Nishikawa area of Yamagata Prefecture has been the focus of mountain worship centered on the “Three Dewa Mountains,” (Dewa sanzan): Gassan, Yudonosan, and Hagurosan. Many pilgrims from far places, even as distant as the Kanto area visited the 24 km long highway that runs through the town from the east to west. Remnants of the mountain cult can still be found in temples, shrines and ruins in the area.