Japanese tradition | Untold Japan

Dewa Sanzan: Discover Japan’s Sacred Mountains of Rebirth

Dewa Sanzan: A Journey of Rebirth in Yamagata Prefecture Dewa Sanzan, located along the borders of Tsuruoka, Nishikawa, and Shonai in Yamagata Prefecture, refers to the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. During the Edo period, visiting these three mountains became known as a “Journey of Rebirth.” This journey symbolizes a pilgrimage through the present, past, and future. Mount Haguro – the present and prayers for happiness in the current li

Places

Shunpei Nakayama

Dec 2, 20254 min read

A person holding an umbrella, standing in front of a traditional Japanese red wooden bridge.

The Summer Festival That Changed How I See My City: Hamaori in Chigasaki

Had it been dawn on any other day, the streets of Chigasaki would have been quiet. However, this particular morning was different. As I cycled closer to the coast, the morning silence slowly transformed. A whisper emerged, distant at first, but grew more distinctive with each pedal stroke. Upon my arrival at Southern Beach, I was greeted by the festive energy of locals. I could hear the familiar chants that have filled the streets of Nango-dori every July for over 180 years.

Tradition