Mount Yudono Secret Worship and Sacred Prohibitions

Three sacred mountains in Yamagata—Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono. A center of mountain worship since ancient times. The pilgrimage route to Haguro is known for its cedar trees over 300 years old. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, representing Japan's mountain worship traditions alongside the sacred Yudono Mountain.

The Dewa Sanzan (three mountains) in Yamagata Prefecture comprise Gassan, Hagurosan, and Yudono, considered the pinnacle of Shugendo training. Called the 'Mountain of Rebirth,' pilgrims in white garments traverse treacherous paths experiencing death and rebirth rituals. One of Japan's foremost sacred sites where rigorous training continues today.

Pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine became a massive popular phenomenon in the Edo period with the saying 'once in a lifetime, visit Ise.' Including the Okagehyokocho street food culture and famous Akafuku mochi, it remains a spiritual travel touchstone for Japanese people today.

A sacred site of mountain worship comprising Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. With over 1,400 years of history as a training ground for Shugendo asceticism, the mountain monks in white robes and their austere practices preserve Japan's mountain ascetic traditions.

One of Japan's oldest pilgrimage circuits, visiting 33 Kannon sacred sites mainly across the Kinki region. Said to have been established in 718, it is known alongside the Shikoku Pilgrimage as one of Japan's two great pilgrimage routes. It was designated a Japan Heritage in 2019.

Japan's oldest pilgrimage route visiting 33 Kannon temples across Kansai. Designated as Japan Heritage in 2019, it has gained popularity among young people alongside the goshuin stamp boom.

A successful anime pilgrimage case as the setting of 'Girls und Panzer.' Character panels line shopping streets, making it a model case of anime tourism revitalizing regional economies.