Hiking the Three Most Sacred Mountains in Yamagata | Dewasanzan Pilgrimage with Yamabushi

[@GoNorthJapan]

I hope you liked this one! The pace is a bit different from my usual videos, and the rules on silence and secrecy for certain things meant that I had to omit a lot. My main goal is to spark your interest in Shugendo and the Yamabushi. Thanks for watching as always!

[@KyushuTrail]

I'd love to be a yamabushi, but I don't think I could keep the secrets! I love Shugendo trails though. They often have some pretty gnarly parts with chains. Hikosan on the border of Fukuoka and Oita is famous for Shugendo, too. Great video!

[@rosssmith8087]

As a practising Buddhist I could feel the spirituality of the location and the journey through your video. Beautiful work as always Quinlan, this one was really special. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.

[@gisellerosegrey]

That chant was beautiful, i somehow feel lighter after hearing it.

[@RobbC.]

Super interesting. Things like this make me just want to quit the day job and go with them.

[@kiwiyamabushi]

You should :) I would!

[@studioROT]

You are indeed a fortunate man to experience all this, Quinlan. And we are privileged to witness it through your videos. Thanks again!

[@dudeinlondon]

antoher magical place in aberdeenshire, Scotland - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2WvlZ96jMSZkLc must watch. share and subscribe. thank you very much...

[@xXJennifercXx]

Oh my god that curious fly at 3:40 🤣

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Thanks for coming Quinlan! It was a pleasure to have you! Great video!

[@brandenanderson6580]

I am an American with tattoos covering full arms and torso, not above the neckline or on my hands. I am seeking This same experience for personal reasons, would I be admitted?

[@kiwiyamabushi]

@@brandenanderson6580 Yes! We don't care about that!

[@Heatcliffsama]

very cool! I will probably try and experience something like this in the future

[@GoNorthJapan]

I definitely recommend it!! Yeah, the flies loved my dark clothing. They mostly left the guys in white alone.

[@hollish196]

Seeing the beautiful land of Japan, I can fully understand how the people believed in everything having a spirit. I am very glad you could take this ritualistic walk on the three mountains. I feel quite enlightened about Japanese beliefs, although this is just a tiny slice of that religious reality. They must have high respect for you to preform such sacred songs for you to record. I am impressed!!

[@GoNorthJapan]

It was such a great experience! I still love listening to that prayer/song!

[@JIJI_0322]

I was born and raised in Yamagata. Thank you for visiting Mt. Haguro! Loved this video :)

[@GoNorthJapan]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@j.r.mccalla8662]

Fascinating and beautiful. Thanks.

[@HingLaw]

Thank you very much for such a fascinating video. Yamabushi of Japan is not totally strange to us, mostly through various documentary programs by NHK. Yet, none of them seems to show through the whole mountaineering nor the kind of details in your footage. Thanks again!

[@KellieLStimson]

How wonderful and peaceful. To hike and soak in the awe of the surroundings. What a wonderful experience.

[@giovannapacchiarotta4557]

It really touched my soul. As you said, it scratched the surface but at the same time it's possible to see all the implications and the depth. As a beautiful view from a mountain: you cannot grasp it, but you can feel it. Thank you very much... I grew up on mountains and now that I live in the big city, in the modern and digital society, I sense I lost the connection with nature and spirituality. I love how Japan preserved so much of the ancient traditions. Again, thank you

[@TheRealMythril]

Such a privilege to be taken on such a journey. It is clearly visible to the viewer the respect and reverence that you have for the yamabushi. Thank you for sharing this beauty and the meaning of such an amazing tradition and faith.

[@Tastychronicles]

Thanks for sharing a part of Japanese culture that we don't always see or read about. Love this video.

[@missAUDACITY]

“It’s my second morning without coffee, and I’m still alive. How ‘bout that.” Same, Quinlan. 😂 The visuals were stunning! Such a wonderful and special experience that they let us all share in! 💕

[@Nynke_K]

Wow, what an experience! It's really great to get some of the traditions and atmosphere that these sacred mountains have to those who practice the/an associated religion. We've seen so many mountain tops with small shrines on them but it always feels like something is missing without prayer!

