[Yamagata Prefecture] The sacred mountain of the Dewa Sanzan mountains! One of the best places to see autumn leaves in the Tohoku region: Mt. Gassan

#AutumnFoliageSeason Mount Gassan, a sacred mountain in Yamagata Prefecture One of the Dewa Sanzan (Mount Yudono, Mount Haguro, and Mount Gassan), a sacred mountain worshipped for over 1,400 years, the Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage was popular during the Edo period as a "journey of rebirth." Mount Gassan is 1,984m above sea level, and Gassan Shrine is enshrined at its summit. Gassan Shrine is a prestigious and venerable shrine listed in the Engishiki Shinmeicho (Choice of Shinto Shrines), compiled over 1,000 years ago. Its enshrined deities include agriculture, navigation, and fishing. A 500 yen purification fee is required to visit the main shrine; otherwise, entry is prohibited. As a sacred mountain, carelessness is strictly prohibited. Mount Gassan is one of the best places to see autumn foliage in the Tohoku region, and the beautiful autumn foliage spread across the land like a patchwork! ★ Autumn foliage season: Late September to early October ★ Approximately 10km round trip from Mt. Gassan 8th Station, approximately 5 hours ★ Public restrooms at the 8th Station, and three mountain huts along the way The hike is conveniently accessible by car up to the 8th Station. (The parking lot gets very crowded during the autumn foliage season, so it's best to arrive early in the morning, just before dawn.) The autumn leaves of the Midagahara Wetlands, which spread out from the trailhead, were beautifully reflected in the morning sun. 📍Location: Mt. Gassan, Kawashiro, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 💰 Free entrance fee 🅿️ Free parking at Mt. Gassan 8th Station (approximately 170 cars), restrooms available (Environmental conservation fee starting from 100 yen) 🚗 Access: Approximately 1.5 hours from Tsuruoka IC on the Yamagata Expressway, then transfer to the 041 bus from JR Tsuruoka Station bound for Mt. Haguro Summit. Approximately 1.5 hours (please note bus schedules during the autumn foliage season). #YamagataPrefecture #StunningView #autumn leaves #climbing