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 the world of the future where 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 Retreats

The Yamabushido Team offers a plethora of retreats in English on the Dewa Sanzan mountains.

HAGURO-SAN

GASSAN

YUDONO-SAN

The Backstory

For millennia, thousands upon thousands have flocked to the Dewa Sanzan, The Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa, in search of spiritual transformation. Now it’s your turn.

Shinto and Buddhist at the same time?

Shinto shrines on the grounds of former temples, self-mummifying monks, its own religion, the Dewa Sanzan is a hotbed of Japanese spirituality.

Haguro Sansho Daigongen inscription in the main hall of Saikan on Mt. Haguro of the Dewa Sanzan

Fudomyo'o at Suganotaki Waterfall on Mt. Haguro

The Philosophy

Read a first-hand account on embodying the Dewa Sanzan’s ancient philosophy, Uketamo.

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.