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.
June 2, 2022
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Spiritual and Religious Tours and Experiences
Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, and more
Immerse yourself in Japan’s diverse ecosystem of religious and spiritual beliefs through one of out package or a la carte experiences, from Shinto shrine maiden experiences to Shugdeno mountain workship, from Yamabushi to buddhism.
Featured Spiritual and Religious Experiences
Immerse yourself fully in Japanese cultural arts with a tea ceremony experience. Learn how to properly prepare ceremonial matcha from a master of the urasenke school in a purpose-built tea ceremony room. After, be introduced to the various purpose made tools and utensils of this aristocratic art.
Experience being a miko, a shrine maiden, for a day at a largely revered shrine. Wear traditional miko clothing, learn about shintoism, create your own lucky amulet and participate in a formal
ceremony, then enjoy a local lunch.
The Gyo Experience: Join yamabushi monks for traditional spiritual training at a waterfall on Mount Yudono of the Dewa Sanzan.
Experience the wonders and history of this legendary temple complex with a professional and skilled English guide.
All Spiritual and Religious Experiences and Tours
Two Day Cuisine and Culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata Tour
On this 1 night, 2 day tour, explore Yamagata’s traditional and modern food culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata City. On day one, experience, interact, and deeply enjoy all facets of this region’s incredible cuisine. On day two, immerse yourself in traditional culture, from mountain temples to maiko performances.
January 30, 2026
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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.
March 27, 2023
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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.
October 4, 2024
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Private Night Tour of Historical Zuihoden
In this special experience, make a night visit the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the samurai who built the foundation of Sendai. After a special viewing of the main hall, enjoy a performance of Japanese musical instruments in a solemn atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience at this remarkable place.
January 24, 2025
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Be a Shinto Miko Shrine Maiden For a Day
Experience being a miko, a shrine maiden, for a day at a largely revered shrine. Wear traditional miko clothing, learn about shintoism, create your own lucky amulet and participate in a formal
ceremony, then enjoy a local lunch.
March 14, 2024
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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.
January 21, 2025
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Exclusive Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience
Immerse yourself fully in Japanese cultural arts with a tea ceremony experience. Learn how to properly prepare ceremonial matcha from a master of the urasenke school in a purpose-built tea ceremony room. After, be introduced to the various purpose made tools and utensils of this aristocratic art.
April 14, 2026
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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.
July 28, 2022
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Recenter Your Body & Mind with Shojin Ryori Dinner & Zen Meditation at Sendai’s Zen Temple
Rinnoji Temple, which has one of the best gardens in the Tohoku region, offers a private tour and immersion in Japanese culture as you learn about the history of Rinnoji Temple and Zen culture. After a prayer and zazen experience, enjoy a meal of shojinryori.
January 24, 2025
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Yamabushi Training on Mt. Kinbo
Venture into the nature of Yamagata with yamabushi mountain monks along their ancient training paths on Mount Kinbo.
July 28, 2022
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Shimenawa Making Experience
As a means of purifying spaces and preventing evil from entering, shimenawa ropes are hung to welcome the god Toshigami into one’s home. This experience offers visitors the chance to make a shimenawa decoration using green wara.
July 30, 2025
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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.
March 11, 2026
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