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This shrine was built in the first half of the 10th century under the name of Minakami-gû 水上宮 (a generic name for shrines worshipping the dragon god of Water Mikumari no kami 水分神) but got rehabilitated into a Hachiman Shrine during the 11th century. It got its final name in the 13th century after it got renovated to worship the gods of agriculture and the military.

Its moss-covered stone path and its thatch-roofed shrine (National Important Cultural Property) give this place a timeless atmosphere.

Not far from the Minakami Hachiman Shrine, there is Mizusawa hamlet’s Kumano Shrine, a generic name given to shrines that worship the gods of Kumano Sanzan (another trio of holy mountains of Shugendo spirituality).

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The shrine was first built during the 10th century. Behind the shrine, the giant cedar tree, which age has been estimated over 1000 years old, has been registered in the National Natural Monuments lists in 1927. In 1932, a lightning bolt stroke the forest, provoking a giant fire near the cedar tree, but thanks to the hamlet’s people’s efforts, the cedar tree remained intact.

This shrine was first built in 650 (the current building is a reconstruction from 1775). Until the 19th century, it was a place of conjoined Buddhist and Shinto practice.

The shrine’s territory was widely rearranged after the Meiji Restauration in 1868 to separate Buddhism and Shintoism in this place. The final constructions were finished in 1882.

There is a giant Breasted Ginkgo Tree (chichi-icho 乳銀杏) in front of the main shrine that is worshiped as a holy tree.

The Shonai Shrine stands on the grounds where the Shonai Domain castle, Tsurugaoka-jo, once stood. The castle was dismantled following the conclusion of the Boshin War in the 19th century. In 1877, the Shonai Shrine was established in its stead, dedicated to venerating the former feudal clan of the area, the Shonai Clan. The Shonai Clan, led by the Sakai family, arrived in the 17th century in Tsuruoka and made the region flourish thanks to the development of agricultural techniques and high educational standards. The Shonai Clan is famous for “never losing a war” in its history, even during the Boshin War. They were the last clan in all of Japan to surrender to the new government. For this reason, the Shonai Clan is still very much loved by the locals and worshiped as real deities in the Shonai Shrine.
Situated within Tsuruoka Park, the Shonai Shrine is positioned in what was once the precinct of the Tsurugaoka-jo castle (the Shonai Clan’s castle). It takes a central role in organizing major events within the park, such as the Shonai Taisai Festival held every year and the Tanabata celebrations on July 7th.
Annually in March, the shrine showcases its collection of Hina dolls as part of the Hinamatsuri festivities. This exhibition takes place in the “homotsuden” (Treasure Hall), a dedicated building within the shrine grounds.
In July, the shrine holds a series of events for the Tanabata Matsuri, including light-up events at night and floral decorations.

Ryuoson Zenpoji holds a significant place among the Three Main Soto Zen Buddhist temples in Japan, standing alongside Myogonji Temple in Aichi Prefecture and Saijôji Temple in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Initially constructed in the 10th century, the temple was named Ryûgeji, translating to “the temple of the Lotus and the Dragon.” While it did not start as a Zen temple, the original name reflects the practice of dragon-god worship that has been integral to the temple since its inception. It underwent a transformation into Zen Buddhism in the 15th century, acquiring its current name, Zenpoji.
Being one of the oldest dragon-worshipping temples in the northern region, Zenpoji attracts many fishermen and sailors from the Tohoku region who come to pray to the dragon god. In Japanese culture, dragons are revered as water gods, believed to influence aspects such as fishing, healing, travel, agriculture, and fertility.

Zenpoji played a crucial role in the growth of the Kitamaebune maritime road during the 18th and 19th centuries. Travelers, including merchants and fishermen navigating by sea, sought the protection of the dragon god for their journeys. Generous donations from these visitors enabled the construction of the Gohyakurakan-dô in 855. This structure houses 531 statues known as “Gohyaku Rakan” or the “500 Arhats.” Each statue displays unique expressions and faces, providing a place for people to pay respects to their departed loved ones. This was especially meaningful at a time when individuals lacked visual representations like photographs for remembrance.

It is said that Kobo-Daishi (or Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism (the esoteric school of Buddhism specific to Japan), himself built this temple in 825 (a few years after Dainichibo Temple). With Dainichibo Temple, they constitute the pillars of the Shingon Buddhism practice around Mt. Yudono.

This is where you will find Tetsumonkai’s mummy, the most famous sokushinbutsu of them all. Tetsumonkai was born in 1789 and died in 1830 at the age of 71. He entered Churenji Temple at the age of 21. Feeling remorse for his past crimes (he murdered two soldiers as an act of self-defense), he chose to serve the people by becoming a Buddhist monk. He led his training further by undertaking the sokushinbutsu training, which he successfully accomplished to the end.

