Dewa Sanzan Yamagata
Sacred mountains of Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono, steeped in Shugendo tradition, offering spiritual journeys through ancient forests and iconic pagodas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gassan & Yudono open
Dewa Sanzan Yamagata
Best Time
Gassan & Yudono open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sacred mountains of Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono, steeped in Shugendo tradition, offering spiritual journeys through ancient forests and iconic pagodas.
"An immersive & magically rewarding experience for the mind, body & soul = Highly Recommend :)"
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing thousands of stone steps! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Public Transport is Viable
Accessible via bus from Yamagata Station to Mt. Haguro's base. Plan for a full day trip. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mt. Haguro's Five-Story Pagoda
Mount Haguro
An ancient, beautifully preserved pagoda nestled amidst towering cedar trees. A truly iconic sight.
The 2,446 Stone Steps
Mount Haguro trail
Ascend through a mystical cedar forest on these ancient stone steps, a path trodden by pilgrims for centuries.
Shrines and Sacred Atmosphere
Dewa Sanzan Mountains
Experience the profound spirituality of Shugendo at the various shrines, especially the main shrine atop Mt. Haguro.
Yamabushi Encounters
Dewa Sanzan Mountains
Witness or even participate in the ancient practices of Yamabushi (mountain monks) for a unique spiritual insight.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Spiritual Journey
Timing is Key for Gassan & Yudono
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing thousands of stone steps! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Public Transport is Viable
Accessible via bus from Yamagata Station to Mt. Haguro's base. Plan for a full day trip. :bus:
Check Seasonal Openings
Gassan and Yudono are snowbound until late spring. Always verify opening dates before your visit. :calendar:
Embrace the Serenity
This is a spiritual site. Enjoy the quietude and the deep forest atmosphere. :leafy_green:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing thousands of stone steps! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Public Transport is Viable
Accessible via bus from Yamagata Station to Mt. Haguro's base. Plan for a full day trip. :bus:
Check Seasonal Openings
Gassan and Yudono are snowbound until late spring. Always verify opening dates before your visit. :calendar:
Embrace the Serenity
This is a spiritual site. Enjoy the quietude and the deep forest atmosphere. :leafy_green:
Bring Cash for Small Fees
Some facilities like restrooms may have small fees. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dewa Sanzan for its profound spiritual atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and the unique experience of hiking through ancient cedar forests. The iconic five-story pagoda on Mt. Haguro is a major highlight. While the climb can be challenging, the serene environment and cultural significance make it a highly recommended destination, especially for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
"We visited Mt Haguro in Mid-May 2025 as a day trip from Yamagata, entirely via public transport. A beautiful place and totally worth the 3-4 hour commute (one way) from Yamagata towards Mt Haguro .
We started early and first took the 7.23am Utoria bus by Yamako bus company from bus bay 1 at Yamagata Station (bus timings are easily accessible in English via the Yamako bus website if you google “Yamagata to Tsuruoka bus”). It is a highway express bus (which looks like a coach) which makes the commute much faster compared to train, and no reservations are required. We paid by tapping our Suica cards (about 26000Y for a one way trip) as per any local bus. The ride took ~2 hours and we arrived at 9.20am.
Upon reaching Tsuruoka S-Mall bus terminal, we then took the Tsuruoka local bus from bus bay 1 towards Zuishinmon bus stop, which is the stop that you want to get off at if you are planning to hike up Mount Haguro. The ride took ~40 minutes and cost ~840Y, payable by Suica, with no ticket/reservation required. At the Tsuruoka bus terminal, we were initially confused regarding where to board the right bus but the ladies at the service counter very kindly directed us the right way, even using translation apps to ensure we got the right information when my limited Japanese was insufficient.
Once getting off at Zuishinmon station at ~10.20am, we did a 1.5hrs from the base to the summit of the mountain.
If you do not plan to make the hike, the same Tsuruoka local bus (at selected timings) can bring you directly to the summit of Mount Haguro, where the main shrine is located. However, if you are up for it, I would highly recommend the hike up as it brings you past other key attractions within Mt Haguro - such as the Five-Story Pagoda, the 1000-year-old Cedar tree, a beautiful forest full of towering Cedars, and also a lovely family-owned tea house perched at the 3/4 point of the hike which sells some delicious rice cakes and matcha. There are numerous stone steps (~2000) with some steep segments but the steps are generally low and manageable with short rest breaks here and there to catch your breath.
Overall, a beautiful and serene experience (we are from Singapore and 90% of the people around us were local Japanese). The weather was starting to warm up slightly but it’s cooling within the cedar woods. 100% recommend as a day trip if you are staying in Tsuruoka/Yamagata City! Public transport options were viable and made the trip feasible (better to get there earlier as the round trip commute + hike takes a full day)."
shu qi
"Power spot inside the mountains. Amazing view of the mountains, specially when some snow is remaining.
Hiking course is famous, which is around 1 hour from the start. According to the local people there are around 2000 steps to climb.
Haven’t seen this kind of a big roof in a shrine. Design, thickness of the roof are rare to watch.
At the entrance in the main road you have to pay ¥400, for washrooms ¥100 minimum for welfare purpose. Big enough car park is there."