[@cypriennezed5640]

This was an incredible journey, thank you for taking us all with you! @-^--

[@moze_R]

This was lovely, thank you. 🙏

[@IranTourism_official]

So beautiful video !! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@maribelteklado7491]

Another awesomeness! Thanks for sharing!

[@nkzks6976]

Thankyou for sharing very interesting video. Mr.Hayasaka explains that meanings of three mountains. I had been Mt.Yudono, there's many mummy of buddist monks, so I'm very surprised Mt.Yudono is future.

[@WhoaNellyJake]

You've become one of my favorite youtubers on Japan. Your videos are informative, relaxing, awe inspiring, and super entertaining! Basically every place you show makes me want to plan a second trip to Japan right now haha

[@etherdog]

I totally agree with you!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Wow, thanks so much!!

[@minusforty4323]

Wow what an experience that must have been! So cool! Thanks for taking us with you Quinlan!

[@mayaung674]

AN ASTONISHING VIEW AND INTERESTING RITUAL . THANKS FOR THE POST

[@mukeshchaudhari1100]

So beautiful

[@VietnamWalkingTV]

Nice tour. Thanks my friend

[@Slewenski]

the chants are like a book with seven seals to me which does not change how touching and impressive they are. I have come across them a few times in person and it has always been great. To hear it in such remote places amongst such wonderful scenery ...i can't even imagine :o thouse mountains are amazing. Also that waterfall..wow XD i would be a bit nervous to loose my loin in there haha but i bet the cool water is great in the heat and aaah...the soft rolling landscape so high up in the mountains..aaah.....i'm in travelling mood again now lol.

[@jime6739]

How do the Yamabushi keep their outfits so white even after hiking so many hours/days? Amazing and beautiful to see the views there. NO coffee? but you had tea of course or not?

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi, Tim from the video here. Believe me, our clothes (shiroshozoku) don’t stay white for long. Except when it’s raining heavily on Mt. Gassan :)

[@GoNorthJapan]

No tea. It's not forbidden or anything, just didn't have it served at the places I stayed those nights (the shukubo and the mountain lodge).

[@grenm9]

This is really cool, I'm happy that you got the opportunity to show it.

[@g.henriquez5818]

Thank you so much for showing this !

[@rsassoon]

Really nice! Would love to experience this one day.

[@foreigndaruma9825]

Absolutely magical.

[@demandedgoblin]

Love your videos only started watching recently and im obsessed. They are interesting and inciteful and wonderful views, hope to someday come to japan (from uk) and do some of these climbs

[@EdBabb]

I had the great privilege to visit Mt Haguro in the winter of 2018 -- truly a wonderful place. I must have been one of only 3-4 people on the whole trail, and surrounded by the snow it was truly magical. I'd like to return next year and go deeper, perhaps explore the Yamabushi path (which was what drew me all the way to Mt Haguro in the first place). Thanks for sharing this video -- something I'd like to return to do next year when travel (hopefully) becomes a little bit easier.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Sounds like a great trip! I want to go back during the snowy season as well! Gassan is completely inaccessible in the winter though. Just waaaaaaaaaay too much snow there.

[@henkkman]

This might be my favorite video of yours! It was like hiking ASMR 😅 Really enjoyed the silent walking and the gorgeous scenery. The views when you were above the clouds were mesmerizing. Great content! 👏

[@dracul74]

Loved it and subscribed.

[@brewstergallery]

I really enjoyed thus episode. Please have more Yamabushi episodes.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Definitely!

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Oh, yes please!!!

[@jifuk]

Great video again Quinlan. Thank you for taking the time to arrange and plan this one, it must take quite a bit of preparation to embark on a relatively short video such as this. Also, if the Yamabushi guides are reading this, thank you for allowing us to accompany Quinlan on this special experience.

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi, Tim from the video here! I’m glad you liked it :) and Quinlan was a pleasure to host :)

[@MissRoseyCheeky]

Good stuff Quinlan! Great video and as always a font of knowledge. This was very interesting and stunning scenery. Thanks for bringing this to us :)

[@blueskyblue3387]

This video is so beautiful it gives me goosebumps. Thank you, Quinlan!

