The Shoreisai Festival
Shoreisai is a religious yamabushi festival which takes place at the top of Mount Haguro in Tsuruoka, Yamagata every New Year’s Eve.
Outdoor Experiences
The Pristine Nature of the Japanese Countryside
Breaking away from the big cities of Japan are deep mountains, endless coastline, mystical forests, and endless adventures to be had. See some of our favorite destinations below.
Featured Outdoor Adventures
Observe the sophisticated techniques of Yagyu Shingan-ryu sword style in action on the Mori Butai Stage at the Tome City Dento Geino Densho-kan, then try out some of the techniques for yourself!
Embrace the hobby sweeping the masses- bird-watching! The Izunuma-Uchinuma wetlands are one of the wintering grounds frequented by the migratory waterfowl that come to Japan each winter. Contemplate the relationship between man and nature as you observe waterfowl rising from their roosts in the early morning and returning at dusk.
Catch your own fish or shop for some at a local market, then watch or work alongside as a professional Japanese chef prepares it.
A guided hike up the 2,446 stone steps of holy Mount Haguro, with a lunch of Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori mountain monk cuisine.
Experience rural Japan life with a farmstay experience in Yamagata. Harvest or plant crops, and learn to cook traditional dishes.
Forage for sansai (wild mountain vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms) in the pristine nature of Mount Gassan, Yamagata with a veteran guide.
All Outdoor Experiences
Sakata City
Sakata City is the main port city of Yamagata Prefecture and retains much of the history from its golden days in the Edo Period.
Yaya Festival
Every winter, the young boys of Shonai brave subzero to participate in this intense religious and cultural ritual.
Yamagata Snow Festival
The Yamagata Snow Festival, held in Sagae City, is one of Yamagata Prefecture’s biggest winter events and boasts a great fireworks display.
Yamadera Guided Experience
Experience the wonders and history of this legendary temple complex with a professional and skilled English guide.
Waterfall Training on Mt. Yudono
The Gyo Experience: Join yamabushi monks for traditional spiritual training at a waterfall on Mount Yudono of the Dewa Sanzan.
Mt. Haguro Shojin Ryori and Harvesting Day Experience
Forage wild sansai vegetables on the slopes of Mount Haguro alongside yamabushi mountain monks, then use them to cook shojin ryori dishes.
Yamabushi Training on Mt. Kinbo
Venture into the nature of Yamagata with yamabushi mountain monks along their ancient training paths on Mount Kinbo.
Yamabushi Shojin Ryori Overnight Experience
Dine on Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori, sleep at a pilgrim’s lodge. Wake the next morning to harvest vegetables and learn to cook this cuisine.
Cycling in Yamagata Prefecture
Leave the car behind and explore the wide open plains of Yamagata Prefecture on a guided cycling tour!
Active and Artisanal in Yamagata City
An easy, one-day guided cycling tour exploring the traditional side of Yamagata City. Ride to a Japanese garden, a minor holy mountain to explore a hidden shrine, and the artisan district Hirashimizu for a weaving experience.
Spiritual 3-day Tour Package in Shonai, Yamagata
Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in this active 3 day and 2 night experience.
Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori Meal
Shojin ryori, is an ancient cuisine found on the Dewa Sanzan Mountains developed by the Yamabushi mountain monks with a storied history dating back over 1,400 years from when these sacred mountains were first opened.
Rebun Hokkaido Gastronomy Tour
Discover a different side of Japan and experience the vibrant food culture of the island of Rebun, Hokkaido. Immerse yourself in the northern panoramas and get to know the region’s fishing, culinary and cultural history through the experiences of local residents on this 4 day, 3 night tour.
Spirituality and Culture at Jionji Temple
A 1 night, 2 day tour program at Jionji, an ancient temple in the mountains, sure to enrich your mind and improve your physical health. Experience authentic shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine recreated from ancient recipes, try a Shugen trekking tour with a yamabushi mountain ascetic as your guide, and immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of this ancient temple.
Soul of Uetsu: Spirituality and cuisine shaped by nature
A 4 day, 3 night tour to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region of Japan, with a special focus on nature and its connections with the local spiritual and culinary cultures.
Mt. Kurikoma Area Geo-Guide
Mt. Kurikoma Area Geopark, located around Mt. Kurikoma, features a rich and diverse natural environment. On this guided hike, learn the story of how people in the region have lived through and overcome numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods.
Southern Tohoku and Niigata Adventure Tour
Explore Niigata, Fukushima, and Yamagata on this 4-day, 3-night private adventure tour. Explore Niigata city’s history and sake, hike through the stunning natural onsen landscapes of Fukushima, and embrace your inner samurai in Yamagata: this tour is for adventurous spirits looking for authentic experiences off the beaten path.
Winter Yamabushi Training Experience at Jionji Temple
Embark on a winter spiritual hike to experience Shugendo culture and nature in Yamagata. Escape from your busy daily life, and spend some quiet time reflecting on yourself on a mountain where prayers have continued for 1300 years.