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.


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.
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.


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.

Now Open: October 30-31, 2026
Join us on a unique Dewa Sanzan experience.
The Yamabushido Team offers many trainings based on ancient traditions on the Dewa Sanzan mountains in English.


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 are the pilgrim lodges playing host to worshippers visiting the sacred mountains for over 350 years, a culture that still remains to this day.
Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori (ascetic cuisine) originated with what yamabushi (mountain ascetics) ate for survival in the mountains.
Saikan is a former temple turned shrine lodging at the top of Haguro-san welcoming visitors to the sacred mountains.
Learn all you need to know before and during a hike on the Dewa Sanzan.
Learn all about the best ways to access the Dewa Sanzan with our Ultimate Guide to Accessing the Dewa Sanzan article.

Updates on Dewa Sanzan
We are no longer able to arrange accommodation or meals.