Yamagata Prefecture
Experience the nature of Yamagata alongside Yamabushi monks.
Venture into the pristine nature of Yamagata alongside Yamabushi monks and walk along their ancient training paths that have been in use for over a thousand years.
This short training program by the yamabushi of Mt. Kinbo will take participants up to the Kinbo Shrine and then to a waterfall at the end of a hidden trail.
Along this path, you will take part in a series of rituals alongside the yamabushi and also learn about the mindset and ideology that your guide would like you to focus on as you trek deep into this sacred mountain.
Experience Yamabushi on Mt. Kinbo
What's Included
Dress into some of the Shirosozoku robes of the Yamabushi.
Along the hike up to the Kinbo Shrine, you will take part in various rituals and customs of the Yamabushi.
Learn about the philosophy of the Yamabushi and the religious ideals of Shugendo that they follow.
A series of blessings to purify yourself upon arriving at the shrine.
Enjoy a meager meal of onigiri rice balls near a small waterfall.
Cost
from 12,000 yen per person (with a minimum of 2 participants)
Experience Availability
All-year round. Experience time is flexible.
Average Duration
Approximately 3 hours
Meeting Location
Awashima Shrine at the base of Mt. Kinbo
〒997-0368 山形県鶴岡市青龍寺金峯
Minimum number of participants
2
Important notes
Note that during the winter season, Shirosozoku might not be able to be worn due to the cold weather.
This tour is predominantly outdoors, so please dress accordingly for the weather and wear comfortable shoes or boots. Due to the large amount of walking, pregnant women and people with serious health conditions should not undertake this tour.
Experience availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
Please notify us at least 3 days before if you must cancel or modify your reservation.
Experience Mt. Kinbo
You will begin this program by meeting with Masato Kono, a Yamabushi monk of Mt. Kinbo who was born and raised at the base of this mountain and has spent decades training on both this mountain and the Dewasanzan Mountains of Yamagata.
Masato will then help you dress into some of the Shirosozoku robes of the Yamabushi and prepare you to enter the sacred trail of this mountain with him.
Along the hike up to the Kinbo Shrine, you will take part in various rituals and customs of the Yamabushi with Masato. These include rituals such as chanting by your Yamabushi guide, that involves staying silent and bowing your head. Please be respectful, discreet, and minimal if you wish to take pictures during these moments.
Masato will also teach you about the philosophy of the Yamabushi and the religious ideals of Shugendo that they follow. This includes personal stories of his and if you would like personal stories about yourself aswell.
Upon reaching the shrine, you will undergo a series of blessings to purify yourself before venturing along a hidden path to the small waterfall at the back of the shrine. Here you will be able to have a meager meal of onigiri rice balls as is customary of the Yamabushi before venturing back down the mountain together to the Awashima Shrine.
Inquire about your Mt. Kinbo Yamabushi experience today!
You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 3 days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserves an experience straightaway.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserves an experience straightaway.
Cancelation policy
Our general cancelation policy for our experiences is below. Cancelation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
3 business days before date of experience
Free
2 business days before date of experience
30% of total price
1 business day before date of experience
50% of total price
Same day
100% of total price
