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Trekking holy mountain Gassan Midagahara Marsh and Beautiful flower temple "Gyokusenji" on its foot
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Joined 2024
Yamagata Prefecture, blessed with beautiful nature of mountains, seashore, waterfalls, has been deemed holy place and object of worship from ancient time. And temples and shrines at the foot of such mountains are full of lush green, or autumn foliage and beautiful flowers.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Sakata Port, Sakata Station, Tsuruoka Station, or Shonai Airport
Mt. Gassan Midagahara Marsh near 8th Station
2 hours-drive from Starting Point take you to 8th station of holy mountain Gassan. Behin From there walk about 10 minutes and you will arrive at the Midahara Shrine and Midahara pilgrims’ inn.d the shrine extends the magnificent marsh of Midagahara. There you will find scattered ponds of various sizes, called “chito”, after which the wetland took its nickname of “Iroha Forty-eight Ponds.”
Restaurant of Hotel Kyukamura Shonai-Haguro
You may take light lunch such as curry rice or Japanese Soba noodle at bright sunbeam restaurant.
Hagurosan Shrine
The 2,446 stone steps along Mount Haguro’s approach – on the Ishidan Stone Step Pilgrimage, you climb these steps wearing a white sash. Walking surrounded by mystical cedar trees refreshes the mind and body! We went to experience this “journey of rebirth”!
Gyokusenji Temple
Gyokusenji Temple, established in 1251 by Ryozen Homyo, a disciple of Dogen (the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism), is affiliated with the Soto School of Zen Buddhism.
Renowned for its Zen garden, Gyokusenji’s garden has earned the distinction of being listed in the National Monuments of Scenic Beauty registry since 1982. You can also enjoy and appreciate matcha green tea and Japanese sweets with a view of the garden in a quiet, tranquil and peaceful temple's room. So much different from busy gardens of famous temples and shrines in Kyoto!
Ending Point
Sakata Port, Sakat Station, Tsurukoka Station, or Shonai Airport
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
-Guiding fee
-Private car driving fee inclusive of gasoline, toll, parking
-Lunch and drinks
-Entrance fee to Gyokusenji Temple, approx. 500 yen per person
Tour Important Information
-This tour is for the party up to three persons. If you are the party over four persons, please consult me as we need to arrange for different logistics.
-Gassan Midagahara Marsh near 8th station is accessible only between end June and late October due to the road closure in winter season. So, in such season, 2446 stone steps walk to Hagurosan Shrine may be skipped by using the car instead. To the contrary, in the season when the access road to 8th station is not available, we may enjoy walking on stone steps lined with very tall and old cedar trees deep in the mountains.
-This tour involves a lot of walking as said, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
-This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
-This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.
-Please let me know if you have dietary restriction.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Kenichi K.
I would be very glad to guide overseas tourists based on my various working experiences over 30 years in a general trading house, including overseas clients' guide in Japanese local cities, being aware of their interests and viewpoints learned through my engagement with various clients during my overseas assignments (10 years in total) and business trips to some 40 countries.
During the past 10 years living in Akita City (northern Japan), I could greatly expand my outdoor activities such as trekking (not only green season but also winter snowshoe hiking), skiing, and experiencing various local traditional festivals, fireworks festival, hot spring lodges stay with local cuisines/Sake etc. I would very much like to share such joy with our valued overseas tourists!
Reviews
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Annetta D.
“Thank you for the day”
This was our second time using Ken as a guide. Today we were in Akita. And it was another truly unforgettable day. Ken showed us the most amazing places, and it will always remain a cherished memory. Thank you so much.
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Kenichi K.
Dear Annetta, Thanks to your deeds and virtuous character, we were blessed with another beautiful day again! Breathtaking view of the Lake and mountains covered with snow from observation deck, delicious apple and persimmon sourced directly from the producer, walking path along the gorge and Samurai Town distinct from even bigger ones, both in autumn foliage color etc., those sharing with you are good memory for me. Thanks again, and good ongoing cruise, please enjoy. Best regards, Ken
Annetta D.
“One day in Aomori with Ken”
We had a truly wonderful day in Aomori with Ken. He picked us up at the cruise port and showed us the beautiful parts of Aomori: the park around Hirosaki Castle, the Chrysanthemum Festival, the giant lanterns of the Neputa Festival, and the Sannai Manyrama site. We can't possibly list everything; it was simply fantastic. Even lunch was an experience. It was a superb day, and we highly recommend Ken.
