Dewa Sanzan (Haguro San)

Haguro San in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture is a sacred mountain of Shugendo, revered alongside Gassan and Yudono San as one of the Dewa Sanzan. The 2,446 stone steps stretching from Zuishin Gate to the summit form a solemn pilgrimage path surrounded by giant cedar trees, with a National Treasure five-story pagoda standing along the way. This pagoda is said to have been founded by Taira no Masakado and stands as the oldest tower in the Tohoku region with an overwhelming presence. At the summit stands the Three Deities Hall, which enshrines all three deities of Dewa Sanzan, and its thatched roof is among the largest in Japan. Visitors can also participate in a yamabushi experience program, donning white ceremonial dress to undergo ascetic training.