July 1st marks the opening of Mt. Gassan, the highest and most sacred of the Dewa Sanzan. For centuries, Yamabushi and pilgrims have awaited this moment, not just to walk the mountain, but to reconnect with something deeper than ourselves.

Each spring, in a ritual called Haruyama Daisan (春山代参, lit. Spring Mountain Pilgrimage), a group of about 20 people return the Kami to its rightful home atop Mt. Gassan.

Since the early 17th century, the people of Toge village at the base of Haguro-san have come together every spring for the Haraigawa Bushin (払川普請), a massive communal clean-up.

Testimonial from N.M. (2024 Basic Yamabushi training participation)

Testimonial from B.L. (2023 Masters Yamabushi training participation)

Valerio Lima with Master Hoshino

Gassan, revered as a sacred peak for 1,400 years, is where ancestral spirits are said to reside. Our explorer joins worshippers who climb to be with the dead.

We recently hosted one such participant on a 10-day winter escape, our Customized Private Training. As you can probably tell, this experience is available any time of the year. It is perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups looking for a unique spiritual experience, or an escape, on the mountains of Japan.