Overview

Since ancient times, pilgrims have come to Dewa Sanzan, the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa in northern Japan, to seek renewal and a fresh start. Walking these mountains is seen as a journey of rebirth, where each step brings you closer to a new chapter in life.

On this program, you will complete the full Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage under the guidance of Master Kazuhiro Hayasaka, one of the most senior yamabushi. With his leadership, you will experience the true spirit of this sacred path, following in the footsteps of countless seekers before you.

What you will do

Your experience begins and ends in Master Hayasaka’s family-run 300-year-old Shukubo pilgrim lodge, Daishinbo. Just as countless generations have done for centuries, here you will undertake a purification involving special Shojin Ryori meals and secret rituals before Master Hayasaka leads you into the three sacred Dewa Sanzan peaks: Haguro-san (Mt. Haguro), Gassan (Mt. Gassan), and Yudono-san (Mt. Yudono). 

Over three days, you will:
• Begin at Daishinbo, a 300-year-old pilgrim lodge, and meet your yamabushi guide.
• Take part in purification rituals and enjoy traditional Shojin Ryori meals.
• Put on pilgrimage attire and learn the meaning of “Uketamou,” the spirit of acceptance and renewal.
• Climb the ancient stone steps of Mt. Haguro, walk through lush forests, and visit sacred shrines.
• Continue your journey to the summits of Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono, completing the full pilgrimage.
• Join in prayers and rituals that celebrate rebirth and new beginnings.
• Reflect, connect with fellow pilgrims, and experience the living tradition of Japan’s sacred mountains.
Guided by a master yamabushi, this is more than a hike—it is a journey of transformation and spiritual renewal.

The program’s key phrase is “Uketamou” (“I accept”), which participants are encouraged to say in response to all instructions from the yamabushi guide. By accepting both the challenges and joys of the pilgrimage, you open yourself to new experiences and personal transformation.

Who Should Join

• Those seeking a deeper Dewa Sanzan experience, those wishing to mark a new chapter in life, or anyone ready for a profound journey of self-discovery.
• Those wishing to visit all three Dewa Sanzan mountains and experience the true essence of Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage
• Anyone wanting the guidance of a yamabushi to help push beyond their personal boundaries
• Those seeking deeper transformation than what a one-day or overnight trip can provide
• Hikers and trekkers eager to challenge themselves physically and spiritually

Meet the Yamabushi Guide

Born in 1971, Kazuhiro is the 17th-generation head of Daishinbo, a pilgrim lodge with over 300 years of history in the Toge area of Haguro. In addition to his training and management as a yamabushi, he is actively involved in various projects to promote yamabushi and Dewa Sanzan culture, including the Dewa Sanzan Monzenmachi Project and the Yamabushi Training Experience School.

Schedule / Itinerary

Day One: Haguro-san

Time	Activity
10:00	Meet and check-in at Daishinbo
10:30	Mt. Haguro pilgrimage experience starts
13:00	Lunch (Ichiju-Nisai: traditional soup and two side dishes)
13:45	Formal worship at Dewa Sanzan Shrine on Mt. Haguro’s summit
16:00	Free time
18:00	Dinner (Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori – ascetic cuisine)
19:00	Night program (evening visit and meditation)
20:30	Free time, bath, rest

Day Two: Gassan

Time	Activity
6:00	Gassan pilgrimage experience
9:30	Arrive at Mt. Gassan summit, formal worship at Gassan Shrine
10:00	Lunch at the summit lodge
11:00	Descend Mt. Gassan
15:00	Free time
18:00	Dinner (Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori – ascetic cuisine)
19:00	Night program (evening visit and meditation)
20:30	Free time, bathing, rest

Day Three: Yudono-san

Time	Activity
6:00	Check out, sort out luggage
8:00	Yudono-san pilgrimage experience
13:00	Return to Daishinbo
14:00	Reflection session, distribution of amulets
15:30	Program ends

What’s Included

• Standard accommodation in shared rooms for 3–4 people (no mixed-gender rooms for those unacquainted). Part of your training is that you stay with the other participants, however if necessary private rooms are available for an additional 3,000 JPY.
• Yamabushi guide
  Interpreter
• Meals as per schedule (Day 1 lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Day 3 breakfast and lunch)
• All transfers during the program (private taxi)
• Prayer, temple/shrine seal (goshuin), and amulet fees at Dewa Sanzan Shrine
• Traditional pilgrimage attire (white gyoi jacket and paper shime necklace), yours to keep
• National travel insurance
• All other travel costs (to/from the site, etc.) are at the participant’s expense.

What to Bring / Preparation

• Hat
• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers)
• Rainwear (program runs rain or shine)
• Backpack or shoulder bag (keep hands free during mountain walks)
• Small coins for shrine offerings
• Towels for sweat
• Drinks
• Bath towels, face towels, toothbrush, and yukata (sleepwear) are provided at the accommodation. For facility details, see Daishinbo website.

Participation Fee

220,000 JPY (tax excluded)

Capacity

10 participants (minimum 4 participants required)

Dates

Sunday, September 21 to Tuesday September 23, 2025

Application Deadline

One week before each session, or until capacity is reached.

Important Notes

• Participants must be 20 years or older and in good health.
• This program is focused on authentic pilgrim lodge and yamabushi experiences, not standard sightseeing. Please read all guidelines carefully before applying.
• The itinerary includes climbing Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono. No refunds will be given if you are unable to complete any climb.
• Outdoor activities may be canceled in case of typhoons or severe weather warnings. The program may change at short notice for safety reasons.
• Wear comfortable, temperature-appropriate, and modest attire suitable for pilgrimage.
• Please indicate any food allergies on the application form.
• Photos taken during the program may be used on our website or social media. If you do not consent, please indicate so on the application form or inform staff.
• Media coverage may occur during the program.

Meeting and Ending

The meeting location is Daishinbo Pilgrim Lodge.

95 Toge, Haguro-machi, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata 997-0211

Google Map

Please be sure to check in by 10:00 on September 21. The experience will finish around 15:30 on September 23 at Daishinbo.

Send us an inquiry using the form below to apply or for more details.

Program Planning, Operation, and Implementation

• Megurun Co., Ltd.
  120-2 Kanekoji, Yabuchi, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata 997-0855
  Travel Supervisor: Keiko Kato
  Yamagata Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 282

This trip is planned and operated by Megurun Co., Ltd. Participants enter into a group travel contract with the company. Terms and conditions are based on this advertisement, the travel conditions document, the final itinerary provided before departure, and the company’s standard travel contract terms (as of February 1, 2023).

The contract is finalized upon completion of the application form and payment of the travel fee. Other matters are subject to the Standard Travel Agency Terms and Conditions (see Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website).

Privacy Policy:

Personal information will be used only to arrange the travel services applied for and to improve our products and services. Cancellation, Travel Conditions, and Privacy Policy:
Refer to the provided travel conditions document and privacy policy for further details.