Yamagata

Journey into Japan’s spiritual heartland.

The name Yamagata itself means “mountain shape”, a fitting title for this large prefecture nestled between towering mountain ranges and the sea. For the local people of Yamagata, this indomitable landscape is the genesis for a vibrant and mysterious religious culture centered around the Dewa Sanzan mountains, three of Japan’s holiest peaks. Dotted with shrines, pagodas and temples, these summits are home to the Yamabushi, mountain hermits who, according to legend, possess almost supernatural powers. Their religion of Shugendō is a unique blend of many different beliefs, with emphasis on cultivating a deep, symbiotic connection with nature. For centuries their practices have been conducted in secret, but you now have the rare opportunity to take part in their spiritual training and to dive deep into their beliefs, culture, and lifestyle.

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Access

60 minutes by direct flight from Tokyo

75 minutes by direct flight from Osaka

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Price

From $1,750 per person

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When to Go

These tours are available year-round.

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Duration

From 3 days / 2 nights

All Destination Highlights

Yamabushi Culture

For hundreds of years, the famed Yamabushi priests of Yamagata have trekked throughout the Dewa Sanzan mountains in search of spiritual awakenings and a heightened connection with nature.

Unique Gastronomy

Yamagata’s cuisine is legendary. The region is famed throughout Japan for its fruits and vegetables, and the seafood pulled from its coastal waters is considered to be among the best in the world.

Zen Spirituality

From Yamadera Temple perched precariously on a mountainous cliffside, to the serene Zenpoji Temple along the coast, Yamagata is home to fascinating Zen traditions dating back hundreds of years. Gain unparalleled access into Japan’s spiritual side.

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Yamabushi Culture

For hundreds of years, the famed Yamabushi priests of Yamagata have trekked throughout the Dewa Sanzan mountains in search of spiritual awakenings and a heightened connection with nature.

Unique Gastronomy

Yamagata’s cuisine is legendary. The region is famed throughout Japan for its fruits and vegetables, and the seafood pulled from its coastal waters is considered to be among the best in the world.

Zen Spirituality

Featured

Yamabushi Tour

3 days / 2 nights

Venture into the hills in the company of Yamabushi priests

Learn about the Yamabushi and their unique views on nature and spirituality.

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Climb to a mountain-top temple to receive a special blessing.

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Dine on local foods traditionally eaten by the Yamabushi to provide the energy needed for their travels.

Learn More

Zen Spiritual Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Experience spirituality unlike anywhere else in the world

Visit a sprawling Zen temple scattered about the steep hills near Yamagata’s capital.

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Learn seated meditation techniques from Zen monks while staying at their temple.

•

Try your hand at traditional, brush calligraphy while copying sutras.

Learn More

Mountain Harvest Tour

3 days / 2 nights

See and taste how Yamagata is becoming Japan’s newest culinary sensation

Join a local restaurateur to learn the secrets of ‘sansai ryori’, or mountain foraging.

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Try foods traditionally eaten by the area’s famous, mountain monks.

•

Sample some of Japan’s best seafood, caught fresh from Yamagata’s cold, coastal waters.

Learn More

Full Yamabushi Programs

Various Durations

Delve deeper into the world of Yamabushi with these full training programs.

Join a 3-day training reset program with Yamabushi monks.

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Commit to the in-depth shugyo training and spend 5 to 7 days immersing yourself in the ways of the Yamabushi.

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All Tours

Yamabushi Tour

3 days / 2 nights

Venture into the hills in the company of Yamabushi priests

Learn about the Yamabushi and their unique views on nature and spirituality.

•

Climb to a mountain-top temple to receive a special blessing.

•

Dine on local foods traditionally eaten by the Yamabushi to provide the energy needed for their travels.

Learn More

Zen Spiritual Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Experience spirituality unlike anywhere else in the world

Visit a sprawling Zen temple scattered about the steep hills near Yamagata’s capital.

•

Learn seated meditation techniques from Zen monks while staying at their temple.

•

Try your hand at traditional, brush calligraphy while copying sutras.

Learn More

Mountain Harvest Tour

3 days / 2 nights

See and taste how Yamagata is becoming Japan’s newest culinary sensation

Join a local restaurateur to learn the secrets of ‘sansai ryori’, or mountain foraging.

•

Try foods traditionally eaten by the area’s famous, mountain monks.

•

Sample some of Japan’s best seafood, caught fresh from Yamagata’s cold, coastal waters.

Learn More