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Daisho-bo entrance — 400-year shukubo of Master Yamabushi Hoshino Fumihiro
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Mid-Range| Dewa Sanzan

Daisho-bo

大聖坊

A 400-year Touge yamabushi shukubo led by Master Hoshino Fumihiro, famous worldwide for its summer yamabushi training programmes.

Staff speaksEnglish · 日本語
SectOther
Goma fire ceremony
Cultural property
from$110 /per night
Check Availability

Features

English FriendlyVegetarian MealsFree WiFi

Highlights

400-Year Yamabushi Lineage

Daisho-bo is a Touge shukubo with roughly 400 years of history, headed by Hoshino Fumihiro — the 13th-generation master and one of only a handful of monks holding the highest Haguro yamabushi rank of "Matsuhijiri".

Yamabushi Training Camp Each Summer

Every July–September Daisho-bo runs its own 2–3 day yamabushi training programme through the three sacred peaks, led personally by Master Hoshino. The lodge has become a gathering point for new yamabushi worldwide.

In-House Goma Fire Prayer and Mountain-Herb Shojin Ryori

Daily life centres on the in-house goma (saito-daigoma) fire prayer in the lodge's shrine and a strictly meat-and-fish-free shojin ryori using sesame tofu, mountain herbs and beech-forest mushrooms.

About

Daisho-bo is a yamabushi-run shukubo with roughly 400 years of history at the foot of Haguro-san, in the Touge gate-town that the Dewa Sanzan tradition still calls "the land of yamabushi and shojin ryori". The lodge is headed by Hoshino Fumihiro (yamabushi name Shobun), the 13th-generation master and holder of the highest Haguro Shugen rank of Matsuhijiri — one of only a small number of monks ever to receive that title. Under his leadership Daisho-bo has become internationally known for its own yamabushi training programmes: a 2–3 day live-in retreat held annually from July to September that takes lay practitioners across the three sacred peaks of Haguro, Gas-san and Yudono-san under the strict ritual silence ("Uketamou") that defines Haguro Shugendo. The lodge has been featured in international media as one of the few authentic places where outsiders can be initiated into the practice. Daily life centres on the in-house saito-daigoma fire ritual, morning Shinto-Buddhist service in the lodge's shrine, and a strictly meat- and fish-free Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori built around handmade sesame tofu, sansai mountain herbs and beech-forest mushrooms. The lodge accepts general overnight guests outside the training season and welcomes overseas visitors; bookings are direct via the official site.

Details

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 10:00
Toge Bus Stop (from JR Tsuruoka Station) (3 min walk)
From $110 - $200/night

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions about Daisho-bo

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.

Yes, Daisho-bo has English-speaking staff who can assist with check-in, dining reservations, and local recommendations. Communication should not be an issue for international guests.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.

Yes, Daisho-bo can prepare vegetarian meals. Japanese Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is naturally plant-based and beautifully presented. Please inform the ryokan of your dietary requirements at least 2 days before arrival so the chef can prepare accordingly.

Yes, most ryokans including Daisho-bo offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.

Yes, Daisho-bo provides complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Connection is available in guest rooms and common areas.

Daisho-bo may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.

The nearest station is Toge Bus Stop (from JR Tsuruoka Station), approximately 3 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

You can book Daisho-bo through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).

temples.from$110 /temples.perNight