which enshrines Nichiren Shonin, are opened, allowing visitors to specially worship the figure and face of Nichiren Shonin.Since the doors are usually closed, only those who apply can participate in this worship.

(According to Minobusan Kuonji Official Website "Okaijo, Eko, Kigan, Special Hōyō" and "Frequently Asked Questions")

Flow of Okaijo

1. Go to Hoonkaku— This is the main reception for Minobusan (Map of Hoonkaku ↗). It is located right next to the Soshido. You can ascend the Bodai-tei stairs or take the inclined elevator to the temple grounds.
2. Apply at the reception desk— Say "Okaijo wo onegai shimasu" (I would like to request Okaijo) and pay the donation. No reservation is required.
3. To the Soshido— Follow the guidance and enter the Soshido.
4. Worship the image— The doors of the main hall open, and you can worship the image of Saint Nichiren (approx. 15 minutes).
5. Explore the temple grounds— After the Okaijo, let's visit the main hall, five-story pagoda, and Goshinkotsudo, etc.

Why "first"?

Minobusan is where Saint Nichiren spent his later years and where his grave is located.It is recommended to greet the saint first upon arrival, and then begin your stay.The reception desk closes at 4:20 PM, so it's a good time to go in the afternoon on the day of your arrival, before checking into your shukubo (temple lodging).

There may be times when it is not available due to memorial services or events. For the latest information,Okaijo, Eko, Kigan (Minobusan Kuonji)Please check.

2. Attend the morning service early in the morning

If you stay at Minobusan, be sure to wake up early andattend Kuonji Temple's morning service (asagon)Every morning, dozens of monks gather in the main hall of Kuonji Temple to chant sutras. Anyone can attend, and it is free and no reservation is required.

Flow of the morning service

1. Large bell rings (approx. 30 minutes before start)— The large bell announces the morning throughout the temple grounds. This bell was made in 1624, and monks hold onto a rope, arching their bodies parallel to the ground to strike it. You can hear it even from the shukubo, so use it as a signal to prepare and head to the main hall.
2. Enter the main hall and sit— Enter through the main entrance and sit in an available spot in front of the altar. In addition to seiza and cross-legged sitting, chairs are also provided.
3. Sutra chanting and large drum— The sutra chanting by dozens of monks begins. The sound of the large drum, struck by two monks, is powerful enough to resonate deep within your body. The sutras begin with the Kaikyoge, followed by the Hoben-bon and Nyorai Juryo-bon of the Lotus Sutra, and then the chanting of the Odaimoku "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo."
4. Prayer and Dharma talk— After prayers and a sermon by the instructor, the service concludes with the chanting of the Shiguseigan (Four Universal Vows).
5. After the service— You can also visit the Soshido (Founder's Hall) next door. We recommend walking through the quiet temple grounds in the morning and visiting the Bodaitai (Enlightenment Stairway) and the five-story pagoda.

(Times and flow are based on the Japan Tourism Agency's "Multilingual Commentary Database of Regional Tourism Resources" and the official website of Minobusan Kuonji Temple)

Tips for attending

• Attire— The main hall before dawn is cool even in summer. It's a good idea to bring an extra layer. Since you'll be sitting for a long time, comfortable clothing is recommended.
• Seating— Chairs are available for those who have difficulty sitting in seiza (traditional Japanese kneeling posture). First-timers may want to observe from the back seats.
• Manners— During the service, please refrain from talking and attend quietly. For photography, please follow the local guidelines.
• Even first-timers are welcome— Even if you can't read the sutras, you can participate just by sitting and listening. Some shukubo (temple lodging) will have the chief priest guide you to the main hall.

Attending is possible precisely because you stay at a shukubo

The morning service begins at dawn, so attending as a day-tripper is not easy.If you stay at a shukubo in Minobusan, you can hear the sound of the great bell and then walk to the main hall.Depending on the shukubo, there may also be a service or sermon in the shukubo's main hall in the evening.

Times may vary depending on the season and event dates. For the latest information, please checkMinobusan Kuonji Temple "Service Times".

3. View Mt. Fuji from Okunoin — Take the ropeway to the summit of Minobusan

At the summit of Minobusan, there isOkunoin Shishinkaku, said to be the place where Nichiren Shonin prayed, thinking of his parents in his hometown.

You can ascend to the summit via theMinobusan Ropeway. It has an elevation difference of 763 meters and reaches the summit in about 7 minutes. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Yatsugatake Mountains from the summit. The summit station has a restaurant, "Minobu-an," and a souvenir shop.