[@Glarson03]

What an incredible journey. It's really cool to get a glimpse of such a sacred tradition. Thanks for the great footage as always Quinlan! Keep up the good work sir!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks for watching and really glad you liked it!!

[@ForUploadin]

Shinto and Buddhism are not all Japanese religions. Shugendo is the 3rd religion in Japan. My grand father was into Shugendo while I am not but Mt.Gassan feels really heavenly to anybody whether you are into Shugendo or not.

[@ArchAngel149]

Known your channel from Sharla and Chris. There are lots of nature scenery to see. Love to look at your content during an afternoon meal. Subscribed!

[@vocalliner]

That looks awesome! It's now on my list for when I visit :D

[@cp_honey]

Can't complain for a second if such a mountain top is where we're going when dead, can we. You'd see why such places are sacred, and center of such profound ideas, beliefs, rituals. Love it. On a sidenote, and since someone already commented on the bright white color, may I briefly praise Mr Ikko's outfit? ^^ Not that I'd deem stylishness the intended purpose of a monk's clothing, but the whole aesthetic really works imho. ^^

[@nilpos]

Fantastic video man! Really loved all the backstory and the religous history of the mountain and the path.

[@NerdyComma]

Thank you for this amazing video ❤️✨ The nature, purpose and company are beyond any words to describe. I once again feel lucky to have subscribed to your channel 😀 And Happy Rebirth Day! 😄

[@kailashks901]

The gloomy af weather while climbing hills. I love it.

[@SameraAbroad]

Wow beautiful and love hearing about the tradition, the sound of the bell on the belt & nature around was so peaceful. I didn't know Japan needed to be on my hiking list before this - now can't wait to get out there one day!

[@adrienasselineau1086]

Great video Quinlan ! The fly at 3:46, with EarPods, I swear I thought it was next to me 🤣.

[@adrianpallis4568]

I remember when I was younger that the road were my family lived in we had Yamabushi running from Enryakuji on Hieisan running into where we lived in Kyoto. So I was the Yamabushi running shoutin OOOOOOOhhh..... was my wake up call.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Wow! What a way to wake up!

[@adrianpallis4568]

@@GoNorthJapan Yes thanks for your fantastic videos love them.

[@village_mayor]

I've hiked the entire stretch of Mt. Haguro in 2018 and even through I knew its religious significance going in, I did not expect how tranquil it was. I was also very lucky to have stumbled on their last day the viewing of inside the pagoda in the cedar forest. The event happens once every 200 years and I got to walk inside the pagoda which was extremely humbling. They also set up a scaffold to view the inside on the upper "floors". I hope to go back one day and do the trek again.

[@abelgerli]

O my good is also went inside the Pagoda in April 2018. I didn't knew this is only open every 200 years. Because I was to early only Mt. Haguro was open the other two trails where closed because of the snow. Thank you for the insight. I was only prepared with white shoes and clothes and a white rucksack and the lodge is stayed I asked the yamabushi if it would be appropriate for me to go in white. He approved it and I think also the yamabushi at the padoda who blessed the visitors. I will be back when this virus situation allows it.

[@village_mayor]

@@abelgerli We are truly blessed then. And it was my first time going into a pagoda with a similar design. Often these structures are sacred and you cannot go in. The only pagoda that I know that you can enter is the one in Aizu-Wakamatsu. It is a double-helix pagoda and the "stairs criss-cross each other. VERY neat pagoda. I will be back to Japan once it is safe to do so as well.

[@kiwiyamabushi]

@@village_mayor @Montalbano It was a commemoration of the Shrine becoming Dewa Sanzan Shrine, so 150 years, but I'm not sure when they're next going to do it, so you got quite lucky indeed! I went to the Five Story Pagoda on Friday and they were doing construction all around it, it wasn't very nice to look at, but I guess they're just making the most of the lull in tourism at the moment.

[@village_mayor]

@@kiwiyamabushi thank you for the information! I was not aware of its history, so you are correct I was lucky indeed. They must be using this time to do the construction, perhaps the proceeds of the opening is going to its restoration/construction.

