Journeys in Japan S2014E30 - Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata - Part 1 Deep Mountain Worship

In the center of Yamagata Prefecture, far to the north of Tokyo, 3 sacred mountains rise above the fertile Shonai Plain. Called Dewa Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Dewa), they comprise: Mt. Haguro; Mt. Yudono; and Mt. Gassan, the highest of the 3, at about 2,000 meters. These 3 mountains have been a major center for esoteric religious practices known as mountain worship for over 1,400 years. In a 2-part series of Journeys in Japan, aikido master William Reed visits Dewa Sanzan to explore the practices of traditional mountain worship and to discover the ways in which the local people pay their respects to the mountains. Although he is well versed in many aspects of Japanese culture, such as calligraphy, this is the first time that William has ever entered the world of Japanese mountain worship. In Part 1, he visits Ideha Shrine, where the deities of the 3 mountains are enshrined. At the foot of Mt. Haguro, he tries the special vegetarian food prepared for pilgrims to the area. And at the foot of Mt. Yudono, he finds the ultimate demonstration of faith.