Japanese Mountain Training | 24 Hours of Hell

@Abroad in Japan

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Join the creator on a challenging 24-hour Yamabushi mountain training journey across the sacred mountains of Yudono and Gassan in Yamagata, involving icy waterfall prayers, fire rituals, and a strenuous climb.

1 plan · 3 places · 3 experiences

Plan · 3 places · Yamagata, Japan

Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi Training

“Earlier this year we visited Haguro, and now in the height of summer, we've returned to visit the other two sacred mountains, Yudono and Gassan, for a full Yamabushi training experience.”

1
Mount Haguro
Mountain peak · Tsuruoka
4.6 (502)
Creator's voice
A secluded mountain temple just outside the city of Tsuruoka in Yamagata, and one of the three sacred mountains in the region. Known for meditative practices like trekking in silence through snow-covered forests.
Mt. Haguro, Haguroyama Haguromachi Touge, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0211, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Yamabushi Waterfall Prayer
dayfew-hours
Prepare for a truly chilling experience by stripping down to minimal undergarments and rope sandals (which are extremely painful!). You'll trek up the mountain for about 40 minutes to reach the waterfall. The water is incredibly cold, melted snow from the mountain top, so be ready for numbness in seconds. Try to join in the prayer of thanks to the mountain, but honestly, it's so cold your body will go numb and you might struggle to get out. It's refreshing, but I don't know if I'd be keen to do it again.
- Shiroshozoku (white clothing) — The traditional white clothing worn for Yamabushi training, literally meaning 'white clothing.' It represents death, as people who pass away in Japan are wrapped in white cloth. The sandals, made of rope, are extremely painful and feel like torture, tearing straight through your feet.
2
Mount Yudono
Mountain peak · Nishikawa
4.9
Creator's voice
A very sacred and secretive shrine nestled in the mountains of Yamagata, representing rebirth. It's quite difficult to find and get to due to its secluded nature. Historically shrouded in secrecy, Yamabushi Monks have recently started opening up ancient rituals to the public. Accommodation is available on site.
Mount Yudono, Shizu, Nishikawa, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata 990-0734, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Himatsuri Fire Festival
day
Participate in the Himatsuri fire festival, a ceremony to honor the dead and pay respects to ancestors. You're encouraged to write your wishes down on a wooden carving and place it in the fire, hoping your dreams will come true. I wished for people to stop calling me Risottoro!
2
Mount Yudono
Mountain peak · Nishikawa
4.9
Creator's voice
A very sacred and secretive shrine nestled in the mountains of Yamagata, representing rebirth. It's quite difficult to find and get to due to its secluded nature. Historically shrouded in secrecy, Yamabushi Monks have recently started opening up ancient rituals to the public. Accommodation is available on site.
Mount Yudono, Shizu, Nishikawa, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata 990-0734, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Conquer Mount Gassan
dayfull-day
Embark on an 8km hike up and down Mount Gassan, a 2,000-meter peak. Even in July, you might see people skiing due to the heavy snow. The hike is tougher than it looks, even on the beginner's route. You'll need proper hiking boots, unlike my Nike trainers, especially for climbing over glaciers on the way down. At the summit, expect ridiculously cloudy views, but you'll feel a sense of accomplishment for pushing yourself.
- Cup Noodle · ¥550 — A welcome luxury after a tough climb. Usually 200 yen, but up here it's 550 yen due to the premium location. It's a surprisingly satisfying meal when you're hungry on the mountain.
3
Mount Gassan
Mountain peak · Tsuruoka
4.6
Creator's voice
A 2,000-meter mountain, the last of the three Dewa Sanzan mountains, representing Death. It's known for getting a lot of snow, even in summer, making it possible to see people skiing. There's a restaurant at the peak. Accommodation is available on site.
Mount Gassan, Haguromachi Kawadai, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0131, Japan

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