Main Shrine Building
Haguro-san is the most easily accessible of the three mountains of Dewa Sanzan. At its summit stands Haguro-san Shrine, the only of the three Dewa Sanzan shrines which is open year round. Symbolizing birth, Haguro-san is usually the first shrine visited by pilgrims.
Haguro-san is the easiest to visit because of a toll road that allows visitors to reach the top by car or bus. However, the traditional and recommended approach to the shrine is via a walking trail, which leads through a cedar forest over 2446 stone steps from the base to the summit of the mountain. Along the way, 33 figures carved into the stone steps bring prosperity to anyone who can find them all.
Ideha Museum
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Beginning of Haguro-san's approach
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Several attractions are located along the walking trail up Haguro-san. Near the trailhead stands Ideha Museum with information and exhibits on Shugendo (a folk religion based on mountain worship), yamabushi (practitioners of Shugendo) and the Dewa Sanzan. There are English translations at many of the displays, and a visit is a good way to learn about the area's history and religious value.
About ten minutes into the walking trail stands a five storied pagoda surrounded by cedars. A classical text states that this National Treasure was first built in 937. Further along the steps is a teahouse offering tired hikers water, tea, snacks, souvenirs and even a free hiking certificate.
Five storied pagoda
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View of a bridge along the approach
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Just before the summit, a building called Saikan and connected to Haguro-san's shrine, offers shukubo (overnight temple lodging). A stay at Saikan provides visitors with simple accommodation in a tatami room, dinner and breakfast in the style of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine ("shojin ryori") and the opportunity to watch the shrine's early morning ceremony. It should be booked in advance.
Haguro-san's main shrine holds the deities from all three Dewa Sanzan shrines, making it the most important of the three. The main building, Sanjin Gosaiden, features the thickest thatched roof in Japan, over two meters thick. Also at the summit is the Dewa Sanzan Historical Museum containing information on the shrines in Japanese, along with art and artifacts.
A section of the 2446 stairs leading up Haguro-san
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