Yamagata | Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage × Yamabushi Training - First Limited Group of 6 (3 Days 2 Nights)
| Departure / Meeting Point: | JR Tsuruoka Station |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days 2 nights |
| Operating Period | |
| Minimum Number of Participants | 1 ~ 6 people |
| Price (per person) |
Adult: ¥118,000 Child: ¥118,000 |
| Eligible Persons/Age Restriction |
Adult travelers interested in mountain worship, in-depth experiences of Japanese culture, and journeys of inner peace. Children aged 12 and above (must be accompanied by a parent) |
Itinerary Details
This is not a mountain hike, but a journey of self-reflection.
For 1,400 years, the three sacred mountains of Dewa have maintained the same rhythm of spiritual practice: morning prayers, ascent of the steps, and quiet contemplation in nature. The mountain hermits are not merely guides, but facilitators between this mountain forest and their faith. Over these three days, we broke down our daily routine into three stages.
Slow down, climb the steps, and return as a new you. Led by Mr. Kazuhiro Hayasaka, the owner of Daishinbo, and accompanied by a Chinese-speaking guide throughout, this is an in-depth hospitality for a select few.
Mountains, Gods, and Humans: The Rebirth Journey of the Three Mountains of Dewa
Dewa Sanzan: Haguroyama (414 meters), Gassan (1,984 meters), and Yudonoyama (1,504 meters).
Since the Jomon period, it has been a sacred site for mountain worship. Each of the three mountains symbolizes a segment of life: Mount Haguro (Kannon) is for praying for happiness in this life, Mount Gassan (Amida Nyorai) is for praying for rebirth after death, and Mount Yudono (Dairy Nyorai) is for praying for rebirth in the next life. The unity of the three mountains is the “Journey of Rebirth.” During the Edo period, there was even a saying that “in the west there is Ise Grand Shrine, and in the east there is Okusamatsu,” making it as famous as Ise Grand Shrine. The white robes worn by the mountain bearers were originally the attire of the deceased in Japan; entering the mountains is equivalent to letting go of one’s living self in the world. Each time one enters the mountains, it is like dying once and then living again.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tsuruoka and the foothills of Mount Haguro - Slowing down the pace of daily life
Pick-up and drop-off at Tsuruoka Station
Arrive at Tsuruoka Station aboard the JR East Limited Express “Inaho” and be greeted by a van in front of the station to begin your mountain ascetic retreat.
Welcome lunch at Al-Chécciano
Tsuruoka is the only city in Japan to be recognized by UNESCO as a “Creative City of Food Culture.” Chef Masayuki Okuda uses only seasonal ingredients from Shonai in his dishes, and the restaurant’s name means “Everything you want is here.”
Stay at Haguro Mountain Rokuro Shukubo "Daishinbo"
Step into the tatami room, listen to the mountain keeper explain the significance of tomorrow’s mountain climb, and personally participate in the morning walk and pilgrimage that has never been interrupted for 1,400 years.
Visit the Dewa Culture Memorial Hall
From the legend of the Bee Prince who founded the mountain to the history of the integration of gods and Buddhas, it takes about 1 hour to build up the background knowledge.
Sukubo Shojin Ryori Dinner
A warm and simple village vegetarian meal contrasts with the cuisine at Tomorrow’s Vegetarian Restaurant.
Day 2: Climbing the steps, embarking on an inner journey
Daijinbo Breakfast • Pre-trip briefing for Yamabushi • Changing into white attire
After checking out, large luggage was taken to the vegetarian restaurant. Yamabushi personally explained the significance of the pilgrimage and helped us change into white attire symbolizing purity and rebirth, officially beginning our ascent to the summit.
Mountain Ascension Training: Climb the stone steps of Mount Haguro (2,446 steps) to the top for pilgrimage.
Passing through the Suishin Gate, crossing the Fukawa River, and walking along the 2,446 stone steps through a century-old cedar forest. Upon reaching the National Treasure Five-Storied Pagoda, a conch shell is offered by the yakushi (mountain hermit) himself.
Free light meals at the mountaintop
Enjoy a light meal at your leisure, or visit the Dewa Sanzan History Museum on your own.
The Three Gods Joint Temple was officially visited.
In the sense of accomplishment of reaching the summit, I offered my first prayer of the journey under the thatched roof.
Checking into the vegetarian restaurant and saying goodbye to Mr. Hayasaka.
After saying goodbye to the guide, we made a special stop in the tranquility of the mountaintop to learn about the daily life of this centuries-old building.
Vegetarian Restaurant's Top-Tier Vegetarian Dinner
Chef Ito prepares dishes for ascetics every day using wild mountain vegetables sourced locally, the location of which is a secret passed down through generations of his family of artisans.
Day 3: Returning as a brand new self (Disbandment Day)
Saikan → Sanshin Gosaiden (Three Gods Combined Shrine) Morning Offering Ceremony
Participate in the daily morning offering ceremony within the misty territory, listening to the sound of conch shells, and undergo a final purification of body and mind.
vegetarian breakfast
This was the last meal I had in the mountains during this trip.
Descending the Mountain: Coffee Time and Introspection - Dismissal
After saying goodbye to Haguroyama, return to Tsuruoka City and find a quiet corner to record your three-day experience. Airport/train station transfer is flexible (Shōnai Airport or Tsuruoka Station).
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Precautions
The price includes : three days and two nights of accommodation (Ojinbo lodging + vegetarian restaurant).
• All meals listed in the itinerary (lunch, dinner, light snacks)
• Chinese-speaking guide throughout the trip • Mountain climbing experience led by Yamabushi (Mr. Kazuhiro Hayasaka) • Fees for training experiences including white costume rental, conch shell offering, and the Asahi Gozan Festival • Transportation from Tsuruoka Station to the end of the trip
The price does not include : international and domestic airfare; and single room upgrade fee (an additional ¥40,000 per person).
• Personal expenses, shopping, and optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Participation Instructions : • This is a limited-time, first-run event, limited to 6 participants. Confirmation of participation guarantees departure. • Requires climbing 2,446 stone steps; basic physical fitness and hiking preparation are recommended. • Accommodation (both guesthouse and vegetarian restaurant) is in traditional Japanese style; bathrooms are mostly shared. Please understand and be prepared. • Attending the information session on August 23 (Taichung) or August 30 (Taipei) will grant you a ¥10,000 discount. Please contact us via LINE for details.
Cancellation Policy : • Once booked, a 5% system cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations due to personal reasons. • Cancellations made 7 days or more before the departure date: 30% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 3 days before departure date: 50%
Cancellation rate on the same day: 100%
