A Shugendo Day-Trip Guided by an Authentic Yamabushi Monk
Where Mountains Breathe - Echoes of Ancient Japanese Spirituality
Embark on a transformative journey into Japan’s living mountain tradition through this exclusive one-day immersive experience. Guided by an experienced Yamabushi, this rare opportunity invites you to discover Shugendo - an ancient practice deeply rooted in Japan’s sacred mountains.
Through mindful walking, traditional mountain practices, and moments of quiet reflection in nature, you will experience the wisdom of the Yamabushi and reconnect with yourself in harmony with the natural world.
Why This Tour is Extraordinary
Experience the Living Wisdom of Japan
This is more than sightseeing — it is a rare opportunity to step into the heart of Japan’s living mountain tradition and experience the values, history, and wisdom that have shaped the Japanese relationship with nature for centuries.
Away from the pace of modern life, immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the mountain, reconnect with nature, and discover a deeper perspective on Japanese culture through the ancient practice of the Yamabushi. This unforgettable journey offers a moment of reflection, renewal, and inspiration that will stay with you long after your return.
Guided by a Genuine Yamabushi Practitioner
You won’t just learn about the culture; you will experience it. An authentic Yamabushi (mountain ascetic monk) will serve your guide into mountain Shugendo teachings, sharing insights into the traditional Japanese worldview and our deep-rooted relationship with nature.
Sacred Peaks & Shugendo Trails
Your journey leads you up historic mountain trails once revered as legendary training grounds for Yamabushi ascetics.
Seamless Communication:
Language barriers disappear as a professional English interpreter will accompany the group throughout the day, ensuring you don't miss a single story or teaching.
Price
A Shugendo Day-Trip Guided by an Authentic Yamabushi Monk
Per Person
| Adults・Children same amount | 39000Yen Flat rate for all ages. |
|---|
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Plan Details
| Period |
2026/7/1(Wed)～2026/10/31(Sat) |
|---|---|
| What is included in the travel/plan price |
・Exclusive Yamabushi mountain experience and traditional practices ・Rental of authentic Yamabushi white robes (shiro-shōzoku) ・A simple Shojin Ryori-style lunch box (a humble vegetarian meal of rice balls and Japanese pickles, reflecting the traditional spirit of mountain practice) ・English-speaking guide and interpretation throughout the experience ・Travel insurance coverage ・All applicable taxes, including Japanese consumption tax |
| Minimum number of participants per group | 4 person/people |
| Minimum number of participants | 4 person/people |
| Maximum number of participants | 10 person/people |
| Tour Conductor | No |
| Start Time | 9:00 |
| Tour Time | About 6 hours |
| Reservation Deadline | 7 days before travel date |
| Payment Method |
Creditcard 
|
- Tour itinerary -
| Time | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Meet at Kosuge Assembly Hall (Kosuge Shuraku Kodo) |
| Upon meeting your Yamabushi guide, you will receive an orientation about the day's itinerary and what to expect. Additionally, your guide will assist you in learning how to dress in the sacred practitioners' attire loaned to you for this experience. | |
| 9:30 | Begin the pilgrimage ascent of Mt. Kosuge |
| Mt. Kosuge has been revered since ancient times as a sacred site for Shugendo (mountain asceticism). On this approximately 2.5-hour hike, your Yamabushi guide will share insights at key spots along the way as you make your way toward the Kosuge Shrine Okusha (Inner Shrine) near the summit. | |
| 12:00 | Arrive at Kosuge Shrine (Inner Shrine) & Lunch |
| Arrive at the Kosuge Shrine Inner Shrine for a well-deserved rest. Heal your fatigue with a traditional Shojin-ryori meal of rice balls and pickles, stepping back in time to eat just as the Yamabushi monks once did. | |
| 13:00 | Begin descent |
| Around 14:00 | Complete the descent, Tour wrap-up (reflection) and Change clothes |
| Arrive back at the base of the mountain. We will then gather for a brief tour wrap-up to reflect on the day's journey, followed by time to change clothes. | |
| Around 15:00 | Tour concludes / Dismissal at Kosuge Assembly Hall (Kosuge Shuraku Kodo) |
- Meeting Place -
Address is displayed when location is selected.
Kosuge Assembly Hall (Kosuge Shuraku Kodo)
- Important Points -
- Participation Requirements
This tour includes a round-trip hike of approximately 1.1 km each way (taking about 1 to 2 hours each way). For your safety, participation is limited to those who meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit: Participants must be junior high school students (approx. age 12–13) or older.
- Minors (under 18): Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. High school students and older may participate without an escort if they submit a signed parental consent form.
- Fitness Level: Must have the physical stamina to walk on steep mountain trails for 3 hours or more. - Important Safety Notice
Since this training takes place in a natural mountain environment, any accidents or injuries resulting from failure to follow the Sendatsu (guide)'s instructions will be at your own responsibility. - Transportation Notice
Please arrange your own transportation to the meeting point and from the dismissing point. - Hydration Notice
Please prepare and bring your own drinking water for the tour. Make sure to bring a sufficient amount for the entire hike. - Weather & Cancellation Policy
The tour will proceed rain or shine. However, the tour will be canceled in the event of severe weather warnings (such as heavy rain, thunder, or strong winds) or if the Sendatsu (guide) deems the conditions unsafe.
Any decision to cancel or modify the tour will generally be made around 3:00 PM on the day before the tour.
- Other -
- What to Bring & Clothing Guide
- Comfortable clothes (long sleeves & long pants)
- Trekking shoes
- Rain gear (Raincoat required)
- Backpack (to keep hands free)
- Drinking water & trail snacks
- Towel
- Hat & sunglasses (Sun protection)
- Heatstroke prevention items
- Insect repellent
- Change of clothes
- Cancellation Fee -
In cases where the customer cancels the contract after the contract has been completed, 1 customer will be charged a cancellation fee from their travel fee at the following rates. In cases where multiple people are participating and a portion of the customers cancel their contracts, we will charge the remaining customers a fee based on the difference according to the change in the number of people (around 1 vehicle/1 room per person) using transport and accommodation facilities.
| Cancellation 20 days before the start date | Cancellation 7 days before the start date | Cancellation the day before the start date | Cancellation on the start date | Cancel after tour departure or no-show |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 100% |
- Plan Provider Company -
Shinshu-Iiyama Tourism Bureau
1110-1, Iiyama, Iiyama city, Nagano
Registration of Travel Services：Governor of NaganoTravel Services Type 2 492
Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager：Seki Aimi
Contact Phone Number：0269-62-3133
Application
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Plan Contents
