The shrine gates at the summit of Mt. Haguro in January.

The Dewa Sanzan mountains are in snow country. At this time of year, the harsh environment dictates basically everything that goes on, especially for yamabushi. At this time of year, you won’t find many yamabushi training on the Dewa Sanzan mountains. Instead, many yamabushi running the Shukubo pilgrim’s lodges at the base of Mt. Haguro head to their followers in other parts of eastern Japan.

There, the yamabushi connect with the locals by praying to the sacred mountains together, and distribute amulets and other yamabushi memorabilia. In this way, the yamabushi deepen their connection to the locals, and the locals deepen their connection to the mountains from their own neighborhood. Then, when the mountains are open in the summer, the locals reciprocate by visiting the mountains in person.

However, our search for solace knows no bounds. There are of course many who do visit the mountains for spiritual guidance in the colder months. Winter simply means many of the activities associated with summer such as extensive hiking to remote mountain shrines to pray to the kami and buddha, waterfall meditation, or simply meditating in the great outdoors, make way for more indoor alternatives still with the same aim of strengthening our spiritual awareness, and developing our souls to accept whatever life throws at us.

For example, 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.

“I will be coming back here, this is a powerful place,
I can feel it.”

— Our recent participant

If you're wanting an escape to a place like no other, the perfect opportunity to develop your soul, we couldn't think of anywhere better than the Dewa Sanzan mountains. We hope to see you here.

PRIVATE YAMABUSHI EXPERIENCES

For those who want an entirely private experience, whether individually, as a couple, or with a small group, we have our three-day Private Reset Training, or be among some of the first people in the world to try our seven-day Customized Private Training, both available year-round.

We also recently hosted a family, so if you want a unique Japan experience that packs a transformative punch, get in touch.

Simply make an inquiry to book your transformation.

In the meantime, here are some photos from our recent winter experience: