Dewa Sanzan Shrine, a “rebirth journey” through the present, past, and future

Many locals do not know about it, but it was once called “Ise mairi in the west and Okumairi in the east,” and it was considered a once-in-a-lifetime visit and was very crowded.

What is Dewa Sanzan Shrine?

Dewa Sanzan is the collective name for Mt. Until the Edo period (1603-1867), they were all mountains of the Shugendo sect of mountain asceticism, which enshrined Gongen, the deity of Shintoism and Buddhism.

Hagurosan is dedicated to Inakuranomikoto, Tsukiyama to Tsukiyominomikoto, and Yudenyama to Oyamazuminomikoto, Okuninomikoto, and Shohikonomikoto.

The faith in the three mountains of Dewa remains unchanged today, and there is no end to the number of people from all over the country and the world who participate in the Yamabushi training.

For more information, please refer to the official website.

Dewa Sanzan Shrines (Hagurosan Shrine, Tsukiyama Shrine, Yudenyama Shrine)home page

Located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, the 1,400-year-old Mount Tsukiyama, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudono. These three mountains, called Dewa Sanzan, represent the past, present, and future, respectively, and it is believed that by visiting them all, one can be reborn as a new soul while still alive.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), it spread among the common people as a “reincarnation journey” through the present, past, and future.

Dewa Shrine (Sanjin Gosai-den)

Hagurosan is especially popular for its Dewa Shrine (Sanjin Gosai-den), which offers benefits without having to visit all three shrines.

And regardless of such religious beliefs, walking up the 2,446 stone steps surrounded by the mysterious cedar groves of Mt. Haguro refreshes both mind and body, making it a popular destination for people of no faith.

You can experience the “journey of rebirth” as it is, with no more worries!

I have climbed the mountain many, many times, and when I welcome guests from far away, I am often pleased to take them to Dewa Shrine.

Hagurosan has a lot to offer.

One of the most popular is the five-story pagoda of the national treasure Mount Hagurosan!

It should be noted, though, that renovations are likely to begin this year, and depending on the timing, it may not be possible to see the full extent of the project.

This majestic appearance is worth seeing!

And actually, the five-story pagoda at night is also quite spectacular, and projection mapping has become very popular in recent years!

Notice of Projection Mapping at the Five-Story Pagoda of National Treasure Mount Hagurosan

The period of time is fixed, so please go and see it according to the schedule.

During this period, there are kitchen cars and red seal books available only during the night.

Try to visit both by day and by night for a different kind of fun!

The five-story pagoda alone is located relatively close to the entrance of the approach, so there is no need to climb the 2,446 stone steps.

Other,

You can enjoy delicious rice cakes and tea while taking in the beautiful scenery at the teahouse located halfway along the path.

It is a nice place with chairs because it is just around the corner where you would want to take a break.

Then you can also see the waterfall used for the waterfall ceremony earlier in the day, up close and personal.

In summer, it looks like a trickle of waterfall, but if you go there in early spring, you will be amazed by the large amount of melting snow flowing down.

The water is also very cold, making it a perfect waterfall for training.

There are also carvings of gourds and sake cups here and there on the stone steps, and it is said that if you find 33 of them, your wish will come true...

There was once a campaign here, but it is not certain if it still exists today.

If you are interested, please see below.

Hagurosan stone staircase carvings, introduced in illustration Find all 33.