33 Hagurosan, Touge, Haguro-machi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Gassan Shrine, located atop Mount Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture, is a sacred destination for pilgrims and hikers. The main shrine requires a ¥500 entrance fee, which includes a purification ritual. The mountaintop offers stunning panoramic views, especially during the autumn foliage season. Reaching the shrine involves a challenging hike of approximately 3 hours from the Gassan 8th station via the Haguro entrance or a shorter but steeper 1 hour 45 minute climb from the Shizuguchi course using a lift. Note that the shrine is closed during the winter months, typically from mid-September to July 1st.