[Yamagata] Dewa Sanzan, a nationally famous place of mountain worship

A nationally famous place of mountain worship

Dewa Sanzan is the collective name for three mountains in Yamagata Prefecture: Mt. Gassan, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Haguro. It is famous nationwide as a mountain of faith.

Photo by Hideyuki KAMON – Zuishinmon(2005) / Size-adapted.

Gassan is the highest mountain among the three mountains of Dewa, and is approximately 2000 meters high. It is also known as a mountain where you can enjoy summer skiing. You can drive to the ski area, take a lift from there, and then walk for another 2 to 3 hours to the top of the mountain. It is a popular mountain because it takes only a short walking time to get to the top despite its height and allows you to enjoy the alpine atmosphere. There is a shrine at the top of the mountain where you can visit and receive purification.

Mt. Haguro is about 500 meters high and is the smallest of the three Dewa mountains. There is a large Dewa Shrine at the top of the mountain, and a long stone staircase leads up to the shrine from the foot of the mountain. This approach is still used by Haguro Shugen practitioners. There is a toll to get to the top of Mt. Haguro, but it is possible to go there by car. However, it is recommended that you take the course that starts from the foot of the mountain and climbs the stone steps leading up to the shrine, as you can see the five-storied pagoda.

The last name, Mt. Yudono, generally refers to a shrine located in the mountains to the west of Mt. Gassan rather than a mountain. It is a mysterious place that is said to be the inner temple of Dewa Sanzan. The object of worship at this shrine is a mysterious rock from which hot water gushes out. To view the shrine, you must pay money and undergo an exorcism. You can not only see the sacred rock, but also touch it, and even climb up it barefoot. There is a footbath near the shrine, where you can relax after worshiping.

You can access Mt. Yudono by car, but you can also walk from Mt. Gassan. However, it is quite a long distance, so you will need plenty of time. If you want to visit Dewa Sanzan, we recommend summer or autumn. In winter, Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono are inaccessible due to deep snow.

INFORMATION