Yudonosan Shrine【Yamagata]

【Yudonosan Shrine Summary】

Yudono-san Shrine is believed to have been founded around 593. It is said that over 1,400 years ago, when Prince Hachiko, the founder of Dewa Sanzan and son of the 32nd Emperor Sujun, unified and opened the Dewa Sanzan mountains, Yudono-san was also opened. A major characteristic distinguishing it from other shrines is the absence of a main hall or shrine buildings. This stems from the belief that the mountain itself is a divine dwelling place, prohibiting the creation of artificial sites of worship. Since ancient times, it has served as a center for mountain worship, particularly Shugendo practices. During the Edo period, it gained popularity among commoners as a “journey of rebirth” traversing the present, past, and future. Even today, it attracts numerous Shugendo practitioners and pilgrims.

【The Three Mountains of Dewa？】

The Dewa Sanzan are the collective name for Mount Haguro (414m), Mount Gassan (1,984m), and Mount Yudono (1,504m), which tower over central Yamagata Prefecture.

Mount Haguro is the mountain where one prays for happiness in this world (present).

羽黒山 出羽三山神社(五重塔までの道のり)【山形県】

羽黒山 出羽三山神社(山頂)【山形県】

Mount Gassan is a mountain where one prays for peace and salvation after death (past)

Mount Yudono is a mountain where one prays for rebirth (future)

The enshrined deities are Ōyamatsumi-no-Kami, Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, and Sukunabikona-no-Kami.

【Ōyamazumi no Kami？】

Ōyamazumi no Kami is a mountain deity appearing in Japanese mythology, a guardian of nature who bestows diverse blessings including agriculture, commerce, sake brewing, financial fortune, and safe childbirth. Born to Izanagi and Izanami, he is the father of Konohanasakuya-hime-no-mikoto and Iwanagahime-no-mikoto. As the deity who governs the blessings of the mountains, he is revered as a symbol of abundant nature and is enshrined at places like Oyamazumi Shrine in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture (also known as the “Guardian Shrine of All Japan”).

Oyamazumi Shrine [Ehime]

【Yudonosan Shrine Great Torii】

It’s located right near the parking lot, so you can go see it immediately. Standing 18 meters tall, it was constructed in 1993 (Heisei 5).

The torii gate is of the Ryōbu-tori style, commonly seen at Shinto shrines that incorporated Buddhist elements. While its height is comparable to the large torii at Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Shrine, the sheer sky as its backdrop lends it tremendous presence. I believe the Yudono Shrine Great Torii ranks around 18th largest in Japan. It’s roughly half the size of the Ōharai Great Torii in Wakayama Prefecture.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Otorii [Wakayama]

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine [Yamanashi]

【Yudonosan Shrine Tamahime Inari Shrine】

Pass through the large torii gate, and you’ll find the entrance to Tamahime Inari Shrine on your right.

The date of its founding is unknown, but it appears to have been venerated since ancient times, using a stone pillar as its sacred object. Through donations from believers, the shrine’s sacred tree, shrine hall, and torii gate were constructed in 1986 (Showa 61). The enshrined deity is Ugahimitama-no-Mikoto.

As a matter of custom, it seems customary to first pay respects at this Tamahime Inari Shrine and then make a wish to the deity of Mount Yudono.

【Yudonosan Shrine Yudono-san Sanro-sho (lodging and dining facility at Yudono-san)】

Passing through the large torii gate, you will find the sanrōjo on the left. A sanrōjo is a facility at shrines and temples where people seclude themselves for a period to purify their minds and bodies and offer prayers to the gods and Buddha. In modern times, it has become lodging facilities at sacred sites or accommodations open to general visitors.

This facility offers lodging, bathing, and meals, and you can also receive a goshuin stamp here. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit the main shrine this time, so I paid my respects at the shrine hall within the lodging area.

【Yudonosan Shrine・Tamahime Inari Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Yudonosan Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Motoki Stone Torii and Shōi-i Torii Inari Shrine [Yamagata] Hie-jinja Shrine and Sanno Inari Shrine [Tokyo] Awa Shrine [Chiba] Anamori Inari Shrine [Tokyo]