Mount Haguro

Three Mountains of Dewa

Divine mountains with a 1,400 year history

The approach to Mount Haguro is lined with an avenue of cedars of more than 500 years old. People have been drawn to this spot because of its solemn atmosphere that gained three stars in the 2009 Michelin Green Guide Japan, and the 1,400 year history since founding of the shrine. Mount Haguro and its neighbors Mount Yudono and Mount Gassan form the Three Mountains of Dewa. The Dewa Sanzan Shrine on Mount Haguro venerates the gods of all three mountains and is the most popular mountain tourist spot. If you’re in the mood for a climb, try climbing the 2,446 stone steps to the shrine. It takes over an hour to reach the top.

The oldest national treasure and five-storied pagoda in the Tohoku region

The first thing that appears when you start on the approach is the 29.9 meter tall five-storied wooden pagoda. This structure was built around the year 931 to 938. It is believed that the current pagoda was rebuilt in 1372. The five-stored pagoda, with its sacred appearance, surrounded by thousand-year-old cedars, is unlike five-storied pagodas in cities like Kyoto. Come experience the wonder and unfading beauty of this centuries-old, unique Japanese wooden structure.

Enjoy a break at a tea house on the mountain pass, and a building with Buddhist vegetarian food

At the exact middle point of the approach, you’ll find the Ninosaka Chaya teahouse, a great spot for a break where you can take in views of the entire Shonai Plain. The teahouse is a type of café that has been in Japan since ancient times. Teahouses are mainly found on mountain passes to a shrine or on the top of a mountain, providing hospitality to footsore travelers with Japanese teas and traditional sweets. Chikara-mochi (strength-giving rice cakes) are a popular menu item. The name comes from the idea that one would gain strength after eating these sweets made of rice. Near the summit you’ll find Hagurosan Saikan, the Mount Haguro purification building where you can taste traditional Buddhist vegetarian dishes that monks in training eat. Despite the simplicity of the wild vegetables and grains, these are flavorful dishes that let you experience the teachings of Zen.

For reference

Address

Haguro-yama, Haguro-machi, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata-ken
Telephone

0235−62−2355
Open

365 days a year, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Price

Free of charge
Recommended seasons

July 15 is the annual Flower Festival (regular festival). The flame worship Hassaku Festival is held on August 31.
Website

http://www.dewasanzan.jp/publics/index/48/0/

Access

Shonai Airport is a one hour flight from Haneda Airport.

From the Shonai Airport, take the Shonai Bus to Tsuruoka Station (40 min). At Tsuruoka Station transfer to the Shonai Bus bound for Haguro Sancho and get off at Haguro Center. Stay on this bus until the final stop and you will arrive at the summit.