Yudono stay

Author: saori.yamashina

  • About Mt. Yudono

    About Mt. Yudono

    Mt. Yudono

    The Mountain of Rebirth

    Mt. Yudono is one of the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa (Dewasanzan) and is located deep in the towering mountains of Yamagata and surrounded by stunningly pristine nature.  This mountain is regarded as the most sacred of the Dewasanzan and has great importance to the ancient religion of Shugendo and the Yamabushi mountain monks who follow it.

    This mountain represents rebirth and the future and is part of a sacred pilgrimage of the Yamabushi who have journeyed here from across Japan ever since these mountains were first opened up to mountain worship in the late 6th century.

    A map of Mt. Yudono and its relative distance from the other dewasanzan

    As the most sacred place of the Dewasanzan, it is strictly forbidden to shoot any photos or video within the main shrine area of this mountain.  Speaking of it in detail has also been taboo for centuries and even to this day there is great pressure to limit explanation of the shrine publicly in order to preserve the sacredness of its atmosphere.

    One thing that can be said though is that unlike the other mountains, there is no shrine at the peak of Mt. Yudono.  The shrine is actually located much lower on the mountain within a short bus ride from the parking lot.  This makes it the easiest of the three mountains to visit in terms of physical activity.

    Secondly, it is an open air facility for the worship of an incredible and huge natural feature that cannot be fit inside of a building.  This feature itself is the main deity of Mt. Yudono and has become a spiritual destination for Japanese people ever since its popularity surged during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868).

    The Journey of Rebirth

    Mt. Yudono is the last part of a sacred pilgrimage here on the Dewasanzan known as the Journey of Rebirth which involves visiting and training on all three of these mountains.

    Mt. Haguro

    The first mountain in this series is Mt. Haguro, the mountain of the present and earthly desires.

    This mountain is famous for its 2,446 stone steps up to the top and towering cedar forest.  This mountain stands at only 414 meters and is easily accessible by bus from Tsuruoka Station and takes roughly one hour to climb.

    Mt. Gassan

    The second mountain is Mt. Gassan, which represents death and the afterlife.

    Standing at 1984 meters, hiking to the peak of this mountain is a proper day hike and will take 3-4 hours.  This is the most physically demanding mountain of the Dewasanzan.

    Mt. Yudono
    Mt. Yudono

    This journey finishes with a visit to Mt. Yudono, the mountain of rebirth and the place where monks train their newly reborn selves for the future ahead.

    You can experience this training for yourselves by undergoing some of these rituals with Yamabushi Mountain Monks here on Mt. Yudono.

    You are highly encouraged to visit all three of these mountains but do not need to visit them in order.  You may wish to plan your trip according to your time and physical ability and it is highly advised to give yourself at least 2 days to visit these mountains.

    Hiking down from Mt. Gassan down to Mt. Yudono is possible, but visitors should note that is a hike that involves descending down multiple long ladders that some may find intimidating.  For this reason, we recommend using easier transportations that can be found on the access page.

     

  • Yamabushi Mountain Monk Training

    Yamabushi Mountain Monk Training

    Experience the ancient path of the Yamabushi Monks (Gyo Experience)

    Dating back thousands of years, the Three Holy Mountains of Dewa are the oldest place of mountain worship in Japan.  The monks who dedicated themselves towards training on these mountains are known as Yamabushi and follow Shugendo, the ancient religion dedicated towards self-discipline and self-improvement through training and rituals on these mountains.

    People from across Japan have made journeys to these mountains for thousands of years to train on these mountains and the monks of Yamagata have made great strides to make their training more accessible to visitors both domestic and international.

    Yamabushi Mountain Monk Training

    This plan is currently in production.
    We will inform about it if it is completed.

    Train under the waterfalls of Mt. Yudono

    Quick Info

    Event Date(s)Late July to Middle October
    Program CostApproximately 11,000 to 23,000 yen (Depending on number of guests)
    Activity Length5-6 Hours
    Starting PointYudonosan Sanrojo

    yamabushi

    Training Details （5 – 6 hours on Mt. Yudono）

    Take part in Yamabushi Mountain Monk training at Mt. Yudono.

    ​We will begin our day dressing into Shirosozoku robes, the white robes of the dead as we purify and steady our minds and spirits in the many rituals ahead.

    After dressing in robes, participants will hike along the secret trails of Mt. Yudono only known by the monks of this mountain to sacred waterfalls where we will perform prayers and rituals right under one of the waterfalls of Mt. Yudono.

    Yamabushi waterfall training

    This is one of the highest and original sources for the life-giving water that flows down and sustains the forests, fields, and coastal life that the people of Shonai have historically relied on for their lives. By praying in this frigid water, we give our thanks the gods of the mountains and accept its gift by allowing the torrents of water to flow through us.

    Following this, we will make our way to the main shrine of Mt. Yudono where the monks will lead you through a variety of rituals and amazing sights. Note that any and all forms of photography or videos are strictly forbidden at this holy shrine and we too are restricted from sharing details of this portion of the training. ​

    This sacred site has been kept in secrecy for centuries and the monks here still wish to protect the sacredness of this shrine by keeping it as a special experience that you must come in person to see.

    The next part of this training will be to enjoy shoujin ryori, the traditional vegetarian meal of the Yamabushi mountain monks.

    ​The consumption of this highly symbolic meal represents our recognition and gratitude to the sustenance provided to our body and soul by these mountains.

    Yamabushido training on the dewasanzan

    ​This day is concluded with a fire festival at a separate portion of the Mt. Yudono Shrine where participants will take part in the Hi Matsuri (Fire Festival) where yamabushi monks reflect deep into the many generations of ancestors who have proceeded them and thank them for the sacrifices they have made. Shugendo presses great importance on honoring the dead, as it is only thanks to them that we ourselves are fortunate enough to exist here in the present. ​

    To conclude this training, you will receive a charm and amulet from the Yamabushi of Mt. Yudono recognizing your completion of the trials on this day.

    Important Details (please read through this carefully)

    ​-Please see the about page for information on how to get to Mt. Yudono.

    -The minimum number of people required to run this program is 2 people.
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    -Note that this experience becomes progressively cheaper if the number of participants increases (the lowest price is reached at 8 or more participants)
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    -The price of this tour starts at 11,000 yen per person (Approximately $100)

    -Note that there are additional charges for the Yamabushi clothing that cannot be used as rental clothes.  This fee is 1,300 yen for men (traditional underwear, headband, sandals) and 5,300 yen for women (top and bottom robes, headband, sandals).  Please understand that the women outfits are worn in a way during the training that prevents them from being available as rentals.  All non-rental clothing may be taken home with you.

    -Please note that for parties with no Japanese speakers, a translator will be required.  This is for important safety reasons, the cost for a translator will depend on a number of factors.  Please contact us in the reservation forum if you need a translator.

    -Note that these are outdoor activities and are subject to cancellation if the weather presents dangerous conditions.

    -Lodging at the Sanrojo Mountain Lodge right at Mt. Yudono is also recommended.

    -We will contact you about travelers insurance once you put in a reservation.

    yudonosan

    Reservations

    Please visit the following site and send in a reservation request here.

    In the “message” section, please include “Yamabushi training” or “Gyo Experience” in your message and the date and number of people of your group.  From there, we will help you with scheduling and other details.