KEEPING THE SACRED PATH SACRED
Sweeping the stone stairway of Haguro-san.
If you’ve ever spent time in a shrine or temple in Japan, chances are you’ve seen someone sweeping the grounds. As much as possible, shrines and temples are kept clean, not for the sake of the worshippers, although that is part of it, but for the sake of the Kami and Buddha that reside there. On Haguro-san, this tradition takes on epic proportions: the approach to the shrine is a 2,446-step stone stairway winding through ancient cedars, making it one of the longest in Japan.
Keeping this sacred path clear is no small feat. Each winter, fallen branches and cedar needles accumulate. If left unchecked, they can shift water flow and loosen the stones. Last year, 20 meters of steps collapsed for this very reason, showing exactly why even the less-visible sides must be carefully maintained.
The group gathering before the clean-up.
Cleaning up the stairs near the summit of Haguro-san.
Community in Action
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. In recent years, this event has taken place on April 29, a national holiday. The stairway is divided into ten sections, each cared for by a different hamlet.
This year, six of us from the Yamabushido team joined our neighbors to sweep and clear the Sannosaka (third slope) area near Haniyamahime Shrine, the shrine known for its red ribbons. This event takes place rain or shine, much like yamabushi training, and this year was a particularly wet one.
A much-needed break from arduous work on the slopes.
Some Tara no me (Aralia elata) found on Haguro-san.
A Taste of Community
Afterwards, we gathered for the traditional naorai, a communal meal featuring wild mountain vegetables foraged by our yamabushi friend, Mr. Ishii, and transformed into delicious tempura by the village women. Sharing these flavors of spring with locals, we felt a deep sense of belonging and gratitude.
Traditions like Haraigawa Bushin are rare examples of faith and daily life coming together. Through Yamabushido, we hope to help carry these values and this spirit into the future, preserving not just the path up the mountain, but the heart of our community.
The Tara no Me and Koshiabura was promptly made into tempura.
If you feel inspired by the spirit of Haraigawa Bushin, you might find a kindred experience in our Yamabushi trainings this year. These programs invite you to walk the same sacred paths, learn from local masters, and immerse yourself in the living traditions of Dewa Sanzan.
