Dewa Sanzan Shojin Ryori Pilgrim Meal Experience, Mount Haguro

Saikan is a shukubo pilgrim lodge on Mount Haguro, one of the three sacred Dewa Sanzan peaks near Tsuruoka City in western Yamagata Prefecture, and it has served shojin ryori meals to pilgrims and visitors for generations as part of its role housing those ascending the mountain. The meal sitting runs about ninety minutes and takes place in the lodge's tatami dining hall, seated on the floor at low tables in the traditional style. The formal course presents multiple small savory dishes built from seasonal mountain vegetables, hand-pressed goma-dofu (sesame tofu), and other plant-based preparations rooted in Yamabushi mountain-ascetic dietary practice, which avoids meat, fish and strong-flavored vegetables like garlic and onion. A staff member or monk typically explains the philosophy behind the Yamabushi diet before or during the meal. Included in the price is the full seated meal; the optional approach walk up Haguro's cedar-lined stone steps beforehand is a separate, unguided addition that visitors can pair with the booking through Tsuruoka City Tourism. Because the meal is entirely plant-based by design, it naturally accommodates vegetarian and vegan diners, though those with soy allergies should note the prominent use of tofu and miso. Some lodges, including Saikan, close during the deepest winter months, so the experience is most reliably available from April through November.