[Nara, Yoshino] Cave Adventures: Discover the Mystical Paths of Shugen

This tour is an adventure tour that combines the mysterious world of Shugendo with the thrill of cave exploration. There are many caves and waterfalls in the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture, and it has long been considered a sacred place for people who practice asceticism in the mountains. You can experience the beauty of nature and the depth of history by visiting the waterfalls and caves where ancient ascetics practiced. In particular, by exploring inside a cave, you can experience the sensation of entering the womb of the earth with all five senses, touch the mysteries of nature, and refresh your mind and body while being surrounded by a ``silent and mysterious'' atmosphere. **What is Shugendo? **Shugendo is a unique religious culture that incorporates elements of Buddhism and Shintoism into traditional Japanese ascetic practices, and values a sense of unity with nature. Mountains are considered sacred places, and asceticism is carried out in nature. Ascetics are called ``Yamabushi'' and aim for spiritual growth through meditation, waterfall training (asceticism where you are hit by a waterfall), asceticism in caves, etc. Shugendo, born from gratitude for being alive amidst the blessings of nature, is based on the idea that one can be reborn once again through rigorous training in nature. Caves have also been used as training sites. 1. **Arrival at Yoiyoi Nishikawa Base and Briefing**: - After arriving at Yoiyoi Nishikawa Base, you will receive a briefing on the tour overview, safety, and the cultural significance of the places you will visit. 2. **Introduction to Dragonfly Falls Hike**: - Visit Dragonfly Falls, which was also a training site for Shugendo, located a one-minute drive from Yoiyoi Nishikawa Base. Here, you will experience the training of Shugendo and how to face nature, including waterfalls. 3. **Lunch Break**: Have lunch at the park below Dragonfly Falls 4. **Preparing for Expedition**: - Return to Yoiyoi Nishikawa Base and prepare your exploration gear. Once you are ready, you will drive in your guide's car for about 15 minutes to the parking lot near the cave. 5. **Start of cave exploration**: - After arriving at the parking lot, the cave exploration will begin. The exploration begins by searching for the entrance of the cave. Please discover the cave with your own hands. In order to enjoy the cave exploration empty-handed, your luggage will be left in the car and your guide will take care of your valuables other than your smartphone. 6. **Cave exploration**:7. **Response after cave exploration**: - Return to the same parking lot and change from your dirty equipment. 8. **Hot spring bath**: - After the cave exploration, you can enjoy a hot spring bath. We will provide face towels. Please spend some time relaxing and soothing your tired body in the hot spring. 9. **Pick-up and disbandment**:

In this tour, you will explore the "cave = another world" created by nature over many years with a guide. The cave exploration will last about 2 hours. It will proceed according to the customer's convenience and physical ability. Inside the cave, you will climb rocks and crawl forward. You may also have to crawl through narrow gaps on all fours. At the very back, you will experience "true darkness". The silence and darkness inside the cave is a special experience that you cannot experience in your daily life. **Notes about creatures in the cave** Various creatures live in the cave, and bats are especially common. - The environment inside the cave is very delicate. Please be mindful of respecting the natural environment, such as not littering or damaging plants or rocks.

Helmets, headlights, overalls, protectors, work gloves, and boots! Everything you need is rented. For lunch, we will provide you with a local specialty, persimmon leaf sushi. This delicious sushi made with mackerel or salmon is a traditional local dish from the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture. The aroma of the persimmon leaves will be transferred to the sushi, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavor. However, if you have any concerns about your food preferences or physical condition, please bring your own lunch or purchase what you like at a convenience store near the meeting place. Please note that we cannot provide refunds for lunch fees.

Safety is our number one priority, and guides certified by the Japan Caving Federation will provide you with thorough support. They will carefully explain how to use the equipment and what to be careful of in the cave, so you can enjoy your exploration with peace of mind. Guides are also equipped with emergency kits and are prepared to respond quickly in the unlikely event of an emergency.