Here are the attractions of climbing Mt. Tsukinzan and 10 recommended spots in the area. Please refer to this page for a trip to experience the nature and history of Mt!
Gassan, one of the three mountains of Dewa in Yamagata Prefecture, is a sacred mountain that has been worshipped by many people as a sacred place of mountain worship since ancient times.
From the top of the 1,984-meter-high mountain, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent nature and mysterious atmosphere, which is loved by both beginners and veterans of mountain climbing.
1.Mountain worship and history as a sacred mountain
Mt. Gassan has been worshipped as a sacred place of mountain worship since ancient times. Gassan Shrine sits at the summit of the mountain, where Shugendo practitioners and general worshippers offer prayers. The mystical air of Mt. Gassan is also a popular power spot that cannot be experienced in any other mountain.
Dewa Sanzan Shrine, a “rebirth journey” through the present, past, and future
2. Gassan ski resort and summer skiing
Gassan is a rare mountain where the snow stays late, making it possible to enjoy skiing from spring to summer. The “Gassan Ski Area” is a mecca for snow lovers, and is especially popular among backcountry skiers. The experience of skiing near the summit in summer offers an exhilaration and sense of accomplishment that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Why is it possible to ski in summer at Gassan?If you are interested, click here.
3. Trails decorated with alpine flora
Gassan is also famous for its abundant nature with many native alpine plants. One of the best parts of climbing Mt. Gassan is seeing the beautiful flowers while walking along the trail. Especially from June to August, the trails are decorated with colorful flowers, delighting the eyes of visitors.
4. The marshlands of Midagahara
Midagahara Marsh, which stretches at the foot of Mt. With well-maintained wooden paths, it is an ideal place to enjoy a nature walk before or after mountain climbing. The marshland is dotted with small ponds, providing a tranquil setting in the midst of magnificent nature. Here, you can relax and experience the rich ecosystem of Mt.
5. Spectacular view from the top of Mt.
Reaching the summit of Mt. Gassan at 1,984 meters above sea level, climbers will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view. The panoramic view of the Shonai Plain, the Sea of Japan, Mt. Chokaisan, and even the Zao mountain range is a reward for climbers who have reached the summit💕.
6. Dewa Sanzan Shrine
Here are some recommendations for the surrounding area!
Dewa Sanzan Shrine is the place to visit in conjunction with climbing Mt. Dewa Sanzan (Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono), and has a deep history as a sacred site of Shugendo. One of the highlights is the cedar-lined approach to the shrine, which is lined with 2,446 stone steps.
Dewa Sanzan Shrine, a “rebirth journey” through the present, past, and future
7.Takisui Temple Dainippo Bukkyo
Dainichibo” at Yudenzan Sohonji Takisuji Temple, a prayer temple for the Tokugawa Shoguns, is a temple in Tsuruoka City that enshrines Sokushinbutsu. Sokushinbutsu refers to a practicing Buddhist monk who entered the temple while still alive and became a Buddha himself. Deeply related to mountain worship and Shugendo (mountain asceticism), this is a precious spot where visitors can feel the spiritual history of Gassan.
8. Yudenyama Shrine
Yudenyama Shrine, one of the three mountains of Dewa, is another must-visit spot. Yudenyama Shrine is known as a very sacred place, and special etiquette is required to worship here. Surrounded by magnificent nature, Yudenyama has a mystical atmosphere that is different from that of Gassan, and the main deity of the shrine, “Narrative Narrative,” should be seen at least once in one's lifetime! It leaves a strong impression on all visitors.
9. Five-story pagoda at Mt.
Haguro, the “five-story pagoda” is one of the most symbolic of the three mountains of Dewa. Designated as a national treasure, this five-story pagoda is surrounded by rows of cedar trees, and its majestic appearance overwhelms visitors. Visitors can experience a precious sense of nature and history as they climb the stone steps of Mt. It is recommended to visit this historic structure in conjunction with climbing Mt.
Dewa Sanzan Shrine, a “rebirth journey” through the present, past, and future
10. Tamamata Multi-Story Folk House (Old Endo House)
Tamugimata Multi-story Minka (formerly the Endo Family) is a historical building in Tsuruoka City that has remained from the Edo period. This multi-story minka has been preserved as a valuable cultural heritage that provides visitors with an insight into rural life and building techniques of the time. There are many exhibits of old tools that were actually used in this region in the historical minka, offering a glimpse into the culture of this area.
For more information, click here.
Location here
summary
Gassan is a fascinating mountain that combines its spiritual history with the richness of nature. In addition to enjoying mountain climbing, visitors can further enhance their travel experience by taking in the surrounding historical spots and nature. I hope you will enjoy Gassan and its surrounding mystical spaces to the fullest while touring the spots I have introduced here.
Guesthouse Watasagi is popular among guests who love mountain climbing.
The guesthouse is located just between “Chokai-san” and “Tsukiyama”, which are included in the 100 most famous mountains in Japan.
During the mountain season, many mountain lovers gather from all over the country.
We hope you will enjoy mountain climbing with Guesthouse Watasagi as your base.
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