The city of Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture is famous for the three sacred mountains that are central to the practice of Shugendo. In this fascinating fusion of Buddhism and Shinto, disciples climb and descend the thousands of stone steps that lead to the summit of Mount Haguro. The ascetic practice is said to simulate the process of death and rebirth, and in the natural hot springs on Mount Yudono, pilgrims can revive their aching limbs and energize their spirits.