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Mysterious visit to Mt. Yudono and self-mummified monks in TSURUOKA City
You will witness the real Sokushinbutsu, or Self-Mummified Monk, in Ryusuiji Dainichibo temple, and also visit Mt. Yudono Shrine which has been worshipped since ancient times. You will discover a mysterious side of Japan by learning what Sokushinbutsu is all about and what is enshrined in the Shrine.
It's difficult to find detailed information about the mountain on the internet because the ancient rule, "do not speak about Mt. Yudono," has been handed down over many generations.
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
Ryusuiji Dainichibo Temple
Go inside the temple, receive a prayer and witness the real Sokushinbutsu. One of the priests will give you detailed explanation on the Sokushinbutsu and how he went through the ascetic trainings to reach the state of "eternal meditation." There are many other statues and some historically important objects, too.
Admission: 500YEN / person (cash only)
Daibonji Soba restaurant
Have Soba lunch, leave around 12:20 for Yudonosan shrine.
900 YEN - 2,000 YEN per person, depending on your order.
Yudonosan Shrine parking via toll road
From the parking, take a bus to the entrance of shrine. You will be requested to be barefoot and need to walk outside to visit the sacred areas. There are no buildings, all outside with slippery slope. No photos or videos allowed. Bring a towel to dry your feet.
Toll Road: 400YEN / car (cash only)
Bus (between parking and shrine entrance, round trip): 400YEN / person (cash only)
Admission: 500YEN / person (cash only)
Leave the shrine
Head back to JR Tsuruoka station or Shonai-Asahi bus stop for the guests going to Yamagata City area by highway bus
Ending Point
JR Tsuruoka Station
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Transportation fee via TOYOTA Roomy
Gasoline fee
Toll fee for Mt. Yudono toll road
Your Travel insurance
Admission to Ryusuiji Dainichibo Temple and Mt. Yudono shrine for the guide and yourself
Lunch - please pay at the restaurant for the guide's and your own lunch
Tour Important Information
Please take out your travel insurance as this tour contains some risks of injuries.
No photos or videos allowed in Sokushinbutsu room in Ryusuiji temple.
No photos or videos allowed in Mt. Yudono shrine past the boundary.
Everyone visiting the shrine is requested to walk barefoot.
Each guest should have at least 1,400 yen in cash for admission and the round-trip bus ticket between the parking lot and the shrine entrance
Mt. Yudono Shrine will open on June 1st and is scheduled to close on November 3rd in 2024.
Important message from the guide
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.
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
