Yamabushi climbing Mt. Haguro annually in August. Men and women from many countries aged from 18 to 86 travel to Yamagata Pref. to walk 2000 stone steps through Cryptomaria (cedar) forests to celebrate Bhuddist rebirth. The celebration.continues for 1 week of fasting, praying, chanting as was done.for the last thousand years. Basho walked these same steps and met Yambushi along the route. Flavored shaved ice was served to the climbers. Contact Kunio Kadowaki for info.....