Introducing Dewa Sanzan
Dewa Sanzan is the collective title for three sacred peaks: Haguro-san, Gas-san and Yudono-san. The mountains have been worshipped for centuries by yamabushi and followers of the Shugendō sect. During the pilgrimage seasons, you can see white-clad pilgrims (equipped with wooden staff, sandals and straw hat) and the occasional yamabushi (equipped with conch shell, checked jacket and voluminous white pantaloons) stomping along mountain trails or sitting under icy waterfalls as part of severe ascetic exercises intended to train both body and spirit.
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Theoretically, if you hiked at a military pace and timed the buses perfectly you might be able to cover all three peaks in one day. However, this would leave you no time to enjoy the scenery, and the chances of missing a key bus connection are good. If you want to tackle all three mountains, it’s best to devote at least two days; book accommodation and stock up on maps at the Tsuruoka tourist office before setting off.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Re: Tohoku Travel
by Tokyo_girl 11 September 2011
Machiruda, O hi sashiburi. Tohoku is great. For a short trip I wouldn't be worried about Fukushima either. It's probably reasonable…
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RE: Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata
by Tokyo_girl 21 June 2011
I called the visitors centre there and they said there is still a lot of snow, and that hiking to the top could be dangerous, though hiking…
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Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata
by ambermarie 20 June 2011
A friend and I were hoping to hike the Dewa Sanzan (three holy mountains) in Yamagata next weekend. The hiking season for Gassan, the…
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