[@kiwiyamabushi]

@@village_mayor Yes, I'm aware that they are felling some of the cedars around the tower, I'm part of a group that commissioned it, but wasn't expecting so much construction! Some of the cedars are at risk of falling on the tower which would be a catastrophe!

[@orwwan]

Did Quinlan just took me on a sacred pilgrimage :) OMG thank you so much for giving us the chance to see this beautiful landscape and the spiritual and religions behind it. ps:also is that a Slime Backpack? ^_^ you are too cool for words Quinlan.

[@TheKhalzone]

Oh wow it's stunning. I really want to hike the mountains along there. Might have to hire a guide though. Earliest I'll be there at this point is the end of spring next year for my bday. Did a 20km hike back in March which was amazing

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi, Tim from the video here. Mt. Gassan is only open from July to October because we get so much snow! So time when you come with that :) but Mt. Haguro is open year round :)

[@TheKhalzone]

@@kiwiyamabushi ahh thank you for the reply Tim. I didn't realize so I'll keep that in mind. I'll have to stick to Mt. Haguro this trip, and then go when Mt. Gassan is open the year after that.

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Khaltzane Caisirce you’re welcome! It’s definitely worth checking both out, Mt. Haguro is especially magical in the snow if you’re there at that time of year. Gassan is majestic every time I go up there, you’ll enjoy it for sure. When you go, get in touch, I can help you organize your stay. Best thing to do is contact [e-mail] or just DM me :)

[@TheKhalzone]

@@kiwiyamabushi again thanks so much for replying with so much information. I'll make sure I add the details on the notepad on my pc so I don't forget. Definitely going to be a highlight of my next trip.

[@juvetb1]

Absolutely stunning video. The views were fantastic, the interviews, and the explanations. If there's one thing I would love to hear more about: How did Tim hear about Yamabushi, and why did he come all the way from NZ to immerse in Yamabushi lifestyle? I can't resist repeating how incredible the views were.

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi there! Tim here :) I had always wanted to help this local area, the Shonai region of Yamagata, since moving here in 2010. Then, my friend who was a Yamabushi said he thought more people would benefit from doing the training if it was available in English, and set up yamabushido to do just that. I’ve been with him ever since. But, I’m not a full time Yamabushi, there are none, unless you include Master Hoshino from Daishobo, our master. I’d be happy to make a video about this topic, do you have any more questions you’d like me to answer?

[@juvetb1]

@@kiwiyamabushi Hey Tim, thanks for taking the time to reply. I just wanted to say I have a lot of admiration for how much you've immersed yourself into yamabushido. I think you might already be covering this, but I would love to hear about why you gained interest in yamabushido. Especially for someone originally from NZ, what appealed to you about it? Also, there are always a good number of folks interested in moving to Japan, whether it is for a couple of years of living or for the long run. It's such a fascinating country. What attracted to you to go to Japan, and why Yamagata? Was it as part of a teaching programme? Cheers!

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Jeffrey Ong hi again! You’re welcome. I’m just glad more people are interested in this area and the Yamabushi. You know, I haven’t talked about it much so I think I will make a video about it. I’m only starting out as you can probably tell by looking at my profile. For me though, I think the interest is more in why I am still a Yamabushi, rather than why I became one. I became one simply because I thought it sounded cool, but also helpful in terms of gaining mental strength, which is becoming more and more important it seems. I still have a full time job outside Yamabushi, teaching English at a university here :) The reason why I still do it, I have been through and am going through a lot of stuff in life, I’m quite confident to say it’s more than what the average person is going through (death and terminal illness in two extremely close family members for instance), and being a Yamabushi is a way in which I can keep grounded and keep living the values I believe in. Even though I’ve been through these tough times, I still feel content and motivated to do things, starting with youtube :) Appreciate the interest! And am still happy to answer more :)

[@juvetb1]

Hey folks, just came across Tim's channel - Tim was one of the guides on this journey. Check his channel out: kzbin.info/door/3KEajaxhuhnsbw2lCvLIxg

[@geoffrey3668]

Thank you to let us get into this part of JApanese culture!

