[Haguro Town, Yamagata Prefecture] Mt. Haguro is a sacred place for mountain training! There are plenty of attractions such as the five-storied pagoda, Jisugi cedar, and matchmaking shrine.
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Speaking of Yamagata's Dewa Sanzan, it refers to Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan. This Sanzan is a famous place for Shugen ascetic practices throughout the country.
Its core is Mt. Haguro (414 meters above sea level), which houses the main building of Dewa Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of the three mountains. The approach is widely known for its five-storied pagoda, which has been designated a national treasure, as well as its 2,446 stone steps and cedar trees.
This time, we will introduce Mt. Haguro, a power spot that represents Yamagata.
Beyond the gate is God's sanctuary
Once you pass through the Zuishinmon gate, you step into the realm of the mountain gods. Along the approach, there is a forest of cedar trees that are said to be 500 years old. A phosphorous atmosphere surrounds the area, and you can feel a great power as well as silence.
Harakawa
If you go a little further along the approach, you will see the Haraigawa River with a bright red bridge. This is the place where mizugori (purification of one's body with cold water to pray to the gods) was once performed.
Indeed, when you look at the pure and solemn flow of the river, you get the feeling that all the impurities seem to be washed away.
Jisugi
Once you cross the Hara River, ``Jisugi'' will appear. This cedar is a representative of the more than 500 cedars. It is said that the tree is over 1000 years old.
It is a huge tree with a girth of 10m and has been designated as a natural monument. There used to be a cedar tree, but it fell down in a storm, and now only this cedar tree remains.
Five-storied pagoda
The five-storied pagoda will soon appear. It is the oldest pagoda in Tohoku, built 600 years ago.
Kokerabuki (a wooden board roof; often used for traditional cultural properties in Japan); Shiraki-zukuri (shiraki-zukuri; constructed entirely of wood; no lacquer or vermilion decorations) It has a dignified appearance.
The height is 29m. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, it doesn't seem that tall, but its presence is overwhelming.
If you visit the shrine at night, you can see it illuminated.
We also recommend visiting the five-storied pagoda at night. For a limited time from summer to autumn, you can visit the shrine at night and it will be illuminated. The five-storied pagoda, which stands out in the darkness with a gentle light, is enveloped in a majestic aura that is completely different from the daytime.
A donation of 300 yen per person is required for night visits.
Various events are held depending on the season
Different events are held depending on the time of year you go. For example, during Obon in August, you can get a goshuin stamp that is only available for night visits. In the second half of October, the ``Rainbow Road'' will extend from Shinbashi to the five-storied pagoda.
Visiting Haguro Sansho Daigongen
After the Sanjingo Shrine suffered a fire, it was rebuilt in 1818. Five Buddhist statues of Haguro Sansho Daigongen, which belonged to Matabei of Tenwa Village at the foot of the mountain, were dedicated to prevent future fires.
These Buddha statues can also be viewed at the Haguro Summit Ceremonial Hall. The period is the same as the special visit to the five-storied pagoda. The admission fee is 500 yen for the five-storied pagoda alone, and 700 yen for a combined ticket that also includes Haguro Sansho Daigongen.
The approach path is quite steep, so you may have to turn back.
It takes about 10 minutes to reach the five-storied pagoda from Zuishinmon. There are two routes you can take: you can walk along the approach from here to the summit, or you can go back to Zuishinmon and drive to the summit from there.
It will take about an hour to climb the stone steps from the five-storied pagoda to the summit. If you don't want to get too tired, we recommend turning back.
The road to the mountaintop
three steep slopes
There are three steep slopes called Ichi-no-saka, Ni-no-saka, and San-no-saka to the top of the mountain. The approach here has been awarded three stars by the famous French travel guide Michelin Green Guide Japan.
The approach path is 1.7km long and consists of 2446 stone steps. A total of 33 images of cups, lotus flowers, gourds, etc. are carved on these stone steps. Legend has it that anyone who finds 18 of them will have their wish come true. Let's walk and look for it.
Sweat naturally rolls down your cheeks as you climb up the first and second slopes. Ninozaka is also known as the ``oil-spill slope.''
