ABOUT
About this spot
Mount Haguro, one of the Three Mountains of Dewa in Yamagata Prefecture, has long drawn devotion as a mountain for praying for happiness in the 'present world.' The approach lined with cedar trees has as many as 2,446 stone steps, and climbing them step by step brings a stillness and sacred air that seems to cleanse your heart. The top highlight is the National Treasure Haguro-san Five-Story Pagoda standing quietly in the deep forest. Built without a single nail, its form is awe-inspiring, with a beauty that blends into the scenery of every season. Along the approach are teahouses, where resting with the local specialty chikara mochi is one of the pleasures. The Sanjin Gosaiden at the summit is a huge shrine hall enshrining the deities of all three mountains, Gassan, Haguro-san and Yudono-san, and the thickness of its thatched roof is overwhelming. Even without serious climbing gear you can visit in comfortable shoes, making it ideal for a solo trip to reflect on yourself, or for refreshing time with family and friends. Why not spend a special time enveloped in historic architecture and rich nature?
Last updated March 27, 2026