YAMABUSHIDO

Transformative Yamabushi Training on The Japanese Mountains

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 Northern Japan.

It’s a practice which has been passed down through generations. And has been 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 ALL ABOUT?

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 particular 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.

DEWA SANZAN

the summit of Mt. Gassan with Mt. Chokai in the distance under a bright blue sky during a dewa sanzan yamabushido yamabushi experience with Master Hoshino

There are three sacred mountains in Yamagata. Together they are called Dewa Sanzan. This is the heart of Yamabushi country. And 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. Like all rites 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.

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 Northern Japan far away from the 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.

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.

    Learn more

  • BASIC YAMABUSHI TRAINING

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

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more

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, the most unique, and the most intense. It takes place over seven days on all three Dewa Sanzan mountains under 13th generation Yamabushi, Master Hoshino. 

The itinerary includes a preparatory two days at a Zen monastery, followed by three days of intensive training in the mountains. After the training, there are two days of reflection with ample opportunity to ask questions about the yamabushi philosophy. 

This training will give you a full experience of the Yamabushi tradition. 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 three times in 2025. Let us know as soon as you can if you want to join us.

IN BRIEF

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

  • Two days Zen practice. Then, three days fully immersive training led by Master Hoshino. Then, two days hiking-style training.

  • Training on all three Dewa Sanzan mountains

  • Includes waterfall meditation

UPCOMING TRAININGS

30 June - 6 July, 2025

3-9 August, 2025

15-21 September, 2025

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

yamabushi pass mt. haguro of the dewa sanzan's five story pagoda during yamabushi training led by master fumihiro hoshino of daishobo pilgrim's lodge

IN BRIEF

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

  • One day Zen practice. Then, 3 days fully immersive training. Then, 1 day hiking-style training

  • Training on Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo

  • Includes waterfall meditation

The perfect initiation into the world of the yamabushi, or the perfect yamabushi refresher, The Basic Yamabushi Training is a five-day Yamabushi experience on Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo including training under a certified Yamabushi master. 

The Basic Yamabushi Training has a similar physical demand to the Masters Training, is just as intense, and keeps the core rituals and still packs a transformative punch. The Basic Yamabushi Training starts off with a one-day disconnection in a Zen temple to orient you with the world of the yamabushi and prepare you mentally for the training on days two, three, and four. Day five is a yamabushi-centered reconnection session under the guidance of a master yamabushi on Mt. Haguro.

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 2025. Let us know as soon as you can if you want to join us. 

UPCOMING TRAININGS

15-19 June, 2025

16-20 October, 2025

PHYSICAL INTENSITY

Medium intensity

BASIC YAMABUSHI TRAINING INCLUDES:

  • Small group training

    Participant numbers limited to 15.

  • Bilingual Yamabushi

    Train alongside Bilingual Yamabushi proficient in the ways of Shugendo.

  • Waterfall Meditation

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

  • Mt. Kinbo

    Training on local Shugendo peak, Mt. Kinbo.

  • Shojin Ryori Ascetic Cuisine

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

  • Mindful Eating

    Special guided mindful eating meals.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Digital Detox

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

  • 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

CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TRAINING

master yamabushi kazuhiro hayasaka on mt. gassanlooks out to the dewa sanzan mountains

IN BRIEF

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

  • This is a private experience just for you, or also with your friends

  • Includes Zen practice in a local monastery and hiking-style training, on all three mountains when possible

The Haguro Yamabushi understood that to be able to appreciate life and live it to the fullest, acceptance was key. So much so, their core philosophy is built around it. Translated as I accept, Uketamo is the Haguro yamabushi philosophy and way of life developed through ascetic training in the greatest dojo the Haguro yamabushi knew, the three Dewa Sanzan mountains here in north Japan. 

We wanted to provide individuals and small private groups the same opportunity to discover what the Dewa Sanzan yamabushi have known for millennia, without having to do more intense yamabushi training. So, we teamed up with local yamabushi and Zen masters to create the ultimate personalised Uketamo experience.

UPCOMING TRAININGS

The Customized Private Training is available year-round. We work on your schedule.

PHYSICAL INTENSITY

Medium intensity

CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TRAINING INCLUDES:

  • Complete Privacy

    Training limited to your group and your group alone. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends.

  • All Three Dewa Sanzan Peaks

    A journey for the ages, visit all three Dewa Sanzan mountains: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono when visiting between July and mid-October.

  • Language Support

    Either a bilingual yamabushi, or an interpreter with deep knowledge of yamabushi will provide language support the whole time.

  • Waterfall Meditation

    Optional meditation session under an ice-cold waterfall or river Misogi ritual.

  • Entirely Customizable

    Customizable to suit your needs and schedule.

  • Winter Training

    Available year-round, including in the winter snow.

  • Shojin Ryori Ascetic Cuisine

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

  • Mindful Eating

    Special guided mindful eating meals.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Digital Detox

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

  • 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

PRIVATE RESET TRAINING

yamabushi master kazuhiro hayasaka leading a pilgrimage experience in the snow on mt. haguro

IN BRIEF

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.

  • One day Zen practice in local monastery. Then, two days hiking-style training on Mt. Haguro

Want an entirely personalized experience combining genuine yamabushi elements, Zen Buddhism, and reflective activities focused on self development? Not sure you can meet the physical demands of yamabushi training? The Reset Training Program is for you.

Taking place over three days, the Yamabushi Reset Training is led by a number of spiritual leaders and includes a yamabushi guided hike, guided Zen and yamabushi meditations both indoors and out, ample opportunities for guided reflection, and more, right here on the Dewa Sanzan’s Mt. Haguro.

The Yamabushi Reset Training is limited to only one group at a time on a first come, first served basis, and is perfect for a couple, or a small group.

