Three Sacred Peaks

Located in the centre of Yamagata Prefecture, the Dewa Sanzan is the collective name for three sacred mountains, Haguro-san, Gassan, and Yudono-san, revered for their spiritual prowess since ancient times.

Mt. Gassan of the Dewa Sanzan seen from the sky in the winter

Trip Through Time

Haguro-san represents the world of the present and the salvation of current hardships. Gassan represents the past or the afterlife where we atone for our wrongdoings. Lastly, Yudono-san embodies the world of the future and marks the location we are reborn.

Spiritual Awakening

Gassan is where the souls of the ancestors venture after they pass on to the other world. As such, we are able to physically be one with those who have gone before us as we pay our respects. At the same time, Buddha’s mantras are projected onto the Dewa Sanzan. Thus, navigating the mountains is to embody their wisdom.

Sanjingosaiden Shrine at the top of Mt. Haguro of the Dewa Sanzan in Autumn

Your Journey of Rebirth

For millennia, Yamabushi (mountain ascetics) and regular people alike have made the journey to the Dewa Sanzan for spiritual rebirth.

Now it’s your turn.

Yamabushi training on Mt. Haguro during autumn

Dewa Sanzan Trainings

The Yamabushido Team offers many trainings based on ancient traditions on the Dewa Sanzan mountains in English.

HAGURO-SAN

GASSAN

YUDONO-SAN

The Backstory

Many people have visited the Dewa Sanzan, The Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa, in search of spiritual transformation. Now it’s your turn.

Shukubo Pilgrim’s Lodges

Shukubo are the pilgrim’s lodges playing host to worshippers visiting the sacred mountains for over 350 years, a culture that still remains to this day.

Ascetic Cuisine

Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori (ascetic cuisine) originated with what yamabushi (mountain ascetics) ate for survival in the mountains.

Saikan: Dewa Sanzan Shrine Lodging

Offering Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori (ascetic cuisine) and accommodation, Saikan at the summit of Haguro-san is Dewa Sanzan Shrine’s official lodging.