Pilgrimage and Trekking Tour on the Sacred Kinkasan Island

【STORY】 

The Sacred Island of Kinkasan on the Oshika Peninsula. In 750 AD, to celebrate Japan's first gold production, the Kinkasan Koganeyama Jinja Shrine was established. The shrine is believed that by visiting the shrine for three consective years, one will never face financial hardship again. The path to the summit of Kinkasan was once trodden by ascetics seeking blessings, designated also as part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail.

In July 2022, 'Kinkasan-moude' and 'Kinkasan-do' were recognized as part of the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Japan Heritage 'Michinoku Gold Romance - Tracing the Birthplace of Gold in Jipangu, the Golden Land.' Experience the enduring culture of faith that dates back centuries.

Scheduled ferries to Kinkasan operate only once a week, making access to this island challenging. This tour offers a special chartered sea taxi to guide you to Kinkasan. Embrace the breathtaking views of forest and sea while reflecting on those who sought blessings on Kinkasan throughout history.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Embark on a trek to Kinkasan's summit alongside a guide, discovering the area's unique culture and history while embracing the natural beauty.
• Discover various power spots within the precincts of the Kinkasan Koganeyama Jinja Shrine where diverse deities are enshrined.
• Experience challenging trekking that might be difficult to schedule with regular ferry timings.
• Witness the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean after traversing untouched, beautiful forests.
  

【PRICES】 

Per person (For a Japanese-speaking guide)
　For 1 participant　96,450 yen (tax included)
　For 2 participants　48,450 yen (tax included)
　For 3 participants　32,450 yen (tax included)
　For 4 participants　24,450 yen (tax included)
　For 5 participants　19,650 yen (tax included)

【SCHEDULE】 

[8:30]　Gather at the tourism and local products facility Cottu.
[8:45]　Take a sea taxi to Kinkasan.
[9:00]　Explore power spots and visit shrines.
[10:00]　Trekking
[13:00]　Return to Ayukawa Port via sea taxi.
[13:30]　Disband at the sightseeing and local products exchange facility Cottu.

*Lunch is not included in the tour.
*Please note that the schedule may be subject to change based on the water taxi's timetable.

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】 

Upon arriving on the island, begin by exploring the precincts of the Kinkasan Koganeyama Jinja Shrine.
Various power spots such as the Kinkasan Zeniarai Benzaiten, where you can receive blessings by washing money..

After paying respects at the worship hall of the Kinkasan Koganeyama Jinja Shrine, head towards the summit where the shrine's inner sanctuary is located. The summit stands at an altitude of 445 meters and takes about an hour to reach. From the nearby observation deck, you can enjoy stunning views of the sea.

Even though this tour is suitable for beginners, please ensure you're comfortable with your physical condition. Prepare appropriate footwear and clothing for the trek.

Encounters with wild deer and monkeys are possible on the island. These deer and monkeys of Kinkasan are considered "messengers of the gods."

Throughout the trek, you'll come across small shrines and stacked stones that evoke the history of ascetic practitioners who once walked here. Walk alongside the guide to truly experience the unique culture and history. After the tour, consider spending time at Whale Town Ohshika, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at recommended restaurants.

【THINGS TO NOTE】 

• Duration：5 hours
• Minimum number of participants：1 person (maximum 5 people)
• Meeting point：Tourism and local products facility Cottu
  *(Inside Whale Town Oshika)
  *Please wait in the building where there are tables and chairs.
  43-1, Ayukawahama-minami, Ishinomaki-shi, Miyagi, 986-2523 [MAP]
  
• Access：It's a one-hour drive from the Ishinomaki Kanan IC on the Sanriku Expressway. Free parking is available.
  
• Tour conductor for 24 hours：No
• Language support：Japanese, English (optional)
• Meals (included in a tour fee)：No
• Included：
  ・Japanese-speaking guide fee
  ・The cost of chartering the sea taxi (round trip)
  
• Excluded：
  ・Lunch fee
  ・Drink fee
  ・English-speaking guide fee (optional)）
  
• Items to bring：
  ・Carry essential medications; for those concerned, motion sickness medication (the boat might sway significantly)
  ・Drinking water during activities
  ・Cash for purchasing drinks (vending machines on the island accept cash only. 10,000 yen bills are not acceptable, so it is recommended that you prepare coins and 1,000 yen bills.)
  ・Rain gear (the activity will be canceled only in case of heavy rain)
  ・Warm clothes
  
• Clothes：
  ・Hiking shoes suitable for trekking
  ・Long-sleeved shirt and pants (for protection against insects and skin) 
  
• Participation requirements：
  You'll walk for about 3 hours along the mountain trail.
  While suitable for beginners, please ensure you're comfortable with your physical stamina.
  
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・In the case of bad weather conditions, or extremely hot days (above 35 degrees Celsius), the tour will be canceled. (it will be canceled only in case of heavy rain)
  ・In the event of anticipated ferry cancellation by the previous day, the tour will be canceled.
  ・We will communicate the status of the tour via email by 3:00 PM the day before the tour.
  

【TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS】

Before booking the tour, please confirm the Tour Terms & Conditions and save the document.

Check [TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS]（Japanese）

【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg., 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

10 to 8 days before the departure date of the tour　20%
7 to 2 days before the departure date of the tour　30%
The day before the departure date of the tour　40%
On the day of the departure date of the tour　50%
After the tour departed, No show　100%