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Mystical Journey to Mt. Yudono and the Self-Mummified Monks of Tsuruoka

One of the statues in Ryusuiji Dainichibo temple.

Main warship hall in Ryusuiji Dainichibo temple, where photos are allowed.

Huge Torii gate near the parking of Yudonosan Shrine.

Mystical Journey to Mt. Yudono and the Self-Mummified Monks of Tsuruoka

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2023

Hiromi O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Yamagata

Japanese (Native), English

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Hiromi O.)

Up to 2 people

You will visit Ryusuiji Dainichibo Temple, home to an actual Sokushinbutsu (self-mummified monk) who underwent an extraordinary path of ascetic practice and devotion.

You will also explore the sacred grounds of Mt. Yudono Shrine, a deeply revered site that has been worshipped since ancient times. Mt. Yudono is known for the ancient belief "Do not speak of Mt. Yudono." This long-held tradition has kept detailed information about the mountain scarce, even today.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:30 AM

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

10:10 AM

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)

11:30 AM

Daibonji Soba restaurant

Have Soba lunch, leave around 12:20 for Yudonosan shrine.

900 YEN - 2,000 YEN per person, depending on your order.

12:50 PM

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)

02:30 PM

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

What‘s included

-Guide fee

-Gasoline fee

-Transportation (via TOYOTA Roomy)

What‘s not included

-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

-Toll Fee: This tour uses a toll road and should be covered separately by the guest

-Public Transportation Fee: This tour involves bus travel. The bus fare for the guide and guests is not included in the tour price and should be covered by the guest.

Tour Important Information

-No photos or videos are allowed in the Sokushinbutsu room at Ryusuiji Temple.

-No photos or videos are allowed beyond the boundary at Mt. Yudono Shrine.

-All visitors to the shrine of Mt. Yudono are requested to walk barefoot.

-Each guest should have cash ready for Ryusuiji Dainichibo admission fee and the round-trip bus fare between the parking lot and Mt. Yudono shrine entrance.

-This tour requires good physical fitness, as it involves walking barefoot on potentially slippery terrain with some uphill and downhill sections.

-Taking out travel insurance is strongly recommended to be prepared for injuries or any other accidents during the tour.

-The tour lasts up to 6 hours. Depending on the group’s pace and/or the bus schedule, it may finish earlier.

Mt. Yudono Shrine will open on June 1st and is scheduled to close in November.

Important message from the supplier

**For my Car Tours**

Please note that I set the maximum number of guests at 2, to ensure comfort and allow space for luggage, as my car is not very large. However, if there are 3 people with minimal luggage, it may be possible to accommodate all three. In that case, please consult with me in advance before booking.

**Akita tour available**

I can guide you in Akita prefecture if you pay my public transportation fee to Akita.

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

Hiromi O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Hiromi O.

I'm a National Licensed Guide Interpreter with over five years of experience, having guided more than 1,000 guests from around the world. Based in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, I offer tours that connect travelers with the rich nature, culture, and history of the region.

Before becoming a guide, I worked at global investment banks in Tokyo, where I communicated daily in English with colleagues around the world. I later returned to my hometown to embrace a slower pace of life and reconnect with the natural beauty of this area.

Yamagata is a wonderful destination for those who appreciate nature and rural charm. Tsuruoka and its surrounding area, nestled between the Sea of Japan and scenic mountain ranges, offer cultural experiences you won't find anywhere else. Highlights include visiting temples of Sokushinbutsu (self-mummified monks), climbing 2,446 stone steps to the summit of a sacred mountain, encountering the mystical world of jellyfish, enjoying a rich culinary heritage, exploring local crafts, and much more.

I truly love my hometown and am passionate about helping visitors create unforgettable memories here. I look forward to meeting you and sharing the beauty and culture of Tsuruoka!

By JR - Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Niigata, then transfer to the Limited Express Inaho bound for Tsuruoka. The total journey takes about 4 hours from JR Tokyo Station.

By bus - Overnight buses depart around 10 PM from Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, arriving in Tsuruoka around 6 AM. Please check the bus company’s website for details.

By air - ANA operates direct flights between Haneda Airport and Shonai Airport approximately five times a day.