shugendō is a small, syncretic, highly esoteric and ascetic sect or sub-sect of buddhism (mostly related to, and often considered a distinct branch of the tendai and shingon schools) combining elements of zen, taoism, koshintō, japanese folk animism and shamanism. the faith is traditionally believed to have been founded by the śramaṇa and mystic-sorcerer en no gyōja in the 7th or 8th century. in the same manner as the religion of shintō, shugendō is largely relegated to japan.