[@gamingmarcus]

Absolutely stunning scenery. I'd love to go there. But I knew this seemed strangely familiar. Abroad in Japan made a few videos about these mountains two years ago. Here are the titles in case someone wants to check them out. * Japanese Mountain Training | 24 Hours of Hell (Yudono + Gassan) * Staying at a Hidden Japanese Mountain Temple in North Japan

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi, yeah Chris joined us on the hidden mountain one :)

[@markames3688]

So pretty and the bells - here in this video and I think in the one of your mushroom hunting videos the guide had a bell. Probably for different reasons but are they being used to say things?

[@GoNorthJapan]

In both cases they are used to keep away bears, though I believe there is added ceremonial meaning here for the Yamabushi.

[@markames3688]

@@GoNorthJapan I was thinking of getting something similar for my bicycle. I live in the WashDC area and no bears - but lightly ringing bells might catch the ear of folks not wearing earbuds/headphones. So, a safety thing as well. I just like the sound as well.

[@CJHolyoak]

Interesting. The Yamabushi certainly were a force worth having on your side back in the day. Is there any martial arts training in the practice today, I wonder?

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi, Tim from the video here. There is, martial arts is of the important rituals that represents one of the ten Buddhist realms that the training is based off. But that’s about all I can tell you in regards to the training :)

[@Jim58223]

What is the name of the prayer at 12:00? Thank you.

[@GoNorthJapan]

I was told that it is called the Sango ( 三語). There are three parts. An unedited version of the entire bit (I cut part for the video) is viewable here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZiYfpqhr7-pftU

[@Jim58223]

GoNorth Japan thank you

[@DorkusesInJapan]

Another great video Quinny! Did I hear bear bells on the hike?

[@GoNorthJapan]

Hahaha, those were sacred bells!

[@Defelade]

Absolutely fascinating 😊 Thank you!...Also I really want to support you and say thank you for your videos but I’m not financially in a position to subscribe just yet. Do you use buymeacoffee or is there another way?

[@GoNorthJapan]

Just watching and maybe sharing the channel with any friends that you think would appreciate it is great support! Thank you!

[@alexwasner]

👋🏻 Really enjoyed this one. The wife wants to know if women are allowed on those pilgrimages

[@kiwiyamabushi]

Hi, yes they are! We accept anyone physically able to climb the mountains :)

[@Ashley-jp4nn]

❤️

[@plusrien12]

4:07 was that mosquito??

[@GoNorthJapan]

Probably, there were soooo many.

[@etherdog]

Well, while I have no truck with religion, it seems animism is at least environmentally the least antagonistic, and may probably be pro-environment. This video also makes me wonder if the bear bells were derived from the religious practice or if the religious practice incorporated the bear bells. Stunning views as always, Quinlan, and your videography is beautiful!

[@annakozlova2546]

Is there any other type of physical exercise in this training apart from hiking? Something like classical yoga?

[@YeYe-wz1wi]

👍👍👍

[@emakndeso1327]

Bagaimana caranya kalau saya mau ke air terjun yamagata.. Ada tour guide nya tidak ya yang bisa antar kesana ?

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yes, there are tour guides in Yamagata for various destinations. I recommend contacting Tim Bunting. You can easily find him online. He goes by the Kiwi Yamabushi.

[@stevewillows5811]

Aye I wanna do this broo

[@fqras]

You didn’t convert to Yamabushi?

[@kiwiyamabushi]

The offer’s there!

[@GoNorthJapan]

It's just a matter of doing that week-long training next fall. If I can figure out a way to make it happen, I will! (Being totally offline with no outside communication for a week is a bit hard work-wise.)

[@deanzaZZR]

I guess the Yamabushi do not trust the Dharma or the Shinto Deities to protect them from bears....

[@kiwiyamabushi]

That’s what the conch is for!!

[@davideaccordini7688]

buy the yamabushi are tendai buddhism

[@GoNorthJapan]

In the Dewasanzan they have been Shinto since the Meiji Restoration. I know of the Tendai origins of course...

[@貝時計]

Is it really Japan!? I'm Japanese. But it looks like an imaginary country.

[@GoNorthJapan]

You need to visit Dewasanzan!