Mountain monk (Yamabushi) horn experience

Highlights

Meet friendly local mountain monks (Yamabushi) that keep some of Japan's most esoteric traditions alive
Spend some time in the relaxing calm of Mt. Horaiji's main temple street
Try a real conch shell horn like those used by Yamabushi and some monks in Japan
Make your own bamboo horn to play in the mountains

About the experience

This experience is only available on a guided tour with us.

At a Yamabushi base at the bottom of Mt. Horaiji's stone steps, first we'll learn how to play the conch horns, and give it a try playing with a real shell horn. Then we'll get to work cutting and making our bamboo horns, before playing them together with the Yamabushi to hear the echoes come back from the mountain (something very important for Yamabushi). This experience is a great opportunity to meet some of our friendly locals, and the people very special to Mt. Horaiji and its community.

Some of the Yamabushi that practice at Mt. Horaiji. Not everyone can join the experience, but depending on the day more of fewer will be at the mountain.

Price

¥2,000 per guest - Private group. Only run as part of a Hihumi 1.2.3. custom guided tour.

Included in experience

Trial of a real conch shell horn
1 bamboo horn per guest

Not included in experience

Transport

Tour timing and guest numbers

Season/Days: All year round (excluding July, August), only when the Yamabushi group are available. Please let us know your desired dates as early as possible so we can enquire with the Yamabushi group.
Times: Roughly 1.5 hours. Start time flexible.
Max/min guests: Minimum: 1 guest, Maximum 4 guests (with rentacar), maximum 2 guests if needing transport.

Access

Meeting point (for guests using public transport): Hon-Nagashino Station (JR Iida line), Aichi Prefecture, Shinshiro City.
Example route: <2.5 hours. Nagoya → Toyohashi (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Hon-Nagashino (JR Iida Line, spelled i-i-d-a).

Requirements/information

The bamboo used to make horns is not completely dry, and it may not be possible to take it through customs depending on your destination after Japan. It may be possible to remake your horn in your home country using local bamboo.

Cancellation policy

See our Guided tour policies and conditions page.