What is yamabushi training?

Yamabushi training is a form of Japanese mountain ascetic practice rooted in the ancient Japanese belief of Shugendō. Through hiking, meditation, waterfall meditation, rituals, silence, and immersion in nature, participants experience deep personal reflection, challenge, and transformation.

A Yamabushi is a practitioner of Shugendo — someone who trains in the mountains to cultivate clarity, humility, and spiritual strength. Yamabushi are known for their white robes, conch shell (horagai), ritual tools, and mountain-based discipline. Modern Yamabushi include practitioners from many backgrounds, not just monks.

Shugendo is a traditional Japanese spiritual practice that blends Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, and ancient nature worship. Practitioners known as Yamabushi seek enlightenment and lessons from nature through training in nature, especially in the mountains. Shugendo is experiential and practice-based, with rituals, hiking, meditation, and purification forming its core.

Where does yamabushi training take place?

All Yamabushido programs are held on and around the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan — Haguro-san, Gassan, and Yudono-san — the historic heart of Haguro Shugendō practice.

Is the training open to both men and women?

Yes. Yamabushido training is open to all genders. We welcome anyone with an open mind and willingness to take part in the practice. Our English-language programs are mixed groups, and women regularly participate in all programs.

What’s the difference between a Yamabushi and a Shinto priest?

Yamabushi are practitioners of Shugendo, a mountain-based spiritual tradition blending Shinto, Buddhism, and nature worship. Shinto priests serve at shrines, perform ceremonies, and maintain shrine rituals. Yamabushi focus on discipline and practice in nature. They are different roles, though historically connected.

Is this a religious experience?

Yamabushi training is rooted in the spiritual tradition of Shugendo, but our programs focus on experiential practice rather than belief. People of all faiths, or none, are welcome to participate. Respect for the training and its customs is expected.

What do yamabushi do?

Practices vary by program but often include mountain hiking, meditation, waterfall meditation, ritual purification, chanting, silence, and connecting deeply with nature. Specific practices depend on the mountain, season, and tradition.

What level of fitness do I need?

A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended. Reset Training is suitable for most people who can walk steadily for several hours. Basic, Masters, and Private programs involve multi-day mountain hikes and require greater endurance. If you regularly walk, hike, or exercise, you should be fine.

Do I need prior experience to join Yamabushidō training?

No. No previous experience is required. All training is guided by certified Yamabushi who support you throughout the program.

Is Yamabushi training safe?

Yes. Safety is always our first priority. All programs are guided by certified Yamabushi, and routes, pace, and practices are adapted to weather and group conditions. Please inform us in advance of any injuries, health concerns, or allergies.

Is Yamabushi training suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Many participants join with no prior mountain or spiritual training. Our guides adjust the pace and practices to ensure the experience is accessible, even for first-timers.

What are the rules for yamabushi training?

Yamabushi training follows traditional rules designed to help you stay fully present. During the training you refrain from speaking (other than “Uketamo”), using phones or watches, and reading or writing. These guidelines help you disconnect from daily life and immerse deeply in the experience.

Bring sturdy hiking shoes, warm layers, rain gear, water, and basic personal items. A full packing list is provided after booking and includes everything needed for mountain conditions.

What language support is there?

Our English-language programs include full bilingual support. A support guide provides instructions and assistance in English throughout the training. The Yamabushi practice itself is mostly non-verbal and conducted in silence, which is part of the tradition.

What if I have dietary concerns?

Please inform us of any dietary needs in advance. Some dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but options may be limited due to the traditional meals served at mountain lodges. We will do our best, but flexibility is appreciated.

Most participants travel to Tsuruoka City by taking a Shinkansen to Niigata then the Inaho Express to Tsuruoka, a domestic flight from Haneda to Shonai Airport, or highway bus. Our team provides pickup from Tsuruoka Station or instructions to reach the meeting point. For detailed access information, see our full guide.

Can I stay in the area before or after training?

Yes. Many participants choose to stay in the Shonai region before or after their training. We can help arrange accommodation, car hire, or additional experiences upon request. Handling fees may apply — contact us for details. Registration period: At least 2 weeks before date of stay or use of service. Arrangement area: Tsuruoka and Sakata city, Shonai town, Mikawa, Nishikawa, and Murakami, Niigata. Handling fee: 25% of cost. Payment: Full amount paid in advance via online methods (Credit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal etc.).

Do you offer year-round programs?

Yes. The 7-day Reset Training and 3-day Private Reset Training are available all year, including winter. Basic and Masters programs are offered on set dates.

How do I book a program?

Use the contact form at the bottom of this page. We respond during business hours. We have a video chat with all potential participants where we answer questions and help you choose the most suitable program.