Recommended time— Mt. Fuji is best seen on clear mornings when the air is crisp. In winter, you can see Mt. Fuji covered in snow. If you attend the morning service, have breakfast, and then take the ropeway up, you can make the most of your day.

• Operating hours and fares vary by season.Minobusan Ropeway Official WebsitePlease check there.
• The station at the foot of the mountain is near the grounds of Kuonji Temple.Map of the ropeway station ↗

4. Savor yuba in the temple town — Eating and shopping in Minobu

The street from Kuonji Temple's Somon (main gate) to Sanmon (three-gate)is the temple town.It is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops for visitors.

Local specialties: yuba and Minobu manju

• Yuba— A representative specialty of Minobu. It can be enjoyed as part of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) or in dishes like yuba-don.
• Minobu manju— Can be purchased at confectionery shops in the temple town and in front of Minobu Station. Popular as souvenirs.

Restaurants — From local cuisine diners to cafes and sweet shops

In the temple town and at the summit of the ropeway,a variety of establishments with different atmospheres are gathered, including diners serving local cuisine like hoto and shiitake-don, unaju restaurants, cafes in old folk houses, and sweet shops.Many shops in town operate mainly during lunchtime, so we recommend a schedule of breakfast and dinner at your shukubo (temple lodging) and lunch at a town establishment.

See 9 dining spots with photos (cuisine, atmosphere, hours, prices)

In addition, if you want to savor Minobu's specialty yuba, there is also "Seiryu (Minobu Yuba no Sato)" which is attached to a yuba factory.Map ↗

Business days and hours vary by shop and may change. Please confirm with each shop before visiting.

As a setting for the anime 'Yuru Camp△'

Minobu Town is also known as a town with many locations that appear in the anime 'Yuru Camp△'. Some people visit specifically for Minobu Station and Minobu manju, which appear in the work.

How to get around Minobusan Kuonji Temple — 287 steps of Bodai-tei and the inclined elevator

In 1274, during the Kamakura period, Saint Nichiren entered the mountain, and in 1281, he named it "Minobusan Myohokkein Kuonji." Around the temple grounds, there are shukubo (temple lodging) for worshippers and a temple town.

The entrance for worship isSanmon(main gate). After passing through the Sanmon, the stone stepsBodai-tei(Stairway to Enlightenment) appear, leading straight up to the main hall. There are 287 steps, divided into 7 sections, named after the 7 characters of "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo." Since these are steep stone steps, please wear comfortable shoes.

If you prefer not to use the stone steps, you can use the inclined elevator.It goes up from the "Seishin Parking Lot" on the west side to the side of the main hall. Usage is free (there is an offering box).

The top of the stone steps is the center of the temple grounds.

• Main Hall— A large hall rebuilt in 1985 (32 meters wide, 51 meters deep).
• Soshido— A hall dedicated to Saint Nichiren. It was relocated and rebuilt in 1881.
• Five-story Pagoda— After being burned down in the great fire of 1875, it was rebuilt in 2009, 134 years later.
• Goshinkotsudo— A white octagonal hall enshrining the remains of Saint Nichiren.
• Gobyosho— The tomb of Saint Nichiren and the site of the hermitage where he lived. It is about a 15-minute walk from the main hall along the Nishitani Sando path.

For information on the morning serviceplease refer to "2. Attend the morning service early in the morning" above..Goshuinare available at the general reception desk, "Hoonkaku." The reception hours are from 5:00 AM to 4:20 PM (according to the official website of Minobusan Kuonji).

For the latest information,please check the official website of Minobusan Kuonji.Map of Kuonji ↗

Mount Shichimen — Sunrise over Mount Fuji

Mount Shichimenis a mountain with an elevation of 1,982 meters, soaring west of Mount Minobu. Near the summit isKeishin-in, which enshrines Shichimen Daimyojin, the guardian deity of Mount Minobu.

• The trailhead for the main approach is Hagoromo in Hayakawa Town. It takes4 to 5 hoursto reach Keishin-in (according to the official website of Minobusan Kuonji). Please go with appropriate hiking attire and equipment.
• Keishin-in also offers accommodation (reservations by phone are required).
• Mount Shichimen is located almost directly west of Mount Fuji.Around the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, you can see "Diamond Fuji",where the sun rises directly from the summit of Mount Fuji.

Many people stay at a shukubo (temple lodging) on Mount Minobu to rest, then head to the trailhead early the next morning. For detailed hiking information, please refer to theMount Shichimen Pilgrimage Guide (Minobusan Kuonji).

