Japan’s Ultimate Mind and Body Purification Ritual in Mt. Hakusan Now Open to Travelers

Japan has long been synonymous with wellness travel, offering everything from serene hot springs to Zen retreats. Now, a new experience is capturing the attention of travelers seeking to revitalize their mind, body, and soul. The ancient Misogi ritual, a Shinto purification ceremony happening this fall, is now available for booking at the Shirayama-Hime Shrine, located in the culturally rich Ishikawa prefecture at the base of the sacred Mt. Hakusan.

Photo byImage provided by Ishikawa Travel

Misogi, which dates back centuries, is traditionally performed to cleanse the spirit and renew one's connection with nature. The shrine, which is the head of more than 3,000 shrines across Japan, holds a deep reverence for Mt. Hakusan, one of Japan’s three most sacred mountains alongside Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama. Designated as a UNESCO Eco-Park, Mt. Hakusan has long been regarded as a mountain of faith, and its pristine waters are essential to the Misogi experience.

Participants in the Misogi ritual immerse themselves in the icy waters sourced from the mountain, symbolizing a return to nature’s purest state, accoding to a press release. The water flows through the pond at the shrine, representing the natural cycle of life, from nourishing the earth to evaporating and eventually falling as rain or snow to once again sustain the mountain. By participating in this sacred ceremony, guests are invited to become one with this cycle, achieving a profound sense of spiritual and physical renewal.

The 2.5-hour purification experience is now open to travelers on select dates from September through November. The ritual begins with a guided introduction by the shrine’s priests, explaining the significance of Misogi and its deep-rooted connection to nature. Participants then take part in the water purification ceremony, which culminates in a plunge into the cold, pure waters that have flowed from Mt. Hakusan for centuries. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of participation as a lasting reminder of their journey.