stay & ritual

At a Pilgrims’ Lodge on Mt. Haguro
Traditions that Uphold Prayer, Sacred Food, and Pilgrimage

Since ancient times, Tōge, located at the foot of Mount Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture,has served as a lodging district, welcoming countless yamabushi (mountain priests) and pilgrims clad in traditional white robes as they embark on their spiritual journey to the Dewa Sanzan.The shukubō (pilgrim lodgings) have long honored these travelers, offering warmth, rest, and deep respect for their devotion.

At Sanada Enmei-in, this time-honored tradition continues. During the summer season, pilgrims purify themselves by donning white robes, tying shime (sacred ropes), and receiving prayers. They partake in meals prepared with the mountain’s natural bounty—seasonal wild plants and herbs—nourishing both body and spirit before setting forth to Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono.

A place of history, reverence, and hospitality, Tōge remains a gateway to the sacred mountains.

Guide to Staying at Sanada Enmeii-in

A shukubō(pilgrim lodging) has its own unique customs and atmosphere.
Our shukubō offers a calm experience in minimalist rooms designed to help guests feel at ease.
Please note that our accommodations differ from standard hotels. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

A Shukubo is a place to reset your mind.That is why there are no chairs in this room. We want you to experience the traditional Japanese way of sitting on the floor.
Being close to the ground helps calm your mind and makes you feel peaceful.In Japan, tatami mats, made from living plant fibers, have long supported a humble and tranquil way of life.
Please try sitting with your back straight and your eyes closed.This posture is the traditional preparation for prayer.

This is the true taste of the mountain—prepared with the same devotion used in prayer. We invite you to experience this rare, traditional hospitality that is unique to our sanctuary.

To deepen your experience, we provide written English materials offering insight into the spiritual meaning, customs, and seasonal ingredients behind our cuisine—an experience distinctive to Sanada Enmei-in.

Every moment of your stay is a step in a sacred journey.

Savoring the mountain’s bounty, purifying your body in the bath, and joining the morning service—these are not merely daily acts, but a continuous flow of rituals.

Together, these experiences cleanse, center, and ready you to step into the sacred mountains with a clear and receptive heart.

For generations, Pilgrims’ Lodges have welcomed those on a sacred journey, and this lodge is no exception. It is a place of long history and deep significance.

We believe it is our responsibility to preserve this space for future generations and to maintain an environment that does not disturb the spirit of pilgrimage.

There may be times when this requires a bit of inconvenience, and we are grateful for your understanding. We kindly ask for your consideration regarding the following:

Guidelines for a Mindful Stay

Accommodation Information

Standard Plan

Mount Haguro Stay Experiencing the Blessings of Nature
(Dinner and Breakfast Included)

Enjoy a traditional stay featuring cuisine prepared with the seasonal bounty of the mountain.

Morning Prayer Stay Plan

Stay with a Prayer Ceremony
(Dinner, Breakfast, and Prayer Ceremony Included)

A deeper way to experience your stay.In addition to your stay and meals, this plan includes a special prayer ritual (Gokito).
This sacred ritual offers a moment to calm the mind, express gratitude, and prepare your heart for visiting the Three Mountains.

*Please note that we do not offer special accommodations or pricing for children.

Hours of Use

Facilities and Amenities

Gokito (Formal Prayer Ritual)

We are pleased to introduce our Gokito (Formal Prayer Ritual)
Since ancient times, pilgrims have offered prayers for safety and inner peace at shukubō(pilgrim lodging) before ascending the sacred mountains of Dewasanzan. This ritual invites you to experience a part of this living history.
A privilege reserved for guests on the Morning Prayer Stay Plan.

1. Officiated by a High-Ranking Certified Priest

This ritual is performed by a priest holding the high-ranking “Meikai” credential who has served at all three shrines of Dewasanzan. It is currently rare to find a shukubo served by a Yamabushi holding both such an advanced rank and a formal Yamabushi name.

2. Your Name, Hand-Inked with Prayer

With deep sincerity, the priest personally writes your name on the Ofuda (wooden protective charm) using brush and ink. We steadfastly uphold this rare tradition of handwritten devotion.

3. Traditional Attire Rental (Hakui and Shime)

Participants wear the pure white hakui (a pure white robe ) and shime (Sacred Cord). Donning this sacred garb purifies the spirit, deepening your connection and mindfulness during the ritual.

4. Sacred Offerings

Each participant receives:

・Name-inscribed Ofuda (Wooden protective charm)
・Blessed Salt in Sanada Enmei-in Original Package (Prayed over together to serve as your personal protection)
・Omiki (Sacred Sake)

5. Rental / Loan Items

We provide the following for use during the ceremony:
・Hakui (White pilgrimage robe)
・Shime (Sacred cord)
・Laminated Guide: “Sacred Chants & Prayers” (Includes ritual flow, etiquette, and meanings of the robes)

Sacred Chants & Prayers

We provide Sanada Enmei-in’s original guide, A Guide to Sacred Chants and Prayers, which explains the chants and proper ritual etiquette, allowing you to participate with confidence in a prayer ritual rooted in the traditional practices of Dewasanzan.

Blessed Salt in Sanada Enmei-in Original Package

This salt has been blessed through the prayers offered together during the ritual. Please take it home as a blessed offering for your personal purification and protection.

Note: This salt is for ritual purification, not for consumption.

Regarding Applications

To participate, simply select the Morning Prayer Stay Plan when booking. The prayer ritual is included in this accommodation plan.

For inquiries, please contact us through Facebook Messenger and include the details below.

Reservation Process