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.
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.
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
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
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
JR Tsuruoka Station
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.
-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.
I'm available mainly during daytime from 8am to 5pm. Night time negotiable.
My area of guiding is northern part of Yamagata prefecture, namely Tsuruoka City, Sakata City, Shinjo City, Mikawa-machi, Shonai-machi, Yuza-machi.