Unfortunately, it is downhill to the five-storied pagoda, National treasure. But you can meet the 1000 year old grandfather ceder. In 2019, we had a special visit inside the pagoda. The octagonal core was tied to the surrounding skeleton with a kudzu vine. (>click photos)
![five storied pagoda](https://i0.wp.com/countrysidejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/five-storied-pagoda.jpg?resize=525%2C788&ssl=1)
Uphill surrounded by old cedars feels sacred air, not just forest bath. But it is hard to climb the 2446 stone steps at once. There is a traditional tea house in an exquisite place. And you can overlook the flat Shonai plain facing the Sea of Japan. If the weather is very nice, you can see Tobishima island over the Shonai plain. (>click photos)
![stone steps start](https://i0.wp.com/countrysidejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/stone-step5.jpg?resize=525%2C788&ssl=1)
We finally reached the summit of Mt. Haguroyama. It took 50 minutes without a break from the foot. It is difficult to go to the other two mountains, so it is also secular that the three gods are enshrined together here.
It seems that the belfry was built as a thank-you for praying for the invasion of Mongolia during the Kamakura period. (>click photos)
![shrine haguroyama](https://i0.wp.com/countrysidejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shrine4.jpg?resize=525%2C336&ssl=1)
Only part of the stone steps are crafted with the playfulness of masonry worker. Find out, so you feel better.
![playful mind](https://i0.wp.com/countrysidejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/playfull-mind.jpg?resize=525%2C350&ssl=1)