Chaminda Madugalle
"One the best shrine & temple in Japan.
It’s truly beautiful."
Futoshi Comiendo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a highway express bus from Yamagata Station to Tsuruoka Station (approx. 2 hours, ~2600Y). From Tsuruoka S-Mall bus terminal, take a local bus to Zuishinmon bus stop, the base of Mt. Haguro (approx. 40 mins, ~840Y). You can pay with Suica cards.
Yes, driving is an option. There is a toll road that can take you closer to the summit of Mt. Haguro, making the hike less strenuous if you prefer.
While public transport is viable, it requires multiple transfers and a full day. The bus from Yamagata to Tsuruoka is efficient, but local buses have specific timings.
Visiting all three mountains typically requires more time and planning, often involving overnight stays in the area. Mt. Haguro is the most accessible for day trips.
Dewa Sanzan is considered 'off the beaten track' and is not as crowded as major tourist spots, especially on weekdays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee of ¥400 at the main road entrance to Mt. Haguro. Other facilities like restrooms may have small additional fees.
Mt. Haguro is accessible year-round. Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono are typically open from late April/early May to October due to snow. Always check official sources for current opening status.
Yes, the trail up Mt. Haguro is well-marked and can be hiked independently. Many visitors choose to do so.
Reservations are generally not required for the highway express buses from Yamagata to Tsuruoka, nor for the local buses.
Yes, there are shukubo (temple lodgings) and other accommodations available in the surrounding areas, offering a more immersive experience.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike from the base (Zuishinmon) to the summit of Mt. Haguro takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Layers of clothing are recommended as the weather can change. A rain jacket is advisable. :athletic_shoe:
Yes, there are restrooms available at various points along the trail, including at the base, mid-way, and at the summit. Some may have a small fee.
Dewa Sanzan represents the cycle of life: Mt. Haguro symbolizes the present, Mt. Gassan the past, and Mt. Yudono the future. They are central to Shugendo practices.
Yes, you can visit Dewa Sanzan alone. While it's not as crowded as major tourist spots, you will encounter other visitors, especially on Mt. Haguro.
📸 📸 Photography
The Five-Story Pagoda on Mt. Haguro, the ancient cedar trees lining the path, and the shrines themselves offer stunning photographic opportunities. The views from the summits are also rewarding.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas of the shrines, but always be respectful and check for any specific signage prohibiting photos inside certain buildings or sacred areas.
Early mornings offer a serene atmosphere and softer light, ideal for capturing the mystical feel of the cedar forests. Golden hour light can also be beautiful.
Drone usage is often restricted at sacred sites and national parks. It's best to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the pagoda and the forest. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on shrines or distant views. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip more manageable, you might consider using the toll road to access higher points on Mt. Haguro, reducing the amount of climbing. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears comfortable, supportive shoes. The tea house along the path is a great spot for a family break.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
For hikers, the ascent of Mt. Haguro provides a good physical challenge with rewarding scenery. If you're aiming to visit Gassan and Yudono, ensure you check their seasonal opening dates and be prepared for more rugged terrain. Solo travelers can find unique accommodations like temple lodgings for a more immersive cultural experience.
spiritual Seekers
Engaging with the Yamabushi or staying in a shukubo can deepen this spiritual connection. The natural beauty of the sacred forests and the ancient shrines contribute to a deeply moving and transformative experience for those on a spiritual quest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Trio: Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono
While Mt. Haguro is accessible year-round and features the iconic five-story pagoda and a well-maintained stone path, Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono are typically only open from late spring to autumn due to heavy snowfall. Visiting all three offers a complete pilgrimage experience, but Mt. Haguro alone provides a profound glimpse into the spiritual significance of the region.
+1Many visitors, especially those relying on public transport, focus their visit on Mt. Haguro due to its accessibility and year-round availability. The hike up Mt. Haguro is a journey through a mystical cedar forest, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere that many find deeply rewarding.
The Yamabushi: Mountain Ascetics of Dewa Sanzan
+1Witnessing Yamabushi in their traditional attire, often seen on the trails, adds a unique dimension to the Dewa Sanzan experience. Some visitors have the opportunity to interact with them or even participate in guided spiritual walks led by a Yamabushi, offering a deeper understanding of their ancient traditions and philosophy of 'Uketamou' (to humbly accept).
+1For those seeking a more immersive spiritual experience, some accommodations offer opportunities to learn about and engage with Yamabushi practices. This can include participating in morning prayers or learning about their ascetic lifestyle, providing a profound connection to the living spiritual heritage of Dewa Sanzan.
Navigating Dewa Sanzan: Public Transport & Hiking
The hike up Mt. Haguro involves approximately 2,446 stone steps winding through a magnificent cedar forest. The path is generally manageable, though some sections are steep. Taking breaks to admire the scenery, including the ancient cedar trees and the iconic five-story pagoda, makes the ascent enjoyable. A family-owned tea house partway up offers a welcome respite.
For those who prefer a less strenuous ascent, a toll road allows access closer to the summit of Mt. Haguro. However, many recommend the hike for the full immersive experience. It's important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderate physical challenge.
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