The Yamabushi Ascent Training is a five-day journey at Zen temples and along ancient mountain paths making it the perfect initiation into the world of the yamabushi, or a Shugendo refresher.

This training was formerly called the Basic Yamabushi Training.

YAMABUSHI
ASCENT TRAINING

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AT A GLANCE

DURATION
Five days

INTENSITY
High
Physically and mentally demanding

DATES
13-17 June, 2027
18-22 October 2027

PARTICIPATION FEE
710,000 JPY
(About US$4,500)

FOCUS
Intense Yamabushi training focused on Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo / Mt. Yudono led by bilingual Yamabushi. Zen disconnection and guided reconnection sessions.

WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE

Over five days, you’ll experience a blend of Zen disconnection, immersive mountain training, and guided reconnection.
This training is shorter than the Yamabushi Masters Training while retaining the intensity, core rituals, and transformative power.
Extended period in silence and in yamabushi robes means The Yamabushi Ascent Training is more physically and mentally demanding than the Group or Private Reset Trainings.
Activities include Zen meditation, walking meditation, waterfall meditation, and night walks, all designed for you to connect deeply with nature.

WHO THIS TRAINING IS FOR

Those who find themselves at a turning point in life, who are seeking adventure, and who feel ready to begin a new chapter.
Those who want to step back from the fast pace, complexity, and noise of the world, and rediscover what truly matters to them.
Those wanting to pay their respects or commemorate the lives of loved ones.
Those seeking their own roots.
Anyone who feels drawn to this place or our training in some way, even if they can’t clearly explain why.

WHAT YOU GAIN

Mental clarity, presence and other lessons from the mountains that provide recurring benefits for life.
Grounded understanding of the yamabushi way, especially that learned through the body.
Deep self-discovery and personal growth through extended reflection and practice.
The yamabushi wisdom of letting go and acceptance (Uketamo).

TRAIN UNDER CERTIFIED YAMABUSHI

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The training is led by local Yamabushi who have run their pilgirm lodging for generations, or international Yamabushi drawn to Japan’s sacred way of living.

Our international Yamabushi have trained on these mountains as yamabushi and are not mere interpreters. They are bilingual practitioners who know what it takes, what it means, and can bring the lessons of the mountains to you in your own language.

TESTIMONIALS

"What really challenged me: Letting go of taking the lead. The need of knowing what and when things will happen. In my daily life I never gave myself the time to be bored, which now sparks my creativity."

— S.C. from Germany

“My recent Yamabushido training trip to Japan was an absolutely extraordinary and energizing experience that surpassed all my expectations. To be honest I went in blind and with absolutely no wish to know about the details."

— P.M. from India

“Don't be fooled by the word 'basic'… it is a demanding program. I have come away with a renewed calm and life perspective. I expect to return and also hope to participate in the Masters program."

— S.M. from United States

ITINERARY

Day 1｜Disconnection
Zen training at a Zen temple. Step away from the noise of daily life and prepare body and mind for the mountains.

Days 2–4｜Yamabushi Training
Three days of yamabushi training with bilingual yamabushi on Mt. Haguro and Mt. Kinbo in June, or Mt. Yudono in October. The order of practice is not announced in advance and is part of the training.

Day 5｜Reconnection
Take the time to reflect on what you experienced under the guidance of local yamabushi before returning to daily life.