Dewa Sanzan (Mount Haguro)

Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono, Mount Haguro forms the "Dewa Sanzan" (Three Mountains of Dewa), a sacred site of mountain worship long known as a center of Shugendo ascetic practice. Tsuruoka City's tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and at the Sanjin Gosaiden hall on the summit you can pay respects to the deities of all three mountains at once.

Tradition holds that Prince Hachiko, a son of Emperor Sushun, was guided up Mount Haguro by a sacred three-legged crow and founded a shrine on the summit. Mount Haguro is said to represent the present, Gassan the past and Yudono the future, and the journey through the three mountains has been recognized as Japan Heritage under the theme "a journey of rebirth."

• ✓Bow once before the torii gate and the Zuishinmon gate, and avoid walking down the center of the approach.
• ✓This is a mountain where Shugendo faith is still very much alive. If you come across yamabushi (mountain ascetics) in training or a ritual, watch quietly.
• ✓The stone steps become very slippery in rain or snow. They are not cleared in winter, so don't push yourself; head to the summit by the road instead.
• ✓Stay on the approach so as not to damage the cedar avenue, Jiji-sugi or other parts of the natural environment.

• •The traditional pilgrimage route runs from the Zuishinmon gate past the Five-Story Pagoda and up the stone steps. If you are not confident in your stamina, you can take a bus or car to the summit and pray at the Sanjin Gosaiden.
• •On rainy or snowy days, you can borrow rubber boots at the Idewa Cultural Memorial Hall.
• •Extend your trip to Gassan and Yudono to experience the "journey of rebirth" (note that Gassan and Yudono cannot be visited in winter).

History and what each place is known for are based on the shrine or temple’s official site and on local government and tourism association information. Opening hours, fees and limited-time items are not listed — please check the official site before you go.