This is said to have happened because Benkei spilled the oil he was carrying on the steep slope. That's how urgent it is. let's do our best.
Ninozaka Chaya heals the body and mind of worshipers
When you reach the top of Ninozaka, you will find Ninozaka Chaya. It's a good idea to take a breather here and aim for the top.
Chaya's popular menu is the set of kinako, red bean paste, chikara mochi, and matcha (500 yen including tax). The mochi made with locally grown soybeans and handmade red bean paste is the best. It gives energy to a tired body.
The mochi is made here so it's fresh. The elderly woman who runs the business is said to walk up this steep hill every day carrying rice cakes and other items.
There are quite a few people who are not hungry due to summer fatigue and cannot eat mochi. For such people, we recommend Tokoroten, which uses local agar. It is served with cold tea and can be eaten smoothly.
They also serve shaved ice. You can also enjoy your meal while looking out at the magnificent view of the Shonai Plain from the outside seats.
It is an irreplaceable place that worshipers must visit. I can't thank the people at the store enough.
INFORMATION
| name | Ninosaka Chaya |
| location | 73-1 Tamuka, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| telephone number | 0235-62-4287 |
| GOOGLE MAP |
There is a matchmaking shrine in the middle of San-no-zaka.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach this teahouse. It takes about 30 minutes to climb up the third slope and reach the summit. Third slope is not as steep as second slope, but it is longer. Let's climb slowly.
In the middle of Sannosaka, there is a matchmaking shrine called Haniyamahime Shrine, which is especially popular among women. It enshrines the earth god Hanyamahimenomikoto, who was born from the feces of Izanami no Mikoto.
Since he is the god of soil, he originally rules over clay, potter's clay, and the soil of fields. This shrine is visited by many people to pray for a good harvest.
However, he is now widely known for his ability to create things from soil, and is known as the god of safe childbirth and the fulfillment of love. An increasing number of women are climbing the steep slope just to visit here.
At the top of the mountain stands the splendid Sanjin Gosaiden
After climbing the last three slopes, you will reach the summit. The sky opens wide in your field of vision. In front of you is the shrine of the three gods, where the gods of Mt. Gassan, Mt. Haguro, and Mt. Yudono gather.
It was worth it to go through all the pain and struggle. The long stone steps lead to the shrine, which is also known as the birth canal, and was the path for the reincarnation of practitioners.
Walking down the approach to the shrine and praying to the gods of the three mountains will give you the opportunity to learn something new about yourself.
Kagamiike Pond, located in front of the Gosaiden, has been the center of Haguro worship since ancient times as a mysterious pond. It is also beneficial to join hands in this direction.
If you're praying for love, don't forget your amulet
Next to the shrine building is a shop called Sanshuden that sells amulets and other items. You can buy a matchmaking charm (1000 yen) here.
It is customary to tie the red string of this amulet to the latticework of Haniyama Hime Shrine, which I introduced earlier. Those wishing for success in love, safe childbirth, etc. should remember to buy one and tie it on their way home.
Summary of mountain training at Mt. Haguro
Among Shugenja there are people called Yamabushi. Yamabushi go into the mountains to practice in order to acquire spiritual power. For Yamabushi, entering the mountain means entering the world of death.
Then, when you return from your training, you return to the world of life, or in other words, you are reborn. The center of mountain training is Mt. Haguro, which we introduced this time.
If you ask the Haguro Town Tourism Association, you can actually climb the mountain like a shugendo while being guided by a mountain priest.
Yamabushi experience classes are also held. The Yamabushi experience is authentic, with participants dressed in white costumes and even walking down a waterfall. If you are interested, please contact the Haguro Town Tourism Association.
INFORMATION
| name | Haguro Town Tourism Association |
| telephone number | 0235-62-4727 |
| Official URL | http://hagurokanko.jp/shiru/yamabushisyugyou/taikenjuku.html |
INFORMATION
| name | Mt. Haguro |
| location | Tamuka, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata Prefecture |
| telephone number | 0235-62-2355 (Dewa Sanzan Shrine) |
| Official URL | http://www.dewasanzan.jp/ |
| GOOGLE MAP |
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