A spiritual center of Northern Japan, Yamagata is home to the Dewa Sanzan mountains. It is a land of mountain ascetics (yamabushi) and mummified monks (sokushinbutsu).

Historical Context

For over 1,400 years, Yamagata's mountains have been a training ground for Shugendo ascetics. The region preserves the practice of self-mummification by monks seeking to become living buddhas.

Local Folklore

The mountains are the domain of Tengu and mountain deities. In winter, the 'Snow Monsters' (Juhyo) of Mt. Zao create an eerie, otherworldly landscape.

Notable Locations

Dewa Sanzan

The three sacred mountains of Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono, inhabited by Tengu and powerful spirits.

⚠️ Tengu

Mount Zao

Famous for 'Ice Monsters' (Juhyo)—trees covered in snow that resemble marching monsters.

⚠️ Snow Monsters

Yamadera

The 'Mountain Temple' Risshaku-ji, where silence permeates the rocks and spirits dwell in the cliffs.

⚠️ Nature Spirits

Yamagata Knowledge