Far from the madding crowds on ancient Japanese meditation trails
Recover from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle by walking the sacred paths of central Japan
The old post town of Magome on the Nakasendo Trail. Photo: Nagano Tourism Organization
At the base of Mount Ontake in Japan, a stone staircase disappears up a steep hill into the forest. At the top is a sacred shrine with stone carvings of deities, watching down over those who ascend the path.
In Japan’s native Shinto religion, which worships nature, mountains are sacred places and Mount Ontake in central Japan, the country’s second highest volcano – after Mount Fuji – at 3067m, is particularly worshipped.
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