A First Pilgrimage into Dewa Sanzan, Journeying to Mount Haguro from Tendo Onsen

This journey begins in Tendo Onsen, traveling by private vehicle to Mount Haguro, one of the sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan. You will ascend the 2,446 stone steps through an ancient cedar forest, take part in a formal Shinto prayer at the Sanjin Gosaiden, and experience shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, at Saikan. This is not a sightseeing tour, but an introduction to pilgrimage as a living cultural and spiritual practice. Rather than consuming the place as a destination, you are invited to enter it with awareness, moving step by step into a space that has been shaped by centuries of devotion. Designed for first-time visitors, the experience offers a gentle yet meaningful way to align body and mind through walking, nature, and ritual. A pilgrimage to Mount Haguro is not simply a walk. The act of walking itself holds meaning. Each step is part of the experience, and the time spent on the path is essential to what this journey becomes. As you move beneath towering cedar trees, many several hundred years old, you may begin to feel a quiet shift. The boundary between everyday life and sacred space gradually softens. For those with limited mobility or specific circumstances, it is possible to travel by vehicle to the summit. However, we encourage all participants to understand that the essence of this experience lies in walking the path. Please note the following: The walk from the parking area to the Five-Story Pagoda and back takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes and includes stairs. If traveling to the summit by vehicle, there may be waiting time for those who are walking to arrive.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  7h 15m

• Adult (ages 12+)

  JPY 32,000

• Child (ages 6-12)

  JPY 27,000

• Highlight #1

  Guided by an experienced driver and English-speaking guide, making it accessible even for first-time visitors

• Highlight #2

  A flexible itinerary that allows you to choose between walking at your own pace or traveling by vehicle to the summit of Mount Haguro

• Highlight #3

  A day to connect with the spiritual traditions and sense of time at Mount Haguro through ritual prayer and shojin cuisine

• What's Included

  • Comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers or hiking shoes
  • Easy-to-move-in clothing
  • A light outer layer for temperature changes
  • Rainwear (a waterproof jacket is recommended)

• Restrictions

  • Shoes unsuitable for walking such as heels, sandals, or leather soles
  • Restrictive clothing such as skirts or tight pants
  • Large luggage or bags that occupy one hand
  • Using only an umbrella for rain protection, as the stone steps can be slippery and dangerous

• What to Bring

  • Drinking water, approximately 500 ml to 1 liter
  • Towel
  • Backpack so that both hands remain free while walking
  • Small coins for offerings at the shrine
  • Light snacks if needed

• Cancellation Policies

  • Until 17:00, 2 days prior: 0%
  • Until 17:00 the day before: 50%
  • After 17:00 the day before: 100%