YAMABUSHIDO

Transformative Yamabushi Training on The Japanese Mountains

TRAIN WITH US

YAMABUSHI TRAINING

A yamabushi with straw hat walks among the bamboo leaves and trees of Mt. Gassan with Mt. Chokai looming in the distance

Yamabushi training is a transformational self-development practice in the mountains of Japan. It’s a practice passed down through generations little known in the West until now.

The power of the tradition is in its power and its practicality. Those who participate in Yamabushi training are quickly able to reset their minds, bodies, and their lives. And to rejoin the world purified, and ready for action.

THE EXPERIENCE

Trainings involve hiking, meditation, contemplation, and other secret rituals in some of the most breathtaking landscapes Japan has to offer.

WHAT IS YAMABUSHIDO?

Yamabushido participants during an experience on Mt. Haguro led by Daishinbo pilgrim's lodge's Hayasaka Kazuhiro walking on Mt. Haguro's stone stairway

Yamabushido is our evolution of yamabushi practice, focused at delivering the genuine experience, but adapted to an international audience.

We are practicing yamabushi ourselves, but we also live in the 21st century. We have adapted and updated the principles of the yamabushi into our trainings to better connect with the needs of people today.

“Every activity, every experience, every moment - big and small - seems meticulously designed to serve as a meditation and a reflection on your life, and how you fit in the larger world. - MV.

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DEWA SANZAN

There are three sacred mountains in Yamagata. Together they are called Dewa Sanzan. This is the heart of Yamabushi country. These are the mountains on which we train.

We are blessed to train in some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscapes all over Japan.

SPIRIT OF UKETAMO

Participants on a yamabushido program walk into Saikan lodging at the summit of Mt. Haguro. Saikan's distinct roof shape and the shimenawa ropes create an image of olden day Japan

At the heart of our approach is the philosophy of Uketamo. Uketamo is an idea unique to the yamabushi of northern Japan about living a life of bravery and acceptance.

We teach you how it works.

PRACTICAL

Yamabushi in white Shiroshozoku carrying a kongozue stickwalk down a foggy mountain path on Mt. Gassan, one of the three Dewa Sanzan peaks

The experience is a genuine rite of passage. It is very practical and full of insights you will take back into your daily life.

You don’t need to believe it to experience it.

“I learned by doing, by feeling, by listening with my being, rather than my ears. I can only say that the training meant everything to me. That it fundamentally changed me. That I want to do it again.” - JH.

TRAIN WITH US

TRANSFORMATIVE

Dressed all in white, Yamabushi led by Master Hoshino on a yamabushi training experience walk along the stone stairway between the cedars of Mt. Haguro, one of the three Dewa Sanzan mountains in north Japan

Participants often mention that the Yamabushi experience gives them a new perspective on their life, and an awareness for living more thoughtfully.

SPACE AND SILENCE

The shrine gates of Mt. Yudono one of the dewa sanzan mountains in Japan during a yamabushi training experience run by yamabushi Master Hoshino

In our hectic world, there’s not much space or silence. Yamabushi training gives you that. You’ll be in the mountains of Japan far away from tourists. You don’t need to speak Japanese. The training is mostly conducted in silence. You’ll be immersed in the most genuine and total Japanese experience.

EXCLUSIVE AND ESOTERIC

Master Hayasaka of Daishinbo pilgrim's lodge on Mt. Haguro gazes over the city of Tsuruoka from Mt. Gassan, one of the Dewa Sanzan mountains and a place of spiritual practice for centuries

Yamabushi training is little-known, even within Japan. We carefully select those able to join. You’ll be joining an exclusive group when you come on an experience with us.

One of the best gifts I have ever given myself. The Yamabushi team, under the guidance of Master Hoshino, have been exceptional in guiding us and pushing us to achieve what we did. -KK.

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INSIDER ACCESS

yamabushi walk past mt. haguro of the dewa sanzan's five story pagoda led on a training by daishobo pilgrim lodge's master fumihiro hoshino

We live locally and have deep connections with the local community. You’ll experience things not available to most visitors. This is a very niche world, and to get the most of it you need to know people.

We know people.

YAMABUSHI MASTERS

Master yamabushi Fumihiro Hoshino of Daishobo pilgrim's lodge on Mt. Haguro of the Dewa Sanzan

Master yamabushi Kazuhiro Hayasaka of Daishinbo pilgrim's lodge on Mt. Haguro of the Dewa Sanzan

We work with, and have learned from the longest traditions of Yamabushi masters in Japan. Our signature training includes training under Master Hoshino. Master Hoshino’s philosophy of life inspires all our trainings, and he only works with us.

We also work alongside 17th-generation Master Hayasaka and other senior Dewa Sanzan yamabushi.

INTERNATIONAL YAMABUSHI

International Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi Masters Tim Bunting Tak Kato Kohei Kojima and Rick Erdman at Daishobo pilgrim's lodge after the Akinomine autumn's peak ritual

Our team is made up of bilingual yamabushi. We have the experience, the knowledge, and the teachings from the mountains. Many of the things we’ll show you have previously only been available in Japanese. We will be there for your whole training, but we won’t be holding your hand.

