A "journey of rebirth" at Yamagata's power spot, Dewa Sanzan Shrine.

  • Yamagata
  • Experience Gifu
Dewa Sanzan Shrine (Reference: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization)
Dewa Sanzan, known as a power spot in Yamagata Prefecture. Founded in the 6th century, the three mountains are known as the nation's leading mountains for ascetic practices.

In this issue, we will introduce the history and history of the three mountains of Dewa.
Mt. Haguro

What is Dewa Sanzan?

The area where the Yamagata/Shonai region is located today used to be called "Dewa-no-kuni," and Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono are collectively known as the "Dewa Sanzan. Although they are called "three mountains," there are not three independent mountains, but rather a series of mountains centering on the main peak, Mt.
View from the ninth station on Mt.
The three mountains of Dewa began more than 1,400 years ago. Prince Hachiko, the first prince of the 32nd Emperor Sushun, fled from Soga Umako, who assassinated his father, and became a monk, arriving at Mount Haguro. After completing his ascetic training, he built a shrine on the summit of Mt. Gassan in the same year, and Yudenyama 12 years later.

The name "Mt. Haguro" comes from the fact that when Prince Hachiko lost his way on the way to escape from Soga Umako, a three-legged crow with black wings flew down and led him to Mt.

Dewa Sanzan Shrine

Each of the three mountains has its own shrine, but since it is impossible to visit Gassan and Yudenyama in winter, the deities of the three mountains are enshrined together at the summit of Mt. Haguro. When you visit the Dewa Sanzan Shrine on top of Mt. Haguro, you have also visited the Gassan Shrine and the Yudono Shrine! Although often referred to as Dewa Sanzan Shrine or Hagurosan Shrine, the official name is "Dewa Sanzan Shrine, Hagurosan Sanjin Gosetsuden.
Mt. Haguro Sanjin Gosai-den (Shrine of the Three Gods of Hagurosan)
The Gassan Shrine enshrines Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto, the Dewa Shrine enshrines two deities, Ijino-no-mikoto and Ukami-no-mikoto, the national spirits of Dewa Province, and the Yudenyama Shrine enshrines three deities, Ohoyamatsuminomikoto, Ohonamuchi no Mikoto and Suhonahikono-no-mikoto. The year of the Ox is also the year of the Dewa Sanzan. The year of the Ox is the year of the Dewa Sanzan (three mountains of Dewa), and the year of the Rabbit is the year of the Gassan (Mt. Gassan). It is said that if you visit the shrine in a related year, you will receive blessings for 12 years.
Dewa Sanzan Shrine
The five-story pagoda, located in a row of cedar trees at the top of the Ichinosaka slope, is said to be the oldest pagoda in the Tohoku region and was built by Taira no Masakado. It is the only five-story pagoda in the Tohoku region that is a national treasure, and its sudden appearance amidst the cedar trees is a sight to behold. Nearby is a giant cedar, "Ya-asugi," which is 1,000 years old and has a circumference of 10 meters.
Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda (Reference: Tohoku Tourism Organization)

Projection mapping "Dragon Light

The five-story pagoda is currently undergoing renovation of its shingled roof, and the pagoda is covered with a curtain. The construction period is scheduled to last from May 8, 2023 to fall 2024. Please note that a full view of the five-story pagoda will not be available during the construction period. (During the winter, when the scaffolding is removed, it is possible to visit.)

Also during the construction period, a limited-time projection mapping will be held at the five-story pagoda in August and September.
Projection mapping "Dragon Light
Last year's theme was "Journey of Reincarnation" and reflected the idea of the union of Shintoism and Buddhism at Mt. Haguro, and the enshrined gods and Buddha appeared. Haguro. This projection mapping is filled with the unique charm of Mt. This year, visitors can see a new projection mapping.

This event is filled with various fun features such as red seals that can be obtained only on nighttime visitation days, the lighting up of the Otorii (Grand Gate), and the appearance of Yamagata Omotenashi Bureau Chief, Kiketero-kun.
Event Details
Hagurosan, the five-story pagoda of Mt. Hagurosan 2023 "Reincarnation Journey"

A Journey of Rebirth

Each of the three mountains of the Dewa Sanzan (Three Mountains of Dewa) is considered to be a "journey of rebirth" that traces death and rebirth, with Mount Haguro as the present, Mount Tsukiyama as the past, and Mount Yudono as the future.

