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Dewa Sanzan Shrine

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Dewa Sanzan Shrine

3 sacred shrines perched on mystic mountains, deeply rooted in the traditions of Shugendo.

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Supervised by :  Dewa Sanzan Shrine

Dewa Sanzan, a revered site for mountain worship and Shugendo practices, is one of Tohoku's most significant spiritual landmarks. The term refers to three sacred mountains: Mt. Haguro, representing the present; Mt. Gassan, symbolizing the past; and Mt. Yudono, embodying the future. With over 1,430 years of history, Dewa Sanzan has nurtured diverse beliefs and remains one of Japan's most prominent sacred sites.

Make your way to the summit of Mt. Haguro to find the Three Mountain Deities Shrine (Sanjin Gosaiden), dedicated to the deities of all three mountains. Rebuilt in 1818, the shrine is a designated Important Cultural Property and boasts one of Japan’s largest thatched-roof structures. Nearby, at the base of the Haguro Mountain Path, visitors can find the nationally designated Five-story Pagoda, an architectural treasure. Standing at 29 meters tall, the current structure dates back to 1372, making it the oldest pagoda in the Tohoku region. Its elegant silhouette, nestled among towering cedar trees, continues to captivate visitors.
Other highlights include the Bell Tower and Kenji’s Great Bell, located near Kagami Pond and rebuilt in 1618, which are also designated Important Cultural Properties.

The climb from the Zuijin Gate at the base of Mt. Haguro to the Sanjin Gosaiden takes about 90 minutes one way. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the journey.

Highlights

  • Dewa Sanzan refers to the three sacred mountains of Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono, said to have been established as spiritual sites for mountain worship and Shugendo in the 6th century.
  • The Sanjin Gosaiden Shrine at the summit of Mt. Haguro enshrines the deities of all three mountains.
  • The path to Mount Haguro features the Five-story Pagoda, a National Treasure and the oldest pagoda in the Tohoku region.
  • When visiting, wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking mountain trails.

Photos

  • The Sanjin Gosaiden, Japan's largest shrine building, is a designated Important Cultural Property.

    The Sanjin Gosaiden, Japan's largest shrine building, is a designated Important Cultural Property.

  • The Five-story Pagoda, a National Treasure, stands gracefully among cedar trees, captivating visitors with its beauty.

    The Five-story Pagoda, a National Treasure, stands gracefully among cedar trees, captivating visitors with its beauty.

  • The walk from the Zuijin Gate at the base of Mt. Haguro to the Sanjin Gosaiden takes about 90 minutes one way.

    The walk from the Zuijin Gate at the base of Mt. Haguro to the Sanjin Gosaiden takes about 90 minutes one way.

  • The Bell Tower and Kenji's Great Bell, rebuilt in 1618, are designated Important Cultural Properties.

    The Bell Tower and Kenji's Great Bell, rebuilt in 1618, are designated Important Cultural Properties.

  • The Sacred Bridge over Harai River, with the picturesque Suga Falls visible beyond, offers a stunning view.

    The Sacred Bridge over Harai River, with the picturesque Suga Falls visible beyond, offers a stunning view.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

Yes, we have.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?
A

Yes.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
出羽三山神社
Postal Code
997-0211
Address
7 Haguromachitoge, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata
Telephone
0235-62-2355(Dewa Sanzan Jinja Shrine office)
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Dewa Sanzan Jinja Shrine Sanshuden (top of Mt. Haguro) Awarding office・stamp office 8:30am – around 4:30pm, Prayer reception 8:30am - 3:45pm
Zuishinmon awarding office (foot of Mt. Haguro) Awarding office・stamp office 9:00am - 4:30pm
Admission
Free
Access
Approximately 1 hour by bus from JR Uetsu Main Line Tsuruoka Station to the summit of Mount Haguro.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
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