UPCOMING TRAININGS

The Private Reset Training is available year-round. We work on your schedule.

PHYSICAL INTENSITY

Lower intensity

PRIVATE RESET TRAINING INCLUDES:

  • Available in Winter

    Explore the mountains even under deep snow. This experience is available year-round.

  • Complete Privacy

    Training limited to your group and your group alone. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends.

  • Language Support

    Either a bilingual yamabushi, or an interpreter with deep knowledge of yamabushi will provide language support the whole time.

  • Entirely Customizable

    Customizable to suit your needs and schedule.

  • Shojin Ryori Ascetic Cuisine

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

  • Mindful Eating

    Special guided mindful eating meals.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Digital Detox

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

  • 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 on our trainings to make sure we are the right fit.

JOIN

OUR MASTERS

  • Fumihiro HOSHINO

    MASTER YAMABUSHI

  • Kazuhiro HAYASAKA

    MASTER YAMABUSHI

  • Takeharu (Tak) KATO

    BILINGUAL MASTER YAMABUSHI

  • Timothy (Tim) BUNTING

    BILINGUAL MASTER YAMABUSHI

  • Richard (Rick) ERDMAN

    BILINGUAL MASTER YAMABUSHI

  • Kohei KOJIMA

    BILINGUAL MASTER YAMABUSHI

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

a yamabushi looks out over the sea of japan during a yamabushido yamabushi training experience on mt. gassan of the dewa sanzan mountains in japan

  • Yes. We actively encourage women to join our trainings, and the Japanese language version of the training often has a majority of women.

  • No. We expect all our visitors to be respectful of the practices that we teach, but people from all faiths, and none, are all welcome to take part.

  • The Reset Training requires slowly climbing the stone steps of Mt. Haguro and is not overly intense.

    The Masters, Basic, and Customized Private Trainings involve vigorous hiking over multiple days, but with frequent breaks.

    The furthest you will hike in one day for the Masters and Customized Private Training is 8 kilometres (5 miles) from an elevation of 1450m (4750ft.) to 1984m (6500ft.) over 9 hours.

    The Basic Training requires a similar amount of effort but on a much lower peak.

  • During the yamabushi training sections, participants are not allowed to say anything besides 'Uketamo' (I accept). Also, there are no cellphones, no watches, and participants are not allowed to read, write, shave, or brush their teeth. This is all to follow the ancient rules of the Yamabushi and help you focus on being in the moment.

    Your safety is our first priority. We require all participants to let us know in advance of their allergies and other health concerns. We take all precautions necessary to avoid any problems.

  • On all of our experiences, a bilingual guide will be with you the entire way.

    The yamabushi training section is mostly non-verbal, and conducted in silence. Basic instructions and support will be given in English by the support guide throughout the training.

  • We need all participants to let us know in advance of dietary limitations. If you have a requirement, let us know so we can try to organise something special for you.

  • For access information, please see this article.

  • Many choose to stay in the region in the lead up to or following their training with us.

    For those who join our trainings, we can also arrange accommodation, cars for hire, or other experiences.

    Please note the following conditions:

    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: 20% of cost.

    Payment: Full amount paid in advance via PayPal.

OUR INSTAGRAM

"The stillness of the trees and the beauty around us taught me to appreciate the moment and trust my inner strength.” #yamabushi #yamabushido #dewasanzan #japan #zen #nature #mindfulness #meditation #wellness #pilgrimage #longhike #slowtr
Winter is a time to regenerate. A time to ease your mind and return yourself. - Reset training is also running this winter. Dates are by request only, so please DM us if you are interested! #yamabushi #yamabushido #dewasanzan #japan #zen #nature #h
The sound of a conch shell announced the arrival of the Yamabushi mountain ascetics in our local community. As part of an ancient tradition called "Matsu no Kanjin", the Yamabushi visit houses and are offered rice or donations and hand ou
"This has been a really beautiful and necessary journey to how to trust my inner voice, how to allow for silence in inner silence again.” #yamabushi #yamabushido #dewasanzan #japan #zen #nature #shugendo #shugyo #pilgrimage #hiking #retre
"It felt really special to be in a place that's sacred, that has this long history of spiritual contemplation and of connection, and for that to be shared with us in this kind of way.” #yamabushi #yamabushido #dewasanzan #japan #zen #natu
"Throughout the pilgrimage, it was just kind of like one step at a time. One step at a time. Don't look up. One step at a time. And that was probably one of my biggest takeaway from.” https://www.yamabushido.jp/#reset #yamabushi #yamabus
Looking back at our Masters training this year, What an intense time we had! Even though the training itinerary was the same, everyone experienced it a different way. As Master Hoshino says, Japanese spiritual training is a “path(道)” and
Autumn in the Shonai Region After the summer training season, the mountains are filled with tranquility and warm light. #yamabushi #yamabushido #dewasanzan #japan #zen #hagurosan #hiking #retreatinjapan #meditation
"I did the Masters Yamabushi Training program. It would have been a once in a lifetime experience, except I’m so hooked I’ll be coming back again. Why? There are plenty of ways to hike in Japan, many cultural experiences, and so on,
"Reflecting on my Yamabushi experience, I’ve realized how much my relationship with food has changed. During training, I struggled with the simple, vegan meals. But now, after visiting a temple in Kyoto, I found myself craving that same m

TRAIN WITH US

  • Get in touch using the inquiry form below and we will send you a detailed information pack.

  • Book a free video chat with our team to make sure the training is right for you.

  • We require a 30% deposit to guarantee your spot on the training.

  • We send you a detailed information pack and gather more information to get ready for your training.

  • We welcome you to Dewa Sanzan and your training begins.

  • Take the lessons from the mountains into your life.

INQUIRE