Mt. Haguro
THE MOUNTAIN OF REBIRTH
ー414m. high
According to legend—as it is told in the manuscript Haguro’s Origins (羽黒山縁起), written in 1644—Mt. Haguro was discovered by a mysterious prince named Nojo Taishi 能除太子 (also known as Prince Hachiko) in 593.
What do we know about Prince Hachiko?
Prince Hachiko 蜂子皇子 was born in 542. His father, the Emperor Sushun 崇峻天皇, was assassinated by a jealous rival by the name of Soga no Umako 蘇我馬子, in 592. Following his cousin’s advice, Prince Shotoku Taishi, Hachiko decided to flee the capital in search of a sacred Buddhist mountain where he could pray for despair in the world to end. This mountain was to be found in what was called the “Land of Dewa.”
He embarked on his long journey and along the way he met many people who were suffering. Hachiko “absorbed” their pain with his magical powers, delivering them from their illnesses. In doing so, his physical appearance became distorted and atrocious, warping his facial features into something monstrous. But despite his scary features, Prince Hachiko was reputed to be a loving and compassionate man—almost a saint.
Guided by a three-legged crow known to be a messenger from the gods, the prince found Mt. Haguro, designating it a holy place of Buddhism in 593.
The Shinto god worshipped at Mt. Haguro is called Ukanomitama ウカノミタマ, goddess of cereal and crops.
Spot Information
| Related Links | ● Part of the National Park of Bandai-Asahi ● Home to a National Treasure:Mt. Haguro pagoda ● Part of the Japanese Heritage: "The Journey of Rebirth" |
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| HIKING SEASON | MAY - EARLY DECEMBER |
| DON'T MISS THE BUS! | If you want to climb the stone stairway, you must get off the bus at Hagurosan Zuishinmon 羽黒山随神門. For those that wish to go straight to the summit, you will get off at Hagurosan Sancho 羽黒山山頂. bus timetable |
| IT'S A RELIGIOUS PLACE... | We welcome all kinds of hikers! However, we would like you to remember this is sacred ground. Therefore, please be respectful and considerate of the people around you by remaining quiet and making sure trash ends up in waste bins. Thank you! |
| COME WITH THE APPROPRIATE GEAR ! | Chose function over appearance! In other words, you will need quality footwear (sneakers, hiking boots) in order to ascend the 2,446 stone steps of Haguro's stairway. Leave your high heels or pumps in your luggage for another day—many visitors have suffered ankle injuries while exploring Haguro in the wrong footwear. |
| Required time: | Up (normal pace, no pause): 1 hour 10 minutes We recommend you to take 2 to 3 pauses of 5 to 10 minutes along the way. Down (normal pace, no pause): 40 minutes |
| Don't forget to bring water with you! | Hiking Mt. Haguro can be really challenging for some persons, especially during summer! Bring cool clothes and lots of water supply before heading for adventure! |
| Related Pages | Dewa Sanzan、 Dewa Sanzan’s Shojin-ryori、 Hassakusai : Mt. Haguro’s Annual Yamabushi Celebration、 Shoreisai: The Last Yamabushi Celebration of the Year |
| Climbing map |
