Sanshingosaiden Hall enshrining the three mountain deities
Mount Haguro, one of the Dewa Sanzan peaks, will celebrate its "Horse Year Goennen" (special blessing year) in 2026. Dewa Sanzan Shrine (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture) has partnered with DEGAM Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau, a local destination management organization, to announce the annual schedule of events for this special blessing year.
"Goennen" refers to a special year when the Chinese zodiac sign coincides with the year a shrine or temple was founded or a year of auspicious significance. It has been believed that visitors can receive 12 years' worth of blessings and divine virtue during such years.
While the founding Goennen of Dewa Sanzan (Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono) is designated as the Year of the Ox, each mountain has its own associated Goennen year: Mount Gassan is the Year of the Rabbit, Mount Yudono is the Year of the Ox, and Mount Haguro is the Year of the Horse. Therefore, 2026 will be a particularly special year for Mount Haguro, with many pilgrims expected to visit.
Mount Haguro represents "the present world" among the Dewa Sanzan mountains and is considered the mountain where people pray for happiness in this life. During Goennen years, the mountain sees many pilgrims who come to express gratitude and seek special divine protection, continuing the ancient Goennen faith tradition.
"I hope that not only Mount Haguro but the entire region will be energized throughout the year" (Chief Priest Ryoichi Abe, Dewa Sanzan Shrine)
Mount Haguro's great torii gate and Mount Gassan
Horse Year Goennen Schedule
1. Horse Year Goennen Special Sacred Items [January to December]
Distribution period: From January 1, 2026 (Thursday) throughout the year (except goshuin)
Distribution location: Mount Haguro summit offering hall
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Horse Year Goennen Sacred Horse Statue | Bestowed upon those who receive blessings of ¥20,000 or more ※Can also be obtained at the summit offering hall for ¥10,000 |
| Horse Day Protective Charm | Initial offering: ¥2,000 ※Distributed only on Horse days (first day: January 8) |
| Special Prayer Ema (Wooden Plaque) | Initial offering: ¥1,000 |
| Horse Year Goennen Commemorative Cut-Paper Goshuin | ※From April 29, 2026 (Wednesday) (scheduled) |
Horse Year Goennen Sacred Horse Statue
Horse Day Protective Charm
Large ema displayed in the assembly hall (will be moved to the main hall after snow melts)
2. Special Feast Featuring Mount Haguro's Scenic Beauty – Haguro Hakkei Zen [March to December]
Since ancient times, the vegetarian cuisine served not only at Saikan on the summit but also at shukubo (temple lodgings) at the mountain's base has featured names of Dewa Sanzan worship sites and related place names. Yamabushi (mountain ascetics) would explain the mountain path etiquette and worship sites while using the dishes to help pilgrims visualize the sacred mountains they would visit. It is said that pilgrims would enjoy the cuisine while imagining the mountains they were about to explore.
To commemorate the Horse Year Goennen, "Haguro Hakkei Zen" has been created based on the eight scenic spots featured in the historic "Haguro Hakkei" collection. This special feast allows guests to tour Mount Haguro through each dish.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥3,850 |
| Service Period | March 1, 2026 (Sunday) to late December 2026 (scheduled) ※Reservation required 3 days in advance |
3. Commemorative Product "Fresh Sesame Tofu" [Sales Start January]
"Sesame tofu" is a beloved specialty of the Haguro region.
At Saikan, to preserve tradition and taste, sesame tofu has been freshly prepared each morning and served to pilgrims. While the soft texture, sesame aroma, and combination with sweet sauce are exquisite, the challenge has been preserving it long enough to offer as a souvenir. Now, using retort sterilization technology, it can be stored at room temperature for several weeks while maintaining its freshly-made deliciousness, making it available as a take-home gift.
This product will be offered as a new specialty of Dewa Sanzan.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales Price | Sesame Tofu: ¥660 (tax included)/piece Matcha Sesame Tofu: ¥720 (tax included)/piece ※Multiple-piece souvenir boxes also available |
| Service Period | Sales begin from January 1, 2026, at Sankoden and Saikan |
| Saikan Information | Dewa Sanzan Shrine Saikan http://www.dewasanzan.jp/publics/index/64/ |
4. Rediscovering the Historic Haguro Hakkei Trail (Tentative) [2026 Scheduled]
One of the "Haguro Hakkei" prints that was popular as "Haguro Souvenirs"
The "Haguro Hakkei" collection from the Meiji era featured Mount Haguro's representative scenic spots. Currently, some of these locations have become difficult to access, so a mid-term project is underway to restore and newly develop scenic spots unique to Mount Haguro, allowing visitors to tour all eight scenic spots again during this Goennen year.
This initiative involves DEGAM and other related organizations and local groups, with plans extending beyond landscape development to include route planning and experiential content creation.
Harai River waterfall leading to the sacred grounds
Ninozaka cliff oil overflow
Izanagi Mountain's rock-splitting cherry tree
Snow scenery of Dewasan Shrine
5. Mystical Beauty – National Treasure Mount Haguro Five-Story Pagoda Illumination [Summer Scheduled]
The annual illumination of the National Treasure Mount Haguro Five-Story Pagoda is also being planned with special Horse Year Goennen features. Every year, the fantastical scenery captivates visitors, promising a special nighttime pilgrimage experience.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Period | Typically held from summer to autumn each year |
| Event Information | National Treasure Mount Haguro Five-Story Pagoda Illumination https://www.tsuruokakanko.com/spot/5795 |
Special Pilgrimage Experiences During the Goennen Year
Throughout the Goennen year, visitors can worship at the "Sanshingosaiden Hall" at Mount Haguro's summit, and during spring to autumn, the "Ishidan-moude" (stone step pilgrimage) – walking the 2,446 stone steps wearing white o-shime sacred rope – offers a special time for self-reflection. During the opening season of Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono, pilgrims can also complete the full Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage. The year 2026, marking Mount Haguro's Goennen, will be a year when prayers and contemplation of the three mountains take on special significance.
Additionally, from July to September 2026, the Shonai region including Tsuruoka has been selected as the destination area for JR East's summer campaign. Along with the Goennen celebrations, more opportunities will be created for visitors to experience Mount Haguro's diverse attractions.
Related URLs
Tsuruoka Tourism Navi – [Special Feature] 2026 Once-in-12-Years Mount Haguro Horse Year Goennen
https://www.tsuruokakanko.com/course/10779
Dewa Sanzan Shrine Official Website
http://www.dewasanzan.jp/
Dewa Sanzan Shrine Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dewasanzan.official/
Dewa Sanzan Shrine Official X
https://twitter.com/DewasanzanO
DEGAM Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tsuruokakanko/
Tsuruoka Tourism Navi – [News] JR East "Yamagata Shonai" Tourism Campaign Confirmed! [Summer 2026]
https://www.tsuruokakanko.com/archives/10020