In the early Edo period (1603-1868), this temple was mentioned in Matsuo Basho's "Oku no Hosomichi," and in the mid-Edo period (1603-1868), it was called "Ise-mairi in the west and Okumairi in the east," and was crowded with many visitors. The "western Ise mairi" was a visit to Ise Jingu Shrine, which enshrines the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, while the "eastern Okumairi" was a visit to Dewa Sanzan Shrine, where the moon god Tsukuyominomikoto is enshrined, and visiting both was considered a "ritual of life".
Otorii (grand gate) of Mt.
The schedule for the three-day, two-night tour of Dewa Sanzan is now generally as follows: on the first day, climb Mt. Haguro, visit Dewa Sanzan Shrine, and stay overnight at a lodge or ryokan; on the second day, drive to the eighth station of Mt. Yuden and visit the main shrine on the third day.

If you are an experienced climber, you can go directly down to Yudenyama after climbing Gassan, but if you drive to the 8th station of Gassan and go down to Yudenyama, you will have to go back to the 8th station of Gassan to get your car. Note that there is currently no bus service directly to Mt! The most common route is to climb the mountain from Gassan Hachiaome and return to Gassan Hachiaome.

If you are pressed for time, a visit to the Nakanomiya Shrine at the Gassan Hachiaome is also recommended. It takes about one hour by car from Mt. The wooden path around the eighth station takes about 90 minutes, so you can visit the shrine in half a day.
A row of cedar trees on Mt.

Yamabushi Practice Experience

At the Dewa Sanzan Shrine, visitors can experience the training of a Yamabushi (mountain ascetic). Wearing white costumes, visitors can experience a part of the ascetic practice away from the mundane world. You will learn about the nature of Dewa Sanzan and Shugendo. Feel the symbiosis of nature and human beings in your body and experience the vegetarian culture of the Yamabushi.
Experience mountain asceticism at Dewa Sanzan
[Official] Shoko Travel "Hagurosan Walking in White"

Vegetarian Cuisine at Dewa Sanzan

Shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) is based on the teachings of Buddhism and is a diet that does not contain meat or fish. In Japan, it originated in Zen temples and developed as a meal for Buddhist monks.

In Dewa Sanzan, vegetarian food is available at the "Hagurosan Sangosho," a sanctuary located at the summit of Mt. The greatest feature of the vegetarian cuisine handed down in the Dewa Sanzan is that all of the ingredients come from the mountains. Not only wild vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts, but also vegetables, rice, fruit trees, and even sake come from the mountains. It is said that the fusion of vegetarian cuisine developed at temples with the self-sufficient diet of the Sanbushi, and the incorporation of Kyoto sensibilities, gave birth to the unique "vegetarian cuisine. Why not go out and feel the sacred charm of Dewa Sanzan through "seeing" and "eating"?

Reservations are required for all meals.
Cuisine changes depending on the season.
Vegetarian cuisine at Dewa Sanzan *Image (Reference: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization)

A relaxing experience at Dewa Sanzan

Many of you have heard of the "Dewa Sanzan," but few of you know what they are really like. By becoming one with nature in the mountains, you are likely to discover important things that you cannot notice in everyday life. Why not feel the power of nature at Dewa Sanzan Shrine?
For train + accommodations in Yamagata Area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package.

Let's go to "Dewa Sanzan Shrine" on a weekday!

Why don't you enjoy your trip more by taking a budget trip on weekdays?
If you have weekdays off from work, it may be difficult to have holidays with your friends and family. But traveling alone is perfect for visiting the Dewa Sanzan shrines because you can walk at your own pace and take time to look at yourself!

Take the bus to "Dewa Sanzan Shrine" and enjoy a "solo trip".

While a trip with friends is nice, it is also good to visit temples and shrines alone. Since it is not crowded, it is not lonely at all even if you are alone. Let's visit Dewa Sanzan Shrine and contemplate your life.

JR East is now offering other new ways to enjoy travel! Please check the official website for details.
[Official Website] Travel, Weekdays
The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
All images are for reference only.

Why don't you use the package tour booking site of JR East View Tourism & Sales to visit the mysterious sacred mountains of Mt.

Why don't you spend a moment of healing at Dewa Sanzan where you can experience the "spiritual culture" that has been passed down in Yamagata?
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles