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- Car Tour (driving guide)
Holy hike to the top of Mt. Haguro via 2,446 stone steps and shojin ryori lunch
Joined 2023
Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is one of three mountains of Dewa and a popular destination for those who want to immerse themselves in beautiful nature.
Attractions include
-Shinkyo Bridge and Suganotaki Waterfall
-Grandfather Cedar Tree
-Five-Storied Pagoda (National Treasure)
-Michelin Green Guide 3-Starred Cedar Forest
-Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian lunch)
You will feel refreshed and energized after completing the round trip of 2,446 stone steps, ascending and descending.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Tsuruoka Station
- In front of ticket gate of JR Tsuruoka Station. There is only one gate. Meeting point can be changed to "Shonai-Asahi bus stop" for the guests coming from Yamagata City area by highway bus.
Ideha Bunka Museum
Park the car in the parking and get ready to hike. Start the hiking from Zuishinmon gate.
Highlights on the way to the summit are
-Five-Storied Pagoda (National Treasure)
-Grandfather Cedar Tree
-Shinkyo Bridge, Haraigawa River, Suganotaki Waterfall
-2,446 stone steps in the sacred cedar forest
Reach the summit of Mt. Haguro and eat lunch at Saikan
Highlights are
-Sanjingosaiden shrine building with the thickest thatched roof in Japan
-Mirror pond
-Hachiko Shrine and other small "branch" shrines from all over Japan
-Sophisticated vegetarian cuisine including local vegetables picked in the mountains
Start the descend of the stairs
Back to Ideha Bunka Museum
Get on the car and head back to JR Tsuruoka Station.
The ending point can be changed to Shonai-Asahi bus stop for the guests going to Yamagata City area by highway bus
Ending Point
JR Tsuruoka Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
transportation fee via TOYOTA Roomy
gasoline fee
Your travel insurance
Lunch - please pay at the restaurant for the guide's and your own lunch (2,750YEN per person, credit card accepted)
Toll fee - This tour doesn't use toll road but in case of changing the itinerary and drive toll roads, please cover the cost.
Tour Important Information
-You need to be physically fit as this tour involves a lot of walking and ups and downs of the stone steps. Some parts of the stairway are very steep
-Wear sneakers or walking shoes. Stone steps could be very slippery.
-Make sure to bring along some drinks for the walk
-Please take out travel insurance
-In case of light rain, this tour will proceed as scheduled
-In case of inclement weather, the guide will drive to the top of the mountain instead of hiking up the stone stairway.
-You need to take off your shoes at Saikan for lunch.
-Vegetarian dishes are served for lunch.
-For vegan or any food allergies, please notify the guide at least 2 days in advance.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Hiromi O.
National Licensed Guide Interpreter located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. I used to work at a global investment bank in Tokyo but returned to my hometown to be close to nature.
Yamagata is the perfect place to visit for those who love nature in rural area. Especially in Tsuruoka and its surrounding area that are nestled between the Sea of Japan and beautiful mountain ranges, we offer a unique cultural experience found nowhere else. For example, visiting Sokushinbutsu (Self-mummified monks) temples, climbing up 2,446 stone steps to the summit of a holy mountain, mystical encounter with various jellyfish, indulging in a rich culinary tradition, exploring diverse local crafts, and more!
I love my hometown and would love to help visitors have unforgettable experiences during their journeys. Looking forward to meeting you!
<How to get Tsuruoka from Tokyo>
By JR, Joetsu Shinkanse from Tokyo to Niigata, then change to express train Inaho from Niigata to Tsuruoka. About 4 hours from JR Tokyo Station.
By bus, night buses are available from Shinjuku area and Shibuya area, leaves around 10pm and arrive at Tsuruoka around 6am. Please check the bus company's website for details.
By air, ANA operates 5 times a day from Haneda Airport to Shonai Airport.
$297/ per group
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