Journeys in Japan: 5x31

Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata Part 2: Yamabushi Training for Death and Rebirth

In the center of Yamagata Prefecture, far to the north of Tokyo, 3 sacred mountains rise above the fertile Shonai Plain. Called Dewa Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Dewa), they comprise: Mt. Haguro; Mt. Yudono; and Mt. Gassan, the highest of the 3, at about 2,000 meters. These 3 mountains have been a major center for esoteric religious practices known as mountain worship for over 1,400 years. In Part 2, William immerses himself in a 3-day yamabushi training deep in the Dewa Sanzan mountains.