Tenguzuka-san: The High Mountain Excursion
Rising to a height of 1812 meters, Mt. Tenguzuka is one of the most picturesque mountains that surrounds the Iya Valley. Its iconic pyramid shape blasts up from the broad ridgeline and offers a perfect 360 degree view from its peak. Though not nearly as famous as some of Iya's other mountains such as Mt. Tsurugi or Mt. Miune, the view is as good as or even better than those summits, and the lack of popularity is another reason why Yama Yoga goes to Tenguzuka-san: for solitude with the mountain.
On the ridgeline below the peak there is a vast expanse of rolling sasa fields (a type of short, thick bamboo grass) and within these empty spaces is where we will have our yoga lesson. Panoramic views abound as we stretch out in this high-altitude landscape while the mighty Tenguzuka peak dominates the background. With the enormous sky above and the hills curving down off the sides, this is a place of contemplation and stillness, making it perfect for deep yoga practice.
A yoga excursion to Tenguzuka-san is not for the half-hearted as it requires a substantial hike to reach this place of fruition, but as any yoga practitioner will understand, the effort is part of the reward. One should allow about 8 hours (including driving time) for this experience.
The upper trailhead to Tenguzuka-san is about 35-40 minutes from Kyojo or Ryugugake or 25-30 minutes from Ochiai Village by car, much of which is along a narrow (but paved) mountain road. If one is driving themselves, this upper road also connects to Iyashino-Onsenkyo Hotel fifteen minutes away farther up the valley and is a great place to sooth yourself with an after hike hotspring bath (500yen for non-guests of the hotel).
From the trailhead it is a 2 to 2.5 hour uphill hike through the forest to reach the ridgeline crest, with 15-20 minutes additional hiking then necessary to reach our yoga spot on the sasa covered hills just below the peak. We will then have a 60 minute yoga lesson followed by picnic lunch. Afterwards we will make the final ascent to the summit of Mt. Tenguzuka which is an additional 20-25 minute hike up its conical peak. The view from here is inspiring and along with having some tea, we will also perform a few majestic yoga poses here on the summit before returning down the mountain.
As stated, this excursion will take most of the day and one must be fit and able enough to handle several hours of uphill hiking. We must begin driving to the trailhead before 8:30am. Transportation can be provided for up to two people from Ryugugake, Kyojo, or Ochiai at no additional cost to the trailhead. For larger groups, please provide your own transportation. Please understand that there is no proper restroom on the mountain.
The fee for this yoga adventure is 25,000yen for up to two people and an additional 3000yen for each additional person (up to 8). This includes hot/cold tea, a snack, and a lunch box of Iya specialties, as well as an additional staff for support.
*Please Note: Hiking to Tenguzaka is dependent on proper weather conditions which may not be determined until the morning of the hike. If the weather is bad, our yoga lesson will be held at one of the other indoor Yama Yoga locations.
The upper trailhead to Tenguzuka-san is about 35-40 minutes from Kyojo or Ryugugake or 25-30 minutes from Ochiai Village by car, much of which is along a narrow (but paved) mountain road. If one is driving themselves, this upper road also connects to Iyashino-Onsenkyo Hotel fifteen minutes away farther up the valley and is a great place to sooth yourself with an after hike hotspring bath (500yen for non-guests of the hotel).
From the trailhead it is a 2 to 2.5 hour uphill hike through the forest to reach the ridgeline crest, with 15-20 minutes additional hiking then necessary to reach our yoga spot on the sasa covered hills just below the peak. We will then have a 60 minute yoga lesson followed by picnic lunch. Afterwards we will make the final ascent to the summit of Mt. Tenguzuka which is an additional 20-25 minute hike up its conical peak. The view from here is inspiring and along with having some tea, we will also perform a few majestic yoga poses here on the summit before returning down the mountain.
As stated, this excursion will take most of the day and one must be fit and able enough to handle several hours of uphill hiking. We must begin driving to the trailhead before 8:30am. Transportation can be provided for up to two people from Ryugugake, Kyojo, or Ochiai at no additional cost to the trailhead. For larger groups, please provide your own transportation. Please understand that there is no proper restroom on the mountain.
The fee for this yoga adventure is 25,000yen for up to two people and an additional 3000yen for each additional person (up to 8). This includes hot/cold tea, a snack, and a lunch box of Iya specialties, as well as an additional staff for support.
*Please Note: Hiking to Tenguzaka is dependent on proper weather conditions which may not be determined until the morning of the hike. If the weather is bad, our yoga lesson will be held at one of the other indoor Yama Yoga locations.
