Gassan Shrine (Dewa Sanzan)
月山神社
Yamagata · Shonai (Haguro)
Dewa Sanzan Rebirth
Kanpei Taisha (combined)
Yudonosan Shrine (Dewa Sanzan)
湯殿山神社
/ Yudonosan Jinja
Admission
500 JPY (purification fee)
Goshuin
300 JPY
Access
See details
Hours
Seasonal (approx. May-November)
Overview
The most mysterious of the Three Mountains of Dewa, Yudonosan has no conventional shrine building. Its sacred object is a massive rock formation stained orange by hot spring minerals. Visitors must go barefoot and undergo purification. What one sees at the inner sanctum is subject to a strict taboo of silence, which even Matsuo Basho honored.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
593 [推古元年]
Yudonosan represents rebirth and the future in the Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage. The sacred site has no formal shrine building; instead, a natural hot-spring-fed orange-brown rock formation serves as the shintai. Visitors are forbidden from photographing or speaking about what they experience at the inner sanctum.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of mountains, the sea, and warfare; one of the greatest earthly deities
Blessings
Shrine Network
Dewa Sanzan head
Did You Know?
💡
Basho wrote about Yudonosan: 'I cannot speak of Yudonoyama / tears wet my sleeves' - honoring the taboo of silence.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
38.5380, 139.9550
Physical Address
7 Rokujuuriyama, Tamugihamata, Tsuruoka, Yamagata
山形県鶴岡市田麦俣字六十里山7
Historical Province
Dewa
Access
Tsuruoka Station
Hours
Seasonal (approx. May-November)
Bus
Seasonal bus to Yudonosan
Best Times to Visit
summerautumn
Accessibility
No
Official Website
https://dewasanzan.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Yudonosan Shrine (Dewa Sanzan)?
The most mysterious of the Three Mountains of Dewa, Yudonosan has no conventional shrine building. Its sacred object is a massive rock formation stained orange by hot spring minerals. Visitors must go barefoot and undergo purification. What one sees at the inner sanctum is subject to a strict taboo of silence, which even Matsuo Basho honored.
Where is Yudonosan Shrine (Dewa Sanzan) located?
Yudonosan Shrine (Dewa Sanzan) is located in Tsuruoka, Yamagata. The full address is: 7 Rokujuuriyama, Tamugihamata, Tsuruoka, Yamagata.
What deities are enshrined at Yudonosan Shrine (Dewa Sanzan)?
The enshrined deities are: Oyamazumi no Kami.