Mt. Haguro and Dewa Shrine
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Port
Sakata, Japan
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$340
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Depart the pier for a scenic drive to Tsuruoka City. En route, watch for the great red gate Otorii on Mt. Haguro in the distance. Visit the five-storied Pagoda of Mt. Haguro, the only national treasure in Yamagata Prefecture. It is nearly 100 feet tall with a shingled roof and beautiful, long eaves reminiscent of a swan taking flight.
Next, visit Dewa Shrine, one of the three shrines in the Dewa Mountains. The shrine has been visited as a pilgrimage destination for Yamabushi mountain monks for over a thousand years. You will be guided by Yamabushi mountain monks.
For lunch, enjoy Shojin Ryori, a unique vegetarian cooking style using sustainable ingredients developed by these monks.
After lunch, visit the Silk Miraikan, which unveils the intricate process of silk production, showcasing Japan's rich cultural heritage. The Matsugaoka region in Tsuruoka was cultivated by approximately 3,000 former Shonai domain samurai in 1871. The area, originally covered by primeval forest, was cleared, and by 1873, a 311 hectare mulberry field for silkworms was established. Subsequently, silk reeling factories and silk weaving factories were built. To this day, Tsuruoka is the only region in Japan where the entire silk production process, from raising silkworms to silk reeling, refining, dyeing, and sewing, is completed in a single place. Yamato Kyosuke of Tsuruoka Silk Co., Ltd., a leading company in the local silk industry, explains, "The greatest strength of the silk produced here is that it can truly be called 'Made in Japan.' Nowadays, with the emergence of synthetic fibers, the silk industry in Japan has declined. However, to revitalize this industry, the Tsuruoka silk town project was started in 2012."
After your visit, return to the pier. This extraordinary excursion promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will undoubtedly be the highlight of your Japan getaway.
Please note:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. There are approximately 200 steps at the five-storied Pagoda of Mt. Haguro. It takes approximately 15 mins walking from parking lot to Dewa Shrine per way. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency (yen) for purchases as few stores accept credit cards. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially during public holidays. The driver will do their best to keep moving safely. Your patience is greatly appreciated. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s).