Sendachi-Guided Mt. Omine/Mt. Inamuragatake Shugendo Training Tour

Shugendo is a spiritual tradition that arose in Japan’s sacred mountains over 1,300 years ago. Blending elements of Shinto, esoteric Buddhism, and other religions and folk beliefs, it teaches that enlightenment is attained through rigorous training in nature. Practitioners known as shugenja or yamabushi undertake mountain pilgrimages, water-purification rites, and fire rituals to strengthen the body, discipline the mind, and attain salvation for themselves and others.

Step into the spiritual heart of Shugendo with immersive training experiences guided by a sendachi—a highly experienced Shugendo practitioner. Both itineraries offer rare access to rituals and ascetic practices that have shaped this mountain worship. Each tour is offered only during the season when the mountains are open, from May to September.

The Mt. Omine Course is a profound journey into one of Japan’s most sacred landscapes. Due to long-standing religious tradition, this course is open to men only. After receiving a formal prayer at Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha Shrine, participants undergo suigyo water purification at Ryusen-ji Temple before ascending Mt. Omine, home to a Shugendo temple that is the principal training hall of Shugendo. Mountains are where believers forge the self through rigorous training, which lies at the very heart of Shugendo, and throughout the ascent, your guide introduces ancient practices and beliefs. The experience culminates with an evening goma fire ritual, followed by restorative time in a traditional ryokan with natural hot springs.

The Mt. Inamuragatake Course includes an ascent of Mt. Inamuragatake—known as the “Shugendo mountain for women.” Unlike Mt. Omine, this mountain is open to all genders and is officially recognized as a Shugendo training dojo by Ryusen-ji Temple. Here, practitioners of all backgrounds train together while embracing the spiritual atmosphere of Nara’s southern mountains.

Both of these programs offer far more than a mountain hike—they provide an exceptional opportunity to experience living Japanese spirituality in its most authentic form.