Hike and Pray with a Real Yamabushi in Nagano
Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Iiyama City in northern Nagano Prefecture, lies a remarkable village called Kosuge. Within this mystical haven, mountain monks have dedicated their lives to the ancient and ascetic practices of Shugendo. Today, the villagers proudly carry on these age-old rituals at the historic Okusha Shrine, near the summit of Mt. Kosuge.
Enter the world of Shida San, a Yamabushi who embarked on a transformative journey by training at Dewa Sanzan. Since 2015, he has been striving to revive the culture of Shugendo. By learning firsthand from the local people, he aims to help others forge a deep connection with the mountain's heritage. Join Mr. Shida and an English-speaking guide for a truly enchanting adventure, where you'll spend a day steeped in captivating tales of the region, while delving into the rich history and culture of the Yamabushi.
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Hike and Pray with a Real Yamabushi in Nagano
What's included in Hike and Pray with a Real Yamabushi in Nagano
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Deeply tied with religion, Iiyama’s Mt. Kosuge is one of the three most sacred places in Nagano for shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism-shamanism). Established more than 1300 years ago, mountain ascetics called yamabushi stayed on the mountain for spiritual training, creating an area now known as Kosuge village. Hike with a modern-day Yamabushi through a cedar-lined forest trail to the Inner Shrine, a 400 year-old sacred site on the mountain.
Inclusions
- Yamabushi headress rental is included
- Please bring a boxed lunch, or easy to eat snacks such as onigiri rice balls, sandwiches etc
- Please bring sufficient bottled water for a half day hike
- Hiking clothes, Hiking shoes, backpack, waterproofs, extra layers, sunscreen, bug repellant
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- While the hike itself is short, it is exceptionally steep in places. We invite you to participate only if you possess confidence in your physical strength and come well-equipped with sturdy boots and weather-appropriate attire. .
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meet at the Kodo Meeting house in the Central square in Kosuge village. It is the large wooden building with a red roof.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please show your ticket to the English speaking guide on arrival.