Your First Dewasanzan

Overview

This is a dynamic journey designed for those seeking mystical encounters with nature and a connection to a greater existence. The night program, conducted in the pitch-black darkness, allows participants to experience the awe-inspiring majesty of nature, fostering a deep sense of unity and reverence.

Kazuhiro Hayasaka

Daishinbo Pilgrim Lodge
– 17th Generation Proprietor

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.

You will stay at a Shukubo pilgrim lodge at the foot of the mountains. A Shukubo is an accommodation originally established for pilgrims visiting the Dewa Sanzan, and Daishinbo is one such lodge in the Toge Shukubo town. This lodge has been run for generations by Yamabushi who train in these mountains, welcoming pilgrims here for hundreds of years.
One feature you will find at a Shukubo, but not at ordinary inns or hotels, is the Shinden (Shrine hall). For the Yamabushi who operate the lodge, offering daily prayers before this Shinden every morning is a fixed part of their routine. On the morning of the second day of the program, all participants sit together in front of the Shinden and chant Norito (Dewasanzan Prayers), experiencing a Yamabushi’s morning practice. The Yamabushi will read out each participant’s name one by one and pray for your happiness and good fortune.

Day 2

*Times are approximate

Participation Fee

110,000 JPY (Tax included)

• Standard is shared rooms for 3–4 people (no mixed-gender rooms for those unacquainted).
• For a private room, an additional 3,000 JPY is required.

Eligibility

Participants must be 20 years or older and in good health.

Accommodation

Daishinbo Pilgrim Lodge

Capacity

10 participants (minimum 4 participants required)

Dates

October 30-31, 2026

Application Deadline

A month before each session, or until capacity is reached.

Meeting & Dismissal Location

大進坊 / Daishinbo Pilgrim Lodge
95 Toge, Haguro-machi, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata 997-0211
Google Map
Meeting Time: 17:00
*Please be sure to check in by 17:00
*You can check your luggage starting at 15:00.

Recommended Items & Attire

• 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
• Handkerchief or towel
• Drinks
• Bath towels, face towels, toothbrush, and yukata (sleepwear) are provided at the
• accommodation. For facility details, see the Daishinbo website.

Included in the Program

• Yamabushi guide fee
• Accommodation as per schedule
• Meals as per schedule (Day 1 dinner, Day 2 breakfast and lunch)
• All transfers during the program (jumbo taxi)
• Prayer, temple/shrine seal, and amulet fees at Dewa Sanzan Shrine
• Pilgrimage attire (gyoei and shimenawa)
• Domestic travel insurance
• Pilgrimage attire and amulets may be taken home. All other travel costs (to/from the site, etc.) are at the participant’s expense.

Important Notes

• 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 (2,446 stone steps). No refunds will be given if you are unable to complete the climb.
• This program covers only Mt. Haguro; Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono are not included.
• 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.

Program Planning, Operation, and Implementation

Megurun Inc.
55 Toge,Toge,Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0211
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.
Cancellations, Travel Conditions, and Privacy Policy:
Refer to the provided travel conditions document and privacy policy for further details.