Mt. Haguro

This 414-meter-high mountain lies northwest of Mt. Gassan, the main peak of the three mountains of Dewa. A 29-meter-high, five-story pagoda blends into a grove of cedar trees, a few minutes' walk along a mountain path from Zuishinmon gate by the bus stop. It is said to have been built in 938 by Taira no Masakado, and it is one of the few remaining Buddhist structures in Mt. Haguro's Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. It was designated a national treasure in 1966.

From the five-story pagoda to the summit, there are 2,446 stone steps. There are some tough sections along the way, so choosing appropriate shoes is critical. At the summit, there is the Sanjin Gosaiden, one of Japan's largest thatched-roof shrines. The current shrine was built in 1818 at a cost of 5,275 ryo (more than 500 million yen in modern terms). The shrine is in a vibrant vermilion color and is adorned with intricate carvings all over. Buses to and from the mountain's summit are also available.

The Three Mountains of Dewa includes Mt. Gassan, Mt. Haguro, and Mt. Yudono. Pilgrimages to these three mountains have been considered a "journey of rebirth" that traces death and rebirth since ancient times.