Kisen Onsen Shugendō Sendatsu
Filled 11 Sendatsu-chō (88 onsens) — the apex rank of the Kisen Onsen Shugendō
The Sendatsu (先達, "guide / lead pilgrim") is the apex rank of the Kisen Onsen Shugendō (紀泉温泉修験道) — reached after filling eleven Sendatsu-chō booklets, a total of 88 stamps, across the participating onsens of Wakayama, Osaka, Nara, and Mie. Around twenty pilgrims held the Sendatsu rank at the program's fifth anniversary in 2020; the title is conferred by the program office at Hanayama Onsen Yakushi-no-yu in Wakayama City.
How to earn
This badge is awarded by Onsen Oni moderators to users who have been certified as Sendatsu by the Kisen Onsen Shugendō program. Send evidence of your certification (the eleven filled Sendatsu-chō, Sendatsu certificate, or commemorative Sendatsu towel) through the feedback channel and moderators will grant the badge. Unlike the Meijin badge (one awarded per 8-stamp book and repeatable), Sendatsu is awarded once — it marks completion of the full 88-stamp circuit.
From Meijin to Sendatsu
- Each filled booklet (8 stamps) earns the Meijin (名人) title on Onsen Oni — the white-towel badge.
- Eleven filled booklets (88 total stamps) earn the Sendatsu (先達) title — this red-and-gold towel badge.
- Application to the program office: ¥2,000 per rank. Sendatsu receive a distinctive commemorative towel and are listed as senior pilgrims of the program.
About the title
In Shugendō, 先達 (sendatsu) is the experienced practitioner who leads novices along the sacred mountain paths. Applied to the Kisen circuit, the name honors those who have walked its full onsen-pilgrimage and can now guide others.