Mount Minobu Through the Seasons — Best Times for Weeping Cherries and Autumn Leaves

Spring — 400-year-old weeping cherry trees (late March to early April annually)

On the grounds of Kuonji, there aretwo weeping cherry trees over 400 years old. One is in front of the Soshido, and the other is in front of the Kyakuden. The best time to see them is usually from late March to early April (according to Fuji-no-Kuni Yamanashi Tourism Net).

During cherry blossom season, traffic regulations may be in effect on surrounding roads. Staying at a shukubo allows you to walk the temple grounds early in the morning before traffic congestion begins.

Autumn — Autumn leaves (mid to late November annually)

The autumn leaves on Mount Minobu are typically at their best from mid to late November. The areas around Sanmon, the Gobyosho, and the mountainside viewed from the ropeway are dyed red and yellow. Thephoto at the beginning of this pageshows the entrance to the Bodai-tei stairs, colored with autumn leaves.

Winter — Quiet mountain precincts

Winter is the quietest season in the mountain precincts, with fewer visitors. On clear days, you can see snow-capped Mount Fuji from Okunoin (3. Mount Fuji from Okunoin).

Annual Events

Minobusan Kuonji holds events throughout the year, including the Oeshiki (Mando Gyoretsu) in October, Setsubun-e in February, Senbu-e in May, and Kaiso-e in June. The schedule and distance from shukubo (temple lodging) are summarized inMinobusan and Minobu Town Events.

1-Night, 2-Day Model Course Staying at a Shukubo

Here's an example of how to enjoy Minobusan when staying at a shukubo.

Day 1

1. Afternoon— Take a bus from Minobu Station to Minobusan.First, apply for Okaijo at Hoonkaku and pay respects to the image of Nichiren Shonin at Soshido(reception closes at 4:20 PM).
2. Evening— Walk through the temple town, browse souvenir shops, then check into your shukubo.
3. Night— Spend time at the shukubo. The mountain area is quiet at night.

Day 2

1. Early Morning— Attend the morning service at Kuonji's main hall (from around 5:30 AM; from around 6:00 AM from October to March).
2. Morning— Walk through the less crowded temple grounds, visiting Bodai-tei, the Five-Storied Pagoda, and the Gobyosho.
3. Forenoon— Take the ropeway to Okunoin at the summit. If the weather is clear, you can see Mt. Fuji.
4. Noon— Enjoy a yuba (tofu skin) dish for lunch at the summit restaurant or in the temple town.

For those confident in their physical strength, there's also a course to head to Mt. Shichimen in the early morning of the second day, stay at Keishinin, and witness the sunrise.

Extend Your Trip to Nearby Areas

• Shimobe Onsenkyo— A hot spring resort within Minobu Town.Map ↗
• Lake Motosu— One of the Fuji Five Lakes, located in Minobu Town.Map ↗
• Minobu Yuba no Sato— A facility for yuba (tofu skin) production, sales, and dining.Map ↗
• Fujikawa Craft Park— A large park in Minobu Town.Map ↗

Tourist information for the entire town is also available onMinobu Town Tourism Information Site "Minolove".

Access

• Train/Bus— Get off at Minobu Station on the JR Minobu Line, then take the local bus "Minobusan-iki" to the final stop "Minobusan" (approx. 15 minutes). There are also highway buses from Shinjuku, Shizuoka, and Kofu.
• Car— Head to Minobusan from the Minobusan IC on the Chubu Odan Expressway. On holidays during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, roads can be congested, and traffic regulations may be in place.

Parking is available at "Seishin Parking" (paid, with a funicular elevator boarding point) on the west side of Kuonji, and "Kanromon-shita Parking" (free) on the east side (according to the official Minobusan Kuonji website).

Stay at a shukubo (temple lodging) on Minobusan

OTERA STAY introduces three shukubo on Minobusan. From any shukubo, you can walk to attend the morning service at Kuonji.

Temple Hotel Shimanobo

Minamikoma-gun, Minobu-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture

The oldest shukubo on Minobusan, founded 750 years ago

Temple Hotel Matsui-bo

Minamikoma-gun, Minobu-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture

A shukubo with a direct view of Kuonji's Sanmon gate

Temple Hotel Habanobo

Minamikoma-gun, Minobu-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture

A shukubo with a view of Mount Shichimen

The information provided is current as of September 28, 2026. Business hours, fees, and event schedules may change. Please check each official website before visiting.