It was very late at night when I arrived at my shukubo. A Shukubo is an kind of shrine hotel that is part of a shrine. The one I was staying in was owned and run by a Yamabushi master. He was to be my teacher for the whole of the stay and is one of the few men to complete one the 100 days austerities on the mountains.

Staying in a Shukubo calms your soul and focuses you on your training.

Most Shukubo have morning prayers, traditional tatami mat rooms, communal baths and vegetarian meals.

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