Shugendo

A traditional Shugendo (mountain asceticism) route visiting three sacred mountains in Yamagata: Gassan, Haguro, and Yudono. For over 1,400 years, practitioners have undergone rigorous spiritual training in harsh natural conditions, seeking transcendence beyond life and death. Today, both ascetics and lay pilgrims visit, symbolizing Japan's mountain worship traditions.

Traditional Japanese culture of mountain worship and veneration. Sacred mountains like Fuji, Hakusan, and Tateyama serve as pilgrimage sites, with mountain ascents functioning as spiritual practice. Blending shamanism and Buddhism, it creates a unique faith system. Contemporary mountaineering maintains cultural importance as outdoor recreation. Rooted in the deepest layers of Japanese nature philosophy.

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.

The culture of collecting calligraphic seal stamps from shrines and temples. Instagram-worthy stamp books have motivated young people to visit temples, establishing themselves as travel memorabilia.

A Shugendo sacred site of three mountains. Mountain ascetic training in white yamabushi robes is popular with foreigners. A spiritual pilgrimage known as 'the journey of rebirth.'

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.

Belief system venerating Inari, the kami of food, agriculture, and commerce. Approximately 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide make it the most numerous shrine type. Characteristic vermillion torii gates. Faith evolved through transition from agricultural to commercial society. In modern times, target of corporate prosperity prayers. One of Shinto's most widespread popular beliefs.