The Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage, in its entirety
Discover the sacred mountains of Tohoku on this 4-day immersive Yamabushi training tour. Guided by experienced Yamabushi priests, you will follow in the footsteps of centuries of ascetic practitioners along the ancient Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage routes. Begin at Mt. Haguro, where centuries-old cedar trees, stone steps, and historic temples set the stage for your spiritual journey. Climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono, experiencing their mystical landscapes and participating in traditional ascetic practices, including waterfall meditation and fire-crossing rituals. Along the way, visit sacred shrines, explore temples housing sokushinbutsu (self-mummified monks), and enjoy shojin-ryori, the vegetarian cuisine of the Yamabushi.This tour blends rigorous physical activity, deep cultural insight, and spiritual reflection, offering a rare opportunity to engage with Japan’s living mountain ascetic traditions.
Uketamo!
Day 1 – Mt. Haguro
Arrive at Tsuruoka Station before 11 a.m., where your interpreter will meet you and guide you to Mt. Haguro, the “Mountain of the Present” in the Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage. Mt. Haguro is the smallest of the three sacred mountains but is home to the famous five-storied pagoda, centuries-old cedar trees, and 2,446 stone steps that pilgrims have climbed for generations. Upon arrival at a shukubo (pilgrim lodge), you will participate in a blessing prayer and change into shiroshozoku, the traditional white robes symbolizing spiritual death. You will then visit Shozen’in Temple and climb the stone steps of Mt. Haguro. Next, take part in a prayer at the Dewa Sanzan Shrine, followed by a meal of shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Saikan, the pilgrim lodge. In the afternoon, walk down to the Gassan Visitor Center along the ancient pilgrimage trail, passing Kotakuji Temple, before returning to your shukubo for the night.
Day 2 – Mt. Gassan
Early in the morning, climb Mt. Gassan with your Yamabushi priest, a journey of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Mt. Gassan, the tallest of the Dewa Sanzan mountains at 1,984 meters, is renowned for its alpine flora in summer and heavy snow in winter, creating a mystical landscape year-round. Along the way, visit Gassan Shrine, a sacred site that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. After enjoying the serene mountain scenery, descend toward Mt. Yudono, a trek of approximately 4 hours. In the evening, check in at Yudonosan Sanrojo, a traditional lodge where you can rest and reflect after the day’s pilgrimage.
Day 3 – Mt. Yudono’s waterfall training
In the morning, take part in waterfall training with your Yamabushi guides, a 4-hour session that teaches the traditional ascetic practices of the Dewa Sanzan. Afterwards, visit Yudonosan Shrine, located on Mt. Yudono, the “Mountain of Love,” considered the most secret of the three Dewa Sanzan mountains. Pilgrims have visited this site for centuries, and its rituals remain largely hidden from the public, preserving a deeply spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, embark on a 4-hour hike along the historic Rokujurigoe Kaido, the 1,200-year-old pilgrimage route leading to Mt. Yudono, where you can follow the path of generations of pilgrims and experience the mountain’s serene winter landscapes.
Day 4 – Fire crossing & mummies
From Nanakamado, your lodging from the previous night, you’ll walk to Dainichibo Temple to meet Shinnyokai Shonin and explore the temple’s collection of sacred artifacts, a visit of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Next, visit Churenji Temple (45 minutes) to see Tetsumonkai, a sokushinbutsu, in a temple known for its striking pop-art-inspired ceiling paintings.Enjoy a sustainable bento lunch at Oami before heading to Honmyoji Temple for a 2-hour session, where you will participate in your final Yamabushi training: the fire-crossing ritual (hiwatari) guided by three Shingon Buddhist monks. Conclude by paying respects to Honmyokai Shonin, the first sokushinbutsu of Mt. Yudono, completing a profound and immersive pilgrimage experience.
