Mt. Gassan

Mount Gassan is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and, together with Yudono-san and Haguro-san, forms the sacred Dewa Sanzan (Three Mountains of Dewa). At the summit, Gassan Shrine enshrines Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, and the mountain has long been revered as a site of mountain worship. It is one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions, and due to Gassan’s terrain, perennial snow accumulates—so you can even enjoy skiing in summer. Gassan is also known for its wide variety of alpine plants; from early summer through summer, colorful flowers bloom in abundance, making it ideal for trekking. “Gassan Lake,” seen along the route, is a popular sightseeing spot. From late April through November each year, visitors can see the “Gassan Lake Great Fountain,” said to have Japan’s tallest jet at 112 meters. Canoeing experiences are also offered on the lake, and families visiting for sightseeing are often seen taking part. Other recommended spots include “Midahara Shrine” at the 8th station (Hachigome), said to bring blessings for bountiful harvests and matchmaking, and “Mida-ga-hara,” where countless flowers bloom across the landscape.