Gassan

Attraction

Prefecture

Yamagata

Type

Attraction

N/A

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Shuttle Bus

About This Destination

One of the three sacred Dewa mountains, Gassan is unusual for offering summer skiing from April to July. Alpine wildflowers blanket the slopes, and pilgrims hike to the summit shrine. A unique blend of spirituality and outdoor adventure.

One of the three sacred Dewa mountains, Gassan offers the unusual experience of summer skiing from April through July on its lingering snowfields high above the surrounding lowlands. White-robed yamabushi mountain ascetics have trained on these slopes for over 1,400 years as part of their spiritual practice combining Buddhist and Shinto traditions. The peak hosts alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers, while the Gassan Shrine near the summit welcomes pilgrims completing the sacred Three Mountains of Dewa circuit.

Location

Prefecture: Yamagata

Address: Yamagata, Japan

Nearest Station: Tsuruoka Station

Best time to visit: July to September for summer skiing and alpine flowers; one of the three sacred Dewa mountains

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Visitor Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach Gassan?

In season, take a bus from Tsuruoka to the Gassan 8th Station on the Hagurosan side, which is the usual start for climbers. For the summer ski area, drive in via Nishikawa town; the climbing season runs July through September.

What makes Gassan special?

Gassan is the 1,984 m sacred peak representing death and the past among the three Dewa Sanzan mountains in the Shugendo pilgrimage. It also has summer skiing: the lift-served snowfield opens from April to July when most resorts have closed, and alpine flowers bloom along the Midagahara wetlands.

What are the fees and best time to visit?

Gassan Shrine at the summit is open from July to mid-September and charges 500 yen for the purification ritual. A single ride on the summer ski lift costs about 600 yen, and the snowfield runs from April through July.