shonai Archives - Page 5 of 6

The Shoreisai Festival

Shoreisai is a religious yamabushi festival which takes place at the top of Mount Haguro in Tsuruoka, Yamagata every New Year’s Eve.

The annual Hassaku Ritual is a great chance to see around 150 yamabushi training in the holy Dewa Sanzan mountain area.

The Dewa Sanzan, located in Yamagata Prefecture, are a triumverate of mountains considered one of the holiest places in all of Japan.

Mount Gassan, one of the Dewa Sanzan holy mountains, is known as the mountain of death where spirits ascend.

Mount Yudono, the most sacred and secretive of the Dewa Sanzan holy mountains, has been a pilgrimage destination since the sixth century.

Gyokusenji Temple is a beautiful temple in Tsuruoka, Yamagata. It features a Japanese garden recognized as a National Site of Scenic Beauty.

The Sankyo Soko Warehouses are located in downtown Sakata. They played a vital role as rice storehouses during the Edo period.

The Ken Domon Museum of Photography houses the collection of photographer Ken Domon and is located in his hometown of Sakata, Yamagata.

The Sanno Club is a museum and crafts center exhibiting Kasafuku dolls, a famous craft of Sakata, Yamagata.

Enjoy sake brewed in the Shonai region of Yamagata in a special tasting flight session at a sake bar right in front of Tsuruoka Station.