5-story Pagoda of Mt. Haguro

The Haguro-san Five-Story Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda on Mount Haguro, one of the Dewa Sanzan. From JR Tsuruoka Station, take a bus about 40 minutes, get off at “Zuishinmon,” then go down 210 stone steps to reach it. It is said to be the oldest pagoda in the Tohoku region, and the existing structure was rebuilt about 600 years ago. It stands 29 meters tall, built in plain wood with three bays and five stories. The pagoda uses “kokera-buki,” a uniquely Japanese roofing method with over 1,300 years of history, made by layering thin wooden shingles. Kokera-buki is also used at Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, and at Kamakura’s Engaku-ji Shariden; its heavy eaves and beautiful curves are characteristic. The Haguro-san Five-Story Pagoda was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1908 and a National Treasure in 1966. Emerging from between cedar trees, the majestic pagoda feels solemn and mysterious, overwhelming viewers. Standing quietly with the cedars in this snowy region, it conveys a powerful sense of vitality and spiritual energy. Nearby is the “Jiji-sugi,” a roughly 1,000-year-old cedar designated as a Natural Monument, which you can also visit together.