Hiking season:

Hike to the top of Mt. Haguro

Climb the 2446 steps within the cedar forests that received 3 stars in the Green Michelin Guide.

km.

3.5 Distance:

Elevation:

310 meters

Required time:

1.2 h

Hiking Map:

Danger level:

Rather safe

Dangers include:

Heat strokes, Slippery when raining

Difficulty level (for beginners) :

Moderate

Difficulty levels have been designed for people who have a PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) score inferior or equal to 60. Experienced hikers or persons with a PAI above 100 can withdraw two cases to know the average difficulty for their fitness level. Example: Trails noted "Hard for beginners" correspond to "average" trails for experienced hikers or people with a PAI above 100.

Steps:

1. Start climbing from Zuishinmon

To come by bus from the Station, get on the bus bound for Hagurosan 羽黒山行き in front of the station (Tsuruoka ekimae 鶴岡駅前) at the bus stop n°1 バスのりば①, and get off the bus at Haguro Zuishinmon 羽黒随神門.

2. Beyond this point is the start of Haguro's steps

2446 stone steps are waiting for you. Make sure to bring enough water with you.

3. Go down the Mamako-zaka

Go down the Mamakozaka 継子坂, to arrive at the Haraikawa shrines 祓川. This place is the metaphor of hell in Dewa Sanzan's Shugendo practices.

4. On your right, you will find the Suga Falls

The Suga falls 須賀の滝 are where the yamabushi priests of the Dewa Sanzan shrine accomplish the Omisogi cleansing ritual in late March.

5. A little bit further, on your left, is Grandpa Cedar

Grandpa Cedar (Jiji-sugi 爺杉) is a Natural National Monument that has more than 1000 years old.

6. A little further, yo will find the Five-Storied Pagoda

A National Treasure.

7. Continue climbing

8. Continue

9. You will arrive at the Ninosaka slope

The Ninosaka 二ノ坂 slope is the steepest part of Mt. Haguro's hike.

10. You can rest at Ninosaka Teahouse

Ninosaka Chaya 二ノ坂茶屋 is a teahouse that proposes tea, mochi cakes (chikara mochi 力餅), drinks and souvenirs. Please buy a little something if you wish to use the teahouse to rest.

11. Continue hiking

12. On your left, an ancient graveyard

A giant cedar tree divided in two trunks marks the spot of an ancient graveyard. It is authorized to visit and take pictures, but please remain respectful of the place when visiting.

13. Graveyard

14. Ancient Buddhist statues

15. Ancient Buddhist statues

16. In front of the graveyard, the Izanagi shrine

17. The Izanagi shrine ruins and its torii

18. Continue hiking

19. A little further, on your right, the path to Minamidani.

It takes 15 minutes to arrive to Minami dani's ruins.

20. If you followed the path to Minamidani, you arrive to the lake

Minami-dani is the place where the poet Matsuo Basho retreated during his visit of Mt. Haguro to write haïkus. Go back to the path you came by to go back to Mt. Haguro's hiking trail.

21. After climbing the Sannosaka, you arrive at the Haniyamahime Shrine

This shrine binds couples for eternity and boosts the couples' fertility.

22. A little further, on your left: Saikan

Saikan can serve shojin-ryori for lunch (on reservation) and also proposes lodging for the night.

23. Saikan's entrance

24. A little further, the top of Mt. Haguro

When you have arrived to the big thatched-roof shrine (Sanjingosaiden), your hike has ended. Otsukaresama deshita! お疲れ様でした! ("congratulations for your efforts!")