In the past five years, due to the rise in tourism there have been tremendous changes in Japan’s traditional culture. Aspects of the culture that were insular and hard for foreigners to fathom are increasingly opening up and advertising in English. This includes the geisha world here in Kyoto, along with Zen meditation and other Buddhist practices.
Like many traditions, Shugendo (mountain asceticism) was said to be in decline in recent times, but it seems that it too is turning to foreigners and spiritual tourism as a source of reinvigoration. Thanks to Green Shinto supporter Jann Williams, we have learnt recently of foreign participation in pilgrimages. Now comes news of five day and two day courses run in English.
For the webpage, please click here. The price for the five day course described below is not disclosed, but we are informed that it does not come cheap!
Full five-day experience that takes place on all three of the Dewa Sanzan: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt.Yudono. Includes waterfall meditation. Only limited places available.
Day 1 “Disconnection”
An opportunity to disconnect from the everyday world in preparation for your adventure. Connect to your inner self in an ancient Japanese monastery.
Day 2 – 4 Authentic Yamabushi practice
Day 5 “Post-Yamabushi Restoration”
Feel the sense of universe at the Yamabushi territory in the Sea of Japan.
Training Locations
Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono, the three Dewa Mountains, considered highly sacred in Japanese culture. Traditionally and among select groups today, Dewa Sanzan is a unique hub of animistic Shinto and Buddhist fusion, where different forms of Japanese spirituality blend into one.
They represent the past, the present, and the future.
Mt. Gassan is the mountain for the souls of the dead. It is the highest of the three sacred mountains. It represents the past, the things that we want to let go of.
Mt. Haguro represents the present. The Haguro hike climbs 2,446 stone steps, which pilgrims have walked for more than 1,000 years.
Mt. Yudono represents the future, and the possibility of new potential after rebirth, and casting off the past.
Schedule
5 days, 4 nights
Schedule in 2018
(3 times a year only)
| July | 9-13 |
|---|---|
| August | 6-10 |
| September | 3-7 |
Other options are available. Feel free to contact us.
Master Hoshino
All Yamabushido Programs are supervised by Master Hoshino, a famous local Yamabushi priest, and the 13th generation of his family to follow this vocation. Master Hoshino lives in and runs Daishōbō, a pilgrim lodge located at the foot of Mt. Haguro.
He has dedicated his life to living as a Yamabushi, introducing many people from all over the world to its mystical power.
His approach to the Yamabushi tradition is grounded in deep tradition, but also made deeply relevant to the way we live our lives today.
Accommodation
We provide accommodation at Daishōbō pilgrim lodge at the foothills of Dewa Mountains.
Day 1 Cozy western-style single room
Day 2-3 Daishōbō pilgrim lodge
Day 4 Yudono-an or Tamaya in Yutagawa Onsen
Meals
On the first day, you will eat a simple meal at Zenpōji Temple and a smaller dinner to ready you for proper Shugyō training that begins the next day.
Day two to Day four is proper Shugyō training, and the meal for Shugyō training is very simple; rice, Miso soup, and small pickles.
Please be aware that allergy free meals will not be available at Zenpōji Temple and during Shugyō
On the fourth day, there is a special lunch with hand-made Shojin Cuisine and local Sake made by the landlady of Daishōbō. Please be aware that allergy free meals will not be available during Shugyō unless specially requested. The meals will include rice, miso paste (soybeans and rice), Tofu, Seaweed, Japanese herbs, mushrooms, and Fu (wheat gluten). Allergy free meal will be available.
On the fifth day, we will have a more substantial meal of meat, fish, or vegetables to help you adjust back to normal life.
Please be aware that we cannot change the content of the meals at Zenpoji Temple or during Shugyo Training. Feel free to leave behind things that you cannot eat.
Transportation Service
To / From Shonai Airport or Tsuruoka Station is included.
Minimum amount for running a program
1 people (Maximum : 20 people)
Price
make an inquiry
I have a question. This looks like a “men only” event, is that correct? Are there ways for women to participate, perhaps not in the yamabushi training, (I understand if some things have a history of being only for men) but in some other sort of intensive immersion into Shinto spirituality? Thank you.
It’s a good question, and indeed there has been a tradition of men-only mountains and islands. Most but not all of these have opened up to women now. That includes yamabushi training. As far as I’m aware, there’s no taboo on women at the Haguro site so you should go ahead and apply if you want.I can imagine that not being used to female participants they may find difficulty with separate bedding or toilets but perhaps someone with personal experience might write in with regard to that…
As for intense immersion in Shinto, that would be for you to arrange personally with a shrine with which you are able to develop a relationship of trust.