How to Die Well in the Mountains: Way of the Yamabushi

Outland Japan

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In Episode 09 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Tim Bunting. Based in Yamagata but originally from New Zealand, Tim is a practicing ‘yamabushi’ and better known by his moniker the ‘Kiwi Yamabushi’. Translating as ‘one who prostrates himself on a mountain’, the word ‘yamabushi’ refers to mountain ascetics – those who practices various forms of shugendo – a syncretic faith system or systems that blend Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism, folklore and more – of which ritual and practice in natural landscapes, especially mountains is a fundamental.

In speaking with Tim, we go into detail about his practice and the principles of shugendo, his experiences as a yamabushi and the importance of nature worship or spending time in nature. Tim documents his practice on his personal website while also promoting and supporting yamabushi experiences and training for Japanese, foreign residents and international visitors. If you are interested in those programs, please visit www.yamabushido.jp and to follow Tim, visit his really fantastic website www.timbunting.com or follow him on Instagram @kiwiyamabushi.
Outland Japan is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Peter Carnell - a freelance tour guide based in northern Nagano – that transports you to rural, regional and the wilds of Japan in pursuit of stories that lie outside the neon hum of Tokyo and golden trimmings of Kyoto. Stories of travel, life and culture beyond the big cities. Follow the show on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Please note, prior to October 2024, Outland Japan was named Snow Country Stories Japan.