Winter Journey of Rebirth: Premium Dewa Sanzan Religious Experience Program

Visit the Dewa Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Dewa) with this snow-focused program that takes advantage of the area’s harsh environment, where there can be over six meters of snowfall.

(1) The program offers a special experience of yamabushi winter mountain asceticism, set in an inaccessible area of a national park that cannot be reached without a guide. In this program, you'll dress in white and journey to the wintery mountain peaks under the guidance of a trained mountain ascetic in a journey that involves snowshoe trekking, outdoor bathing in the spirit of waterfall purification, trying out a sauna while wearing white garb, observing a fire-walking ritual, and other training experiences for ritual rebirth.

(2) You'll become the master of a castle! Build a castle in the snow! Relax in the castle you have built, and admire the winter-blooming Keio cherry trees around you—you'll be in Nishikawa, the largest producer of Keio cherry trees in Japan.

(3) Iwanesawa Sanzan Shrine will be privately booked for you to appreciate kagura dance rituals and an orchestra concert.

(4) Enjoy private spaces in all aspects of the journey—transport, meals, and lodgings! Upon request, we can provide a campervan with driver, a several-course meal of wild vegetables in a private room, or an entire rental cottage.