Three Mountains of Dewa, Sacred mountain triad in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
The Three Mountains of Dewa are a group of sacred peaks in Yamagata Prefecture connected by forest trails. Haguro stands in the east, Gassan rises as the highest point in the center, and Yudono lies to the west at the base of the mountain slopes.
A prince founded a religious retreat here in the sixth century after fleeing political conflicts. The mountains developed over centuries into a center for mountain asceticism and spiritual practice.
Pilgrims follow old paths between the three peaks and traditionally wear white robes during their multi-day journeys. The mountains also draw hikers who experience the ascent as a personal challenge or spiritual journey.
Haguro is accessible year-round, while Gassan and Yudono close from autumn to spring due to snow. The routes between peaks require several hours of walking and basic hiking gear for the forested sections.
The five-story pagoda at Haguro was built in the tenth century without nails from untreated wood and is considered a national treasure. Its wooden shingles were crafted using traditional methods without modern tools or adhesives.
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