Apart from the mummy, you will find a strange pop-art ceiling with dozens of pop culture icons painted in bright colors, and a 200-year-old Sakura tree: the Shimekakezakura.

Since 2023, the temple only accepts people who ask for a prayer service BEFOREHAND.

This is where you will find Honmyokai’s mummy, the oldest of all the sokushinbutsu in Tsuruoka City, yet the most well preserved of them all. Honmyokai’s name was Togashi Yoshibei 富樫吉兵衛. He was once a samurai at the service of the Shonai Clan. When Yoshibei was 39, the lord of the Sakai family fell sick. Yoshibei and other servants went to Mt. Yudono to pray for his healing. But instead of going back to his master, Yoshibei decided to stay in Mt. Yudono because of the revelations he had there. The lord was furious and punished him for leaving his functions by canceling his marriage and confiscating his salary. Despite the harsh treatment, Yoshibei decided to enter Churenji Temple as a disciple monk and chose the name of Honmyokai to mark the start of his new life.

He became a sokushinbutsu in 1683.

This is where you will find Tetsuryukai’s mummy, Tetsuryukai was born in 1820 in Akita Prefecture. At the age of 16, he entered Nangakuji Temple. Specialists say Tetsuryukai was involved in a case of murder, which led him to seek to expiate his crimes.

He was very devoted in his task of helping the people around him. In 1848, he rebuilt Renshoji Temple (Iwate Prefecture) after a big fire destroyed the place. In 1871, he opened a tunnel with dynamite in the area of Kamo, so pilgrims and merchants could travel easily.

He became a sokushinbutsu in 1881, at the age of 62.

The mummy is located at the ground floor. The monks are not there all the time. You are asked to leave the entrance fees in the box provided for the purpose.

According to legend, Kobo-Daishi (or Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, a specific esoteric school of Buddhism in Japan, is said to have personally constructed this temple in the year 807.
Within this temple, there lies the mummy of Shinnyokai, preserved since 1786. As per the temple’s monks, Shinnyokai chose the path of monkhood after realizing his involvement in an accident that led to the death of two children. However, scholars argue that he became a monk due to his alleged participation in the murder of two men. The question arises: whose account do you choose to believe?
In addition to the preserved mummy, the temple boasts an extensive collection of Buddhist statues, the ancient 1800-year-old cedar tree known as Odan no Sugi (皇壇の杉), and relics associated with the Tokugawa Family.

The founder of Shugendo, En no Ozunu, is credited with establishing this mountain as a place of worship in 672 by constructing the shrine of Mt. Kinbo, known as Kinbôzan-jinja. The shrine’s main hall was recognized as a National Important Cultural Property in 2001, underscoring its significance in the history of the Shugendo religion.
Originally, Mt. Kinbo served as an annex of Mt. Haguro’s temple until the early 17th century (1624-1643). During this period, disciples from Mt. Haguro were dispatched to Mt. Kinbo to spread the beliefs of Haguro to the residents of the Yutagawa area.
However, after 1692, Mt. Kinbo distanced itself from the teachings of Mt. Haguro and aligned with the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. In 2001, the shrine was officially listed as a National Important Cultural Property, recognizing its historical significance within the context of the Shugendo religion. Mt. Kinbo itself got listed as a “National Place of Scenic Beauty” for the many views it offers on the Shonai plains along its hiking trails.

It is said the founder of Shugendo: En no Ozunu, first established this mountain as a place of worship in 672, through the building of Mt. Kinbo’s shrine: Kinbôzan-jinja 金峯山神社. The main hall of the shrine got registered in the list of National Important Cultural Properties in 2001 for its importance in the history of the Shugendo religion.Mt. Kinbo was once an annex of Mt. Haguro’s temple until the early 17th century (1624-1643). Mt. Haguro’s temples sent their disciples to Mt. Kinbo to preach Haguro’s believes to the people of Yutagawa’s area.After 1692, Mt. Kinbo separated itself from Mt. Haguro’s doctrine and belonged to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism.

In the highland region connecting Gassan and Mt. Haguro, you’ll find the Gassan Kogen Ranch. The surrounding area is characterized by expansive fields used for cultivation and rice farming. At the Gassan Kogen Ranch, you can witness leisurely scenes of cows grazing on grass. Additionally, there are picturesque spots such as Harmony Park, resting areas like pavilions, observation decks, and a sunflower field. Sometimes, at the end of the summer, you might be lucky to find a “corn maze” on the road from Mt. Haguro to Mt. Gassan (dates vary each year).