Dewa Sanzan Jinja (Sanshin Gosaiden)

Map

History & Origins

It begins with the tradition that Prince Hachiko, a younger brother of Prince Shotoku, opened Mt. Haguro around 593. Since then it has flourished as a holy site of Shugendo, and from the Heian period to the Edo period practitioners and worshippers visited from across the country. A stone-step approach of 2,446 steps runs up Mt. Haguro, with a National Treasure five-storied pagoda along the way. The Sanshin Gosaiden was built in the Edo period to jointly enshrine the three deities of Gassan, Haguro and Yudono.

Highlights

The 2,446-step stone approach up Mt. Haguro, lined with giant cedars, has a solemn atmosphere that lets you feel the sacredness of a mountain-worship site. Along the approach stands a National Treasure five-storied pagoda, a must-see cultural property. The Sanshin Gosaiden is a large thatched-roof shrine building, said to be the largest thatched building in the Tohoku region, about 28 m high.

Visitor Guide

From Tsuruoka Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line, take a bus bound for 'Haguro-sancho' to the terminus. Alternatively, you can climb the 2,446 stone steps on foot from Zuijin-mon gate (about 1 hour). Snowfall is heavy in winter, so cold-weather gear such as snow boots is needed.

Best Season

The Shorei Festival on December 31 to January 1 (an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan) is the greatest festival of Dewa Sanzan. Summer (July-August) is the climbing season for Mt. Gassan, when many worshippers visit.

Blessings

Annual Events

• December to January

  Shorei-sai (Matsurei Festival)

  The largest festival of Dewa Sanzan, held from December 31 to January 1. It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

• July to August

  Gassan Climbing Season

  The summer climbing season for Mt. Gassan. Pilgrims touring the Three Mountains gather from all over Japan.

Travel Plan

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