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Mysterious visit to Mt. Yudono and self-mummified monks in TSURUOKA City
Joined 2023
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
$325/ per group
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Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Yamagata
Samurai Silk and History of Shonai Domain
Visit Matsugaoka in Tsuruoka City where all the processes from sericulture to silk product making are still available. Tsuruoka and its surrounding area called Shonai is the one and only area that can provide the whole supply chain of silk products. Learn the history of Samurais who gave up their swords for hoes to plant mulberry trees for the sake of helping the modernization of Japan and also to clear their names after being defeated by the new government centered around the Meiji Emperor.
Holy hike to the top of Mt. Haguro via 2,446 stone steps
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 You will feel refreshed and energized after completing the round trip of 2,446 stone steps in the cedar forest.
Holy hike to the top of Mt. Haguro via 2,446 stone steps and shojin ryori lunch
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.