Dewa Sanzan, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most important sacred areas, made up of three mountains: Mount Gassan, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudono.
For centuries, people have traveled through these mountains in sequence, symbolically tracing the past, present, and future while reflecting on their own lives.
Walking along forest-covered paths and visiting quiet shrine buildings offers a sense of calm, even without any religious background.
Dewa Sanzan is not just a destination to visit, but a place where travelers can experience how Japanese people have long engaged with nature and thought about the way they live.
Pilgrimage through Dewa Sanzan has long been understood as a symbolic journey through the past, present, and future.
In this way of thinking, Mount Gassan represents the past, Mount Haguro the present, and Mount Yudono the future.
Traveling through the three mountains in sequence was seen as a way to reflect on one’s life and start anew—often described as a journey of renewal.
This idea is not a strict doctrine, but a traditional way Japanese people have interpreted the experience of visiting the three mountains.
Planning your trip with Tsuruoka Station in Yamagata Prefecture as a base makes it much easier to visit all three mountains.
Below are typical routes to Tsuruoka Station from major cities in Japan.
Tokyo Station → Niigata Station
Joetsu Shinkansen: approx. 120 minutes (reserved seat ¥12,740)
Niigata Station → Tsuruoka Station
Limited Express train: approx. 109 minutes (reserved seat ¥4,530)
Note: A limited express ticket is required in addition to a regular train ticket.
Shin-Osaka Station → Tokyo Station
Tokaido Shinkansen: approx. 150 minutes (¥14,720)
From Tokyo Station, follow the same route as above.
Each of the three mountains has a different visiting season.
In particular, Mount Gassan is only accessible for a short period each year.
Because of this, the period when all three mountains can be visited on the same trip is limited.
Be sure to check the visiting season for each mountain in advance.
The dates below are based on the 2025 season and may vary slightly by year.
Mount Gassan: July 1 – September 15 (2025)
Mount Haguro: Open year-round
Mount Yudono: June 1 – November 3 (morning only, 2025)
Summit: Gassan Shrine (Main Sanctuary)
Difficulty: The most challenging of the three mountains.
The official hiking time is about 3 hours one way, or around 6 hours round trip.
Access: From Tsuruoka Station, take a bus to the trailhead.
Summit: Dewa Shrine
This shrine is the Sanjin Gosaiden, where the deities of all three mountains are enshrined together.
Because of this, visiting this single shrine is said to bring the blessings of all three mountains, making it a good option for travelers with limited time.
Difficulty: Moderate.
The official walking time is about 1.5 hours one way (around 3 hours round trip).
The route consists mainly of 2,446 stone steps.
Access: From Tsuruoka Station, travel by bus.
Summit: Yudono Shrine (Main Sanctuary)
Difficulty: The least physically demanding of the three.
Visitors travel by a dedicated shuttle bus from the foothills to the entrance area.
Access: There is no regular public bus to the foothills.
Access is by private car. A dedicated hire car service is available, but advance reservations are required, which may be difficult for international travelers.
Hire Car Service:
https://www.shoko-travel.jp/tsuruoka_kanko_liner/
If possible, renting a car is the most practical way to visit Mount Yudono.
※The information in this article is current as of August 12, 2025.
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