This week we had a chat with Richard, a British enterpreneur, who lives in beautiful Tottori - Japan's least populated prefecture. Richard is deeply connected with the natural and spiritual worlds: he practices Shugendo, Japan's ancient religion and philosophy, and is very involved in the conservation of the Japanese Giant Salamanders! We talked about the unexplored Tottori prefecture and Richard's journey of discovery.
Hi, thanks for talking to us today. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for contacting me. I’m Richard Pearce, an Englishman based in the rural prefecture of Tottori. I’m Director/Owner of Bushido Adventure Travel Ltd, Bushido Japan and Richi-yado Guesthouse. I have a passion for and strong interest in Shugendo (a highly syncretic and ancient Japanese religion) and for Japanese giant salamander conservation.
How did your journey with Shugendo start?
I became good friends with a priest from Mitoku-san which is one of the three most sacred places for Shugendo. The more I learnt from him, the more I became interested in Mitoku-san and Shugendo.
Do you consider yourself a “Yamabushi”?
No, I don’t! A “real” Yamabushi might spend years living wild on the mountain as part of his training. I would miss my family, pets, small farm (Anfield) and football too much for that! However, I do take part in various forms of Shugendo training and pilgrimages with multiple Shugendo groups throughout the year. I believe pushing your physical and mental boundaries through training and hardship is important in staving off the ecological boredom of modern living and for fostering a simple lifestyle that is more in balance with nature.
What inspired you to start Bushido? What do you offer?
I wanted to share the magic of this deeply spiritual and relatively undiscovered and untouched corner of Japan with the rest of the world.
Bushido Adventure Travel Ltd offers Active Tours for individuals and groups focused on the historic San-in Region of Japan. Please join us for cycling, hiking, paragliding, kayaking, and snowshoeing adventures and more in Japan’s "Land of the Gods"!
Bushido Japan offers the chance to take an active part in Japanese giant salamander (JGS) conservation with an expert researcher or JGS viewing in the wild with an expert guide.
Additionally, we offer Japanese language and culture courses in person and online.
I also have a guest house called “Richi-yado” in a fishing village at the foot of Mount Daisen.
What places and experiences would you recommend to people visiting Tottori for the first time?
Please visit the sacred mountains of Mount Mitoku and Mount Daisen. Because of their sanctification, much of their original forest cover remains intact, an unfortunate rarity in Japan. The mountains are rich in nature, history and spiritual energy. Mount Mitoku has a kind of “Indiana Jones” adventure feel to it whilst its much larger cousin Mount Daisen has spectacular views and world-class hiking and cycling courses.
How did you become involved in Japanese Giant Salamander (JGS) conservation?
I was introduced to Dr. Sumio Okada, the world’s leading authority on JGS in 2017 and saw my first JGS on the same day. As a nature lover, it was love at first sight. As an ecotourism and sustainable tourism consultant I felt it was my mission and duty to make the world fall in love with these gentle giants too but also to raise awareness of their perilous conservation status. Thus the Nichinan Japanese Giant Salamander Experience was born. Since then we’ve welcomed amphibian fanatics from all over the world. I am launching a new “Save the Japanese Giant Salamander” campaign in September with a focus on the JGS living in the rivers of Mount Daisen.
What’s your favourite spot to visit in Japan and why?
Easiest question of the day...Mount Mitoku of course! Seriously though, as a Group Tour Leader in Japan, I’ve taken guests to all corners of this unique country. For my repeat customers, Mitoku-san is often at the top of their own lists, too.
In a relatively small area and short amount of time, you can experience a very unique and “Japanese” adventure. Nature, history, views, spiritual energy - Mount Mitoku has it all.
Make sure to check out Richard's Instagram and Facebook, and see what Bushido Japan is all about on their website!
