The charms and benefits of Gassan Shrine, which opens on July 1, 2025!

～This year, the “rebirth of the three mountains of Dewa” will be visited again this year.

Gassan Shrine finally opens!

Gassan, a sacred mountain in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku, opens its main shrine at its summit on July 1 every year. Gassan is a “seasonal sanctuary” that can only be visited in the summer due to its heavy snowfall. Its rare presence and deep history of faith are said to give visitors a “rebirth” experience.

In this article, we will provide you with plenty of information on the history, attractions, sights, and access to Gassan Shrine. We will also introduce information on clothing and climbing routes so that even first-time visitors can visit the shrine with ease!

⛰️What is Gassan Shrine? ｜The center of the three mountains of Dewa, "the mountain of rebirth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WWDTwpYV9c

Gassan Shrine (official name: Gassan Shrine Hongu) is located at the summit of Mount Gassan at an altitude of 1984 meters. Of the three mountains of Dewa (Mt. Haguro, Mt. Tsukiyama, and Mt. Yudono), Mt. Haguro represents the present, Mt. Yudono symbolizes the past, and Mt.

Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto is the deity of Mt. Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto is the deity who governs the night and the moon, and is considered a symbol of “quiet power,” “inner purification,” and "rebirth.

In the Shugendo tradition, climbing Mt. Gassan is considered a symbolic act of **“death and rebirth, ”** and many people visit the mountain to pray for a change of life and a fresh start.

✨The charm of Gassan Shrine｜“The world of the gods” that can only be experienced here.

(1) You can visit the shrine only “about 2 months” in a year.

The main shrine of Gassan Shrine is open only for about two months from July 1 to mid-September each year. The rarity of this “limited period” accentuates its mystique.

Experience “rebirth” just by climbing up the mountain.

Hagurosan, Gassan, and Yuden, was once referred to as the “Ise pilgrimage in the west and the ‘Okumairi’ pilgrimage in the east,” a sacred journey. Gassan in particular is revered as a mountain where one can shed the past and be reborn as a new person.

(iii) The reward of an unobstructed and spectacular view

The summit offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Chokaisan, the Asahi mountain range, the Shonai Plain, and the Sea of Japan. If you are lucky, you can see the sea of clouds and the sunrise at the same time.

4) Special summer mountaineering experience walking on top of a snow-covered mountain

Even in July, there is a lot of lingering snow, and the extraordinary feeling of walking uphill on snow is unique to Gassan. The contrast of white and green is a spectacular view that should be seen at least once in a lifetime.

🔍Highlight of worship and mountain climbing

🛕[Gassan Shrine Main Shrine] A small shrine located at the top of the mountain. After climbing the mountain, be sure to pay a visit and receive a red seal or an o-fuda.
📍 【Ushikubi Branch】 A junction on the route up from the eighth station. From here onward is the snow-covered mountain area.
🌸【Crowds of alpine plants】 From mid-July to August, Nikkohkisuge and Hakusanichige are in full bloom.

🚶‍♀️ Access and route to Gassan Shrine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZE90-o4qno

🚗Access (by car)

📍To the trailhead at the 8th station of Mt. Tsuki: ・Takes about 90 minutes by car from Tsuruoka Station ・Takes about 2.5 hours by car from Yamagata City *Driving caution is required due to mountain roads from the halfway point. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead.

🥾Hiking route (for beginners)

Recommendation: Hachigome route (about 4 hours round trip)

Hachigome parking lot (elevation 1400m) → Butsushoike Hut (elevation 1700m) → Ushikubi Branch → Gassan Shrine main shrine (elevation 1984m)

*There is remaining snow. Light crampons, poles, and hiking shoes are required.

🧳Precautions on clothing and personal belongings

Climbing shoes (waterproof and non-slip)
Warm clothing (temperature at the summit is below 10°C even in mid-summer)
Rain gear (changeable weather)
Sunscreen and sunglasses (the snow's glare is intense!)
Drinking water, snacks, action foods

📖Summary｜Time to reflect on life at Gassan Shrine

Gassan is more than just a place to climb mountains. It is a “spiritual journey” to face oneself and quietly adjust one's mind.

This sacred space is open only once a year for two months. Why not take a step away from everyday life and be enveloped by the silence and magnificent nature of Gassan Shrine?

🏡Accommodation is available at the Guest House Watasagi!

Easy access from the center of Tsuruoka City, making it the perfect base for sightseeing in the three mountains of Dewa! The inn “Watasagi” is equipped with a kitchen and good for long-term stays. It is also recommended as a place to prepare yourself before or after worshipping or climbing the mountains ✨.

Guesthouse Watasagi is a guesthouse located right in between the ocean, the mountains, and the city center.

We hope you will enjoy Tsuruoka and Shonai to the fullest with Guesthouse Watasagi as your base 😊.

We also promote the attractions of our hometowns of Yamagata, Tsuruoka, and Shonai. We post the latest updates on Instagram. Please follow us and wait for our updates💕