Yamagata Prefecture
Wander through the ancient cedar forest along 2,446 stone steps on what is known as “the mountain of the present”.
Mt. Haguro is one of the Dewa Sanzan, a group of three holy mountains that have been the site of an ancient pilgrimage known as the journey of rebirth since they were first enshrined over 1,400 years ago.
During this tour, we will explore the history and mysteries of this sacred land and make our way up to the top of this mountain where we will make a prayer at the Dewa Sanzan Shrine and dine on traditional Shojin Ryori, the traditional cuisine of the Yamabushi monks who continue to train on the Dewa Sanzan to this day.
This experience was featured on NHK World with our creative director Derek Yamashita, who has climbed this mountain over a hundred times, where he presented the rich history of the Dewa Sanzan and the Yamabushi.
Yamabushi Tour of Mt. Haguro
What's Included
-Private Yamabushi Guide and Local Guide who will translate and co-host.
-Guided hike up Mt. Haguro with prayer and guiding along the stone trail.
-Prayer at the Dewa Sanzan Shrine with a tour of the shrine grounds.
-Dine on shojin ryori cuisine of the Yamabushi on top of Mt. Haguro.
-Return down the mountain or take a bus back to the base.
-Accident insurance included (mandatory).
-Rentals of the Shirosozoku Robes of the Yamabushi are available for 10,000 yen per person.
Cost
from 40,000 yen per person (with a minimum of 2 participants – solo travelers, please inquire!)
Experience Availability
All-year round.
Extreme heat in August or heavy snow.
Average Duration
Approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Meeting Location
The Zuishinmon Gate
Haguromachi Touge, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0211
We can also arrange a taxi from your hotel or from Tsuruoka Station for you at an additional cost.
Minimum amount of participants
2 people (1 person if they pay the price for 2 people)
Important notes
Hiking may be limited in the winter due to heavy snow.
Participants should be in good health to climb to the top. An alternative arrangement to take the bus or ride the taxi to the shrine at the top of the mountain after visiting the pagoda is also possible.
Experience availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
A Guided Tour on Mt. Haguro with the Yamabushi
At 414m (1358 ft), Mt. Haguro is a low-lying mountain that is by far the most accessible of the Dewa Sanzan both in terms of accessibility and hiking time. It is easily climbable by anyone in good health and also, has buses that can take you up and down from the peak for those wishing to skip the climb, transport covered by you.
We will start our experience right in-front of the Zuishinmon Gate at the base of Mt. Haguro.
Here you will meet your yamabushi guide and local expert who together will co-host your group along this adventure.
Please be sure to listen to the instructions of both of your guides and please be respectful to give your attention to the Yamabushi Mountain Monk who will be explaining both historical but also religious aspects of Mt. Haguro and the traditions of the Yamabushi.
From here, we will stop along the trail to see the many landmarks along this trail and learn about the many Yamabushi rituals that have taken place for over a thousand years on this mountain. This includes the Five-story Pagoda of Mt. Haguro, which has been designated as a national treasure of Japan. This pagoda is unique for its bare wood structure that stands in the middle of towering cedar trees instead of on temple grounds, as is usual in Japan.
As we continue up the mountain, we will pass through towering lines of cedar trees that are 300-600 years old and take in the silence and serenity of this mountain. During the summer and fall, there is also a teahouse mid-way up this trail where we can stop and take in the views of the Shonai Plains from its outlook.
This hike is not intensive and can be managed with rest stops along the way. There are 3 main hills to climb along the way up with flat portions that break up this hike.
Upon reaching the top of Mt. Haguro, we will arrive at the Dewa Sanzan Shrine and make a prayer at Sanjin Gosaiden. This is the main structure of the shrine complex and where the gods of the Dewa Sanzan are enshrined. We will make a prayer here led by the Yamabushi guide and hear about the significance of this shrine and its sacred rituals held here.
We will then make our way to Saikan, a temple restaurant first built in 1689 that now has lodging and meals available for visitors to Mt. Haguro. Here we will try Shojin Ryori, the ascetic cuisine of the Yamabushi monks that was developed as part of their training which could last for months as they isolated themselves in these mountains.
Following our meal we will make our way back down the mountain and finish the tour.
Inquire about a Mt Haguro tour
You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 3 days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserves an experience straightaway.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserves an experience straightaway.
Cancelation policy
Our general cancelation policy for our experiences is below. Cancelation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
Note that last minute tour bookings made within the cancellation period will immediately be subject to the cancellation policy upon booking.
10 business days or more before date of experience
Free
9 to 7 business days or more before date of experience
30% of total price
6- 3 days or more business day before date of experience
50% of total price
3 days or less before date of experience
100% of total price
