Mount Gassan
月山
The highest peak of the Dewa Sanzan, at 1,984 metres. After the summer opening, you can climb from the eighth station to the main shrine on the summit, which symbolises the afterlife within the “past, present and future” triad.
Mount Gassan is the highest peak of the Dewa Sanzan and one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The summit is home to the main shrine of Gassan Jinja, which enshrines Tsukuyomi. Deep snow covers the mountain, so it is open only from 1 July to mid-September. The classic route starts from the eighth station, Amidagahara (reachable by bus), passing a boardwalk through marshland and the Busshoike hut on the way to the summit, which takes about 2.5–3 hours one way. Alternatively, take the cable car from Ushimizawa and climb from there. At the main shrine on the summit, visitors pay a purification fee of about 500 yen and receive a purification ritual from the priests. The weather on the mountain changes quickly, so bring rain gear and warm clothing. From April to July, the Gassan Ski Area offers spring skiing.
Opening hours
Mountain-opening season approx. Jul 1–Sep 15 (main hall approx. 05:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Yudonosan Shrine
- Dainichibo Temple
- Churen-ji Temple
- Dewa Sanzan Shrine Sanjin Gosaiden
- Mount Haguro Five-storied Pagoda & Stone Steps
- Matsugaoka Kaikonjo
- Tsuruoka Park (Tsurugaoka Castle Ruins)
- Chido Museum