Kosuge Yamabushi Training 2026 — Two Days of Sacred Mountain Asceticism in Northern Nagano
Nestled in the mountains of Iiyama City, the village of Kosuge was once revered as one of the “Three Great Shugendo Sites of Northern Shinano,” alongside Togakushi and Iizuna. Against the backdrop of the sacred peaks surrounding Kosuge Shrine — a site with over 1,300 years of history — the annual Yamabushi training retreat returns in 2026.
Leave the everyday world behind. Dressed in white robes, walk the mountain paths, stand beneath cascading waterfalls, and pass through purifying flames. Rooted in the traditions of Shugendo mountain asceticism, this two-day experience invites you to reconnect your five senses with nature and discover a renewed sense of self.
Three Highlights of This Retreat
1. Sacred Pilgrimage Through Kosuge — the “Toso-gyo” Trail
Walk sacred grounds normally closed to the public: the inner sanctuary of Kosuge Shrine (an Important Cultural Property), Lake Hokuryu in spring bloom, and Mt. Butsuzan — all within a landscape designated as an Important Cultural Landscape by the Japanese government. A journey of spiritual depth that cannot be found anywhere else.
2. Authentic Shugendo Practice
The training follows rituals passed down from Seirenbou of Dewa Sanzan, led by Joushin Shida, a resident Yamabushi of Kosuge. Participants don full ceremonial robes (gyoi) and progress from the opening Minaka-shiki ceremony through to the Denari-shiki — the rite of spiritual rebirth that marks the completion of training.
3. Shojin Ryori — Food of the Mountains
During training, meals (danza) consist of simple shojin cuisine: rice balls and miso soup. On the final day, participants gather for a naori feast featuring a special shojin bento made with local Iiyama ingredients — a shared celebration of what you’ve accomplished together.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7, 2026
Meeting Point: 8:30 AM, JR Iiyama Station, 1F Lobby (Residents of Iiyama City, Kijimadaira Village, or Nozawaonsen Village may meet at the site directly)
Venue: Kosuge Shrine Gomado Hall, Mizuho, Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture
Capacity: 25 participants (first-come, first-served)
Participation Fee: ¥35,000 (tax included) / ¥33,000 for Dewa Sanzan Shinano Kousha members
Schedule (Planned)
Day 1 — Saturday, June 6
08:30 Depart from Iiyama Station by shuttle to Kosuge
10:00 Opening ceremony (Minaka-shiki) / Training begins
Kosuge mountain ascent (Toso-gyo)
Day 2 — Sunday, June 7
Mt. Butsuzan ascent (Toso-gyo)
11:00 Denari-shiki (Rite of Rebirth)
12:30 Naori feast (shojin bento)
15:30 Depart for Iiyama Station
What’s Included
Guide (sento) fee, bedding at Gomado Hall, shimenawa rope, loaned ritual items (crown & kongojō staff), formal worship fees, training meals (rice balls, danza, naori bento), ceremonial robe & ritual equipment rental, ofuda talisman, certificate of completion, basic accident insurance
Not Included: Bank transfer fees, transportation to/from Iiyama Station, beverages during training and naori, accommodation (arrange independently)
What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear suitable for 5+ hours of mountain hiking (jika-tabi split-toe shoes recommended)
- Towel and beach sandals for the misogi purification ritual (women: swimwear to wear under the ritual robe)
- Separate-top-and-bottom rain gear (poncho or rain jacket; no umbrellas)
- Work gloves or similar (that can get dirty)
- A backpack with both hands free (white preferred, but no need to buy one specifically)
- Warm layers (evenings get cold — lightweight down jacket recommended)
- Ziplock bags or clear folders (to protect printed norito prayers in rain)
- Drinks for during training
- Health insurance card (or travel insurance documentation)
- Change of clothes for after training
- Any necessary medications
Note: Snacks, cameras, mobile phones, and recording devices are strictly prohibited during training.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations due to participant circumstances:
· 5 business days before to day of event: 100% (no refund)
· 6–8 business days before: 50% of participation fee
· 9–14 business days before: 20% of participation fee
For details and registration, visit the Peatix registration page.