“I believe that enlightenment begins with opening the heart. And openness is what you will find in this training.” -AI.

OUR TRAININGS

MASTERS YAMABUSHI TRAINING

Seven-day experience with yamabushi training on all three Dewa Sanzan peaks under the guidance of Master Hoshino himself and Zen masters.

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BASIC YAMABUSHI TRAINING

Five-day experience with yamabushi training on Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo under the guidance of yamabushi and Zen masters.

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CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TRAINING

Seven-day individual or private group experience including Zen practice and hiking-style training on the Dewa Sanzan mountains. Customizable to fit your needs.

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PRIVATE RESET TRAINING

An opportunity to review and preview where you are in your life with a completely private three-day training on Mt. Haguro under the guidance of yamabushi and Zen masters.

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MASTERS YAMABUSHI TRAINING

Master Yamabushi Fumihiro Hoshino during waterfall meditation training on the Dewa sanzan mountains in Japan

The Masters Yamabushi Training is our signature program. It is the most unique, and the most intense. It takes place over seven days on all three Dewa Sanzan mountains.

This training will give you a full experience of the Yamabushi tradition.

Seven-day experience with yamabushi training on all three Dewa Sanzan peaks under the guidance of Master Hoshino and Zen masters.

Gain insights directly from 13th generation yamabushi Master Fumihiro Hoshino

Complete the sacred cycle of rebirth by training on all three Dewa Sanzan mountains
Experience deeper self-discovery and personal growth through extended Zen and yamabushi reflection sessions

Activities include Zen meditation, hiking, waterfall meditation, night walks, and other activities aimed at connecting you with the now.

The program is limited to 15 people. It will only take place two times in 2026. Let us know as soon as you can if you want to join us.

ITINERARY

Two days Zen training at a Soto Zen monastery
Three days fully-immersed yamabushi training in the mountains
Two days yamabushi-style reflection in the mountains

UPCOMING TRAININGS

30 June - 6 July, 2026

11-17 September, 2026

PHYSICAL INTENSITY

High intensity

MASTERS YAMABUSHI TRAINING INCLUDES:

Master Hoshino-led

Exclusive access to 13th-generation Yamabushi Master Fumihiro Hoshino.
All Three Dewa Sanzan Peaks

A journey for the ages, visit all three Dewa Sanzan mountains: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono.
Small group training

Participant numbers limited to 15.
Waterfall Meditation

Meditation session under an ice-cold waterfall or river Misogi ritual.
Bilingual Yamabushi

Train alongside Bilingual Yamabushi proficient in the ways of Shugendo.
Local Yamabushi Masters

Train under yamabushi born and raised in the Dewa Sanzan area.
Zen Masters

Train directly under Zen masters in Zen temples and monasteries.
Shojin Ryori Ascetic Cuisine

Dewa Sanzan’s unique Shojin Ryori ascetic cuisine throughout the experience.
Mindful Eating

Special guided mindful eating meals.
Digital Detox

Looking for a proper escape? We limit access to technology during training.
Official Prayers

Official prayers by the priests at Dewa Sanzan Shrine.
Zazen Meditation

Zazen seated meditation in Zen Temple.
Shinto Norito Prayers

Shinto Norito prayers unique to the Dewa Sanzan Mountains.
Buddhist Chants

Buddhist chants such as The Heart Sutra and Shingon Mantra prayed throughout your training.
Additional Activities

Additional pre and post-training activities available on request.
Genuine Pilgrim's Lodges

Join the traditions of countless generations by staying in a genuine Shukubo pilgrim’s lodge.
Disconnection and Reconnection Sessions

Make your transition in and out of the world of the yamabushi a smooth one with our reconnection and disconnection sessions.
Contribute to the local community

Part of your participation fee goes directly toward maintaining the sustainability of the Dewa Sanzan community culture and environment.
Video Consultation

Unsure if the training is right for you? Want to talk to a yamabushi beforehand? We have video chats with all potential participants to make sure we are the right fit.

JOIN

BASIC YAMABUSHI TRAINING

Five-day experience with yamabushi training on Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo under the guidance of yamabushi and Zen masters.

Embody the yamabushi philosophy of Uketamo to build resilience and gain mental clarity

Take practical insights from your yamabushi training back into your daily life with Zen and Yamabushi reflection sessions
Engage with Yamabushi traditions in the historically rich and naturally stunning setting of Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo

The Basic Yamabushi Training is the perfect initiation into the world of the yamabushi, or a great yamabushi refresher. It takes place over five days in a Zen monastery and on the Shugendo strongholds of Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo.

Activities include Zen meditation, hiking, waterfall meditation, night walks, and other activities on Mt. Haguro and other Shugendo mountains.

The program is limited to 15 people. It will only take place twice in 2026. Let us know as soon as you can if you want to join us.