The Ômine Moutain Shugendo Training: a perfect mix of spiritual quest, immersion in authentic Japanese culture, and challenging sporty experience

Climbing Ômine-San under the stewardship of my two companions, "sendachi" Otsuka-San, and real Nepalese "sherpa" Karma, was really all this. It was absolutely fascinating to be introduced to the details of the Shugendo faith, with its flavors of Shintoism, Buddhism and traditional Animism. The ceremonies in two temples, one traditional Shinto before the start of the climbing and one Buddhist after are particularly inspiring. Otsuka-San, in his sober style is also extremely good at demonstrating the rituals of the worship of En-No-Gyoja, the monk at the origin of the Shugendo training. Furthermore, the nature, less than 50 kilometers from the Osaka megalopolis, is absolutely gorgeous with its forest of tall Japanese cypress and cedar and the climbing itself is no mean physical feat. But the whole experience culminates with its purification and courage tests like the early morning icy waterfall bathing and above all the part in which I ended up being suspended by my feet over the void by Otsuka-San. Eventually it was absolutely moving and rewarding to be formally recognized as a real "yamabushi", the term used to designate those who have past the "big boy" test, according to the words of Otsuka-San.
And finally, real icing on the cake and not to be neglected, the stay at the Kadojin Ryokan in picturesque Tenkawa Village provides for a perfectly relaxing rest after the strains and emotions of a demanding training

This trip was arranged by

Rui MORITA

Nara has a majestic and mystical atmosphere which words can’t describe. Attracted by many aspects, many even hope to move here. I am so excited to share this beautiful Nara with you. I intend to dig deep into the local landmarks and discover which accommodations and restaurants are most worth visiting.