| Activity time | Evening |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Location | Outdoor |
| Cultural experience type | Traditional culture experience |
Please be sure to read this carefully. By purchasing, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.
• Performers and performance schedules are subject to change without notice.
• Depending on your seat location, some parts of the stage, video, or performance may be difficult to see.
• On the day of the performance, we may film the event and broadcast, stream, reproduce, and distribute the footage.
• Children of preschool age are not permitted to enter.
• Minors must obtain parental consent before purchasing tickets and attending the performance. Please be aware that evening performances end late, so plan your return trip accordingly.
・Tickets cannot be canceled or changed after purchase, and refunds are not available under any circumstances except in the event of a performance cancellation. Please be aware that even in the event of natural disasters or resulting transportation problems, refunds will not be issued if the performance takes place.
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
You will need to walk for about 10 minutes, including climbing stairs, from the reception area to the venue.
We do not accept cancellations due to customer convenience. Please understand this in advance and apply carefully.
We do not accept cancellations even in cases of incorrect dates or other issues after purchase.
Please refrain from participating if you have a fever, cough, or are feeling unwell. Please note that we cannot accept cancellations after purchase.
As a general rule, late arrivals are not permitted, even in cases of delays due to public transportation. Please allow ample time to arrive. Please note that no refunds will be given in such cases.
The event may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or severe weather. In such cases, the event fee will be fully refunded, but we cannot compensate for other expenses such as transportation and accommodation costs related to attending the event.
Even after you arrive on the day of the event, the event may be canceled or the content of the experience may be changed without prior notice in the event of severe weather, transportation disruptions, or other unavoidable circumstances.
The Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda is a National Treasure located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, within the Hagurosan mountain area of Dewa Sanzan. It is a three-bay, five-story, cypress bark-thatched wooden structure built with unpainted wood. Its uniqueness lies in being the oldest existing five-story pagoda in the Tohoku region. Legend attributes its construction to Taira no Masakado in the mid-10th century, with a reconstruction by the Mutō clan around 1372. This pagoda showcases exquisite traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It is not painted, allowing its simple, natural wood color to blend harmoniously with the surrounding cedar forest, exuding an ancient, solemn beauty. It has been designated a National Treasure.
The construction history of the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda dates back to the mid-10th century, with legends stating it was vowed to be built by Taira no Masakado. However, historical records indicate that the current pagoda was reconstructed around 1372 by the local lord of the time, the Mutō clan (also known as the Daibōji clan). This pagoda embodies architectural styles from Japan's Heian to Muromachi periods and has stood for centuries, witnessing the deep religious culture and historical changes of the Dewa Sanzan region.
In addition to being a significant historical monument, the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda hosts unique cultural performances. For instance, on specific dates, there are performances of original Kabuki dances by Nakamura Hashigo, the Goodwill Ambassador for Tsuruoka Tourism. During these events, the National Treasure Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda is illuminated by a spectacular "Thousand Year Prayer" light projection. Simultaneously, Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi (mountain ascetics) perform powerful conch shell offerings, blending traditional and contemporary art forms to create a precious, one-night-only experience for visitors.
The remarkable preservation of the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda for over a millennium is primarily due to its exceptional wooden construction techniques and Japan's meticulous maintenance of cultural properties. The pagoda utilizes the traditional unpainted wood and cypress bark-thatching technique, showcasing the inherent texture and structural beauty of the wood without any artificial coloring. Its stable structural design, including the central pillar, is effective in resisting earthquakes and harsh weather. Furthermore, historical restoration efforts have consistently adhered to the principle of "maintaining the original form," using traditional techniques and materials to ensure the continuation of its original appearance and structure.
The Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda holds immense cultural and religious significance within the Dewa Sanzan faith. Dewa Sanzan has been a center of Japanese mountain worship since ancient times, symbolizing rebirth and reincarnation. As a sacred symbol within this context, the pagoda serves not only as an important place for pilgrims to purify their bodies and minds and pray for peace but also embodies the fusion of Buddhist philosophy with indigenous Japanese beliefs. It represents the five great elements of the universe (earth, water, fire, wind, and void), guiding believers on their spiritual path toward elevation. It is a core element of this region's profound spiritual heritage.
When attending the Kabuki dance performance event at the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda, you can anticipate a series of unique cultural delights. This includes an original Kabuki dance performance "Ishibashi" by Nakamura Hashigo, Tsuruoka's Goodwill Ambassador, where you will have the opportunity to witness exquisite dance techniques and vivid performances up close. Additionally, the event features a breathtaking "Thousand Year Prayer" light projection that transforms the National Treasure pagoda into a dreamlike spectacle. Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi also perform solemn and powerful conch shell offerings, creating a stunning sensory experience through the fusion of tradition and modernity.
At the 'Nakamura Hashigo Kabuki Dance Performance' held at the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda, audiences can experience a unique atmosphere blending a solemn historical site with vibrant traditional arts. As night falls, the pagoda, illuminated by light projections and surrounded by cedar trees, appears even more mysterious and sacred. In this special setting, watching Kabuki dances and the Yamabushi's conch shell offerings allows one to not only appreciate the depth of Japanese traditional culture but also immerse oneself in a unique spiritual space where ancient beliefs and art intertwine, offering a rare cultural experience.
The special performances at the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda skillfully blend traditional and modern elements to create a unique viewing experience for the audience. The traditional aspects are represented by Nakamura Hashigo's Kabuki dance and the conch shell offerings by the Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi, which are both historically significant performing arts and religious rituals in Japan. The modern element is showcased through the "Thousand Year Prayer" light projection onto the National Treasure pagoda, using innovative technology to give the ancient structure new visual life. This fusion not only makes traditional arts more engaging but also allows modern technology to add new forms of expression to ancient culture.