Mount Haguro is one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan and is traditionally associated with the present in the concept of past, present, and future.
Unlike the other mountains, Mount Haguro offers two ways to visit: walking up from the foothills or taking a bus directly to the summit.
This article introduces both routes in detail and highlights the scenery you can experience around Mount Haguro, helping you decide how best to visit.
Overview of Mount Haguro
Mount Haguro is located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, and is one of the three sacred mountains known as Dewa Sanzan.
Among the three, Mount Haguro is traditionally associated with the present.
With an elevation of about 414 meters, it is not particularly high. However, Mount Haguro is unique in that it is the only mountain of Dewa Sanzan that can be visited year-round. While Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono have limited visiting seasons due to snow and weather conditions, Mount Haguro has long welcomed visitors in every season. This accessibility is one reason it has come to represent the “present” within the Dewa Sanzan tradition.
From the foothills to the summit, a stone staircase of approximately 2,446 steps extends through a forest of towering cedar trees. Rather than a test of endurance, this path has been understood as a way to walk calmly while reflecting on oneself, step by step.
At the summit stands Dewa Shrine, also known as the Sanjin Gosaiden. Here, the deities of Mount Gassan, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudono are enshrined together. It is said that by visiting this single shrine, one can receive the blessings of all three mountains.
For this reason, even travelers with limited time or physical stamina can still experience the spiritual essence of Mount Haguro by taking a bus to the summit and visiting this shrine alone.
Access
The easiest way to reach Tsuruoka Station is by bus.
For detailed directions to Tsuruoka Station, please refer to the separate access article.
There are two main ways to visit Mount Haguro:
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Walking from the foothills to the summit, or
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Taking a bus directly to the summit
It is also possible to walk up to the summit and return by bus, depending on your schedule and physical condition.
Please note that bus services to the summit operate only during limited periods.
Summit bus operation period:
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July 1 – September 30
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January 1 – January 3
(Based on the 2025 schedule)
Bus Route to the Foothills
From Tsuruoka Station, use Bus Stop No. 1.
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Travel time: Approx. 30–40 minutes
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Bus stop to get off: Haguro Zuishinmon View on Google Maps
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Fare: ¥840
(No reservation required. Payment is made on the bus. Cash or IC cards such as Suica are accepted.) -
Frequency: About one bus per hour
The bus timetable is divided into three columns.
The left column shows buses operating on dates not marked in blue on the calendar.
The middle column shows buses operating on dates marked in blue on the calendar.
The right column shows buses operating from January 1 to January 3 only.
Buses marked “Ideha” go only to the foothills of Mount Haguro.
Buses marked “Sanchō” (Summit) go all the way to the summit.
Because multiple bus routes depart from Bus Stop No. 1 at Tsuruoka Station, please check the destination and departure time on the timetable carefully before boarding.
Bus timetable (official website):
https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/haguro_tt.html
Taking the Bus to the Summit
Use the same bus that goes to the foothills.
The summit is the final stop on this route.
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Travel time: Approx. 55–60 minutes
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Bus stop to get off: Haguro-san Summit View on Google Maps
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Fare: ¥1,250
(No reservation required. Payment is made on the bus. Cash or IC cards such as Suica are accepted.)
Frequency: About one bus per hour
Walking from the Foothills to the Summit
From the bus stop, it is about a 1–2 minute walk to the entrance at the foothills.
From there, the walk to the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours.
If you walk at a slightly faster pace, it is possible to reach the top in about 1 hour.
The route is not a mountain trail but a stone-paved path, consisting mostly of stone steps.
In total, there are 2,446 steps.
Because the steps are well maintained and the path is surrounded by forest, the walk is generally comfortable and pleasant.
If you choose to walk to the summit, you will find the Haguro Five-Story Pagoda about 5–10 minutes from the foothills.
This pagoda is said to have been built around 1372 and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
As it can be viewed up close, visitors walking up the mountain are encouraged to stop and take a look.
After walking a short distance from Shinkyo Bridge, an impressive structure comes into view.
This is the Five-Story Pagoda. Seeing it in person, you can feel its quiet yet powerful presence, standing solemnly within the forest.
For those walking up the mountain, this is a must-see highlight.
Hours & Fees
Hours: Open year-round (24 hours)
Because the approach passes through a forested area, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
Mount Haguro is surrounded by deep forest.
After sunset, visibility can be poor, and wildlife may occasionally appear.
For safety reasons, please plan your visit for daytime hours.
Admission fee: Free
This article is based on information available as of November 8, 2025.