Kenichi K.
Dear Annetta, We were really welcome by fine weather. Though the Hirosaki Castle is the smallest castle tower among 12 remaining ones in Japan, its view with “Tsugaru-Fuji” in the background, was charming along with the other venues. Good conversation of various subjects was stimulating and joyful. The time with you was really appreciated. Best regards, Ken
Jana P.
“Memorable and Spectacular Day with Kenichi”
Ken was extremely conscientious in assisting us to curate an exceptional day. He was very knowledgeable and recommended special local activities after the Mt. Haguro hike we requested. He hiked with us to the top and added insight to the temple complex at the top. Ken had arranged a private tea ceremony at a stunning temple. We were each served a meticulously prepared cup of matcha tea and they gently taught us how to enjoy properly. It was a magical experience in a stunning zen-like location. Our third stop was at a winery restaurant and we enjoyed gorgeous views over their vineyard and mountain backdrop. The food was five star in service, presentation and flavor. We stopped at a photography museum and enjoyed the celebrated artist’s interesting works. We cannot thank Ken enough for the extra time and effort he put into ensuring our experience was top notch. We also appreciated his knowledge on many Japanese topics. A top day itinerary experience in our books!
Kenichi K.
Dear Jana, Thank you very much for your extremely high praise regarding my guiding! it’s almost embarrassing(lol). My great pleasure was to share various experiences in sunny blessing day --- your people’s impressively speedy ascending 2446 steps of Mt. Haguro Shrine, peaceful tea ceremony, excellent atmosphere of restaurant and exciting photos --- and to reasonably contribute to your good memory of Japan. I would very much appreciate a chance to be together somewhere in Japan should it happen! Very best regards, Kenichi
$572/ per group
More tours by Kenichi K.
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Kakunodate Samurai House and Lake Tazawa
Inland Akita provides you with beautiful nature and rich historical culture. Unfolded from a Lookout is a breathtaking view of Lake Tazawa and high mountains seen beyond it. At Kakunodate Castle Town, you will feel its 400-year history strolling along the Samurai House street lined with beautiful and lush tall trees. If we drop in at a Samurai House, we will be impressed with the armory and the other Samurai tools used hundreds of years ago!
Kakunodate Samurai House and Lake Tazawa
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Akita Nature and Culture Experience - Full-day Trekking and Kakunodate Samurai House
Mt. Komagatake, 1637 meters above sea level, provides with spectacular view of Lake Tazawa and its surrounding hills and countryside. After an hour and a half drive from Akita City to 8th station of the mountain, you may go up to the peak in 90 minutes. On the way back to Akita City, you may stroll around Kakunodate Samurai House Street, exposing you to wonderful flavor of Akita both in nature and culture!
Akita Nature and Culture Experience - Full-day Trekking and Kakunodate Samurai House
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Sakata Maiko Dance, Prosperous Merchant House, and Beautiful Zen Temple's Garden
Sakata is a gorgeous harbour town along the Sea of Japan, rich in nature, culture and tradition inherited from prosperous era in 16~18th century by sea trade with Edo(Tokyo), Osaka, and Kyoto. It left top-class restaurants where Maiko/Geisha dance to accommodate the merchants from Osaka/Kyoto, and the gorgeous house and garden of the rich Sakata merchant Honma family. We also visit to inland Zen temple Gyokusenji beautiful garden at foot of holy Hagurosan Shrine.
Sakata Maiko Dance, Prosperous Merchant House, and Beautiful Zen Temple's Garden
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Yamagata
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Mt. Haguro Pilgrimage Hike via 2,446 stone steps & Shojin Ryori Vegetarian Lunch
Mt. Haguro, located in Tsuruoka City, is one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa and a historic pilgrimage site surrounded by nature and spirituality. Climb an ancient stairway of 2,446 steps through beautiful cedar forests and discover a place rich in culture and tradition. With background knowledge of the history and local culture, you'll enjoy the hike to the fullest. Highlights include the Five-Storied Pagoda (National Treasure), a cedar-lined path with over 400 years of history and more!
Mt. Haguro Pilgrimage Hike via 2,446 stone steps & Shojin Ryori Vegetarian Lunch
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Mt. Haguro Pilgrimage Hike via 2,446 stone steps (no lunch)
Mt. Haguro, located in Tsuruoka City, is one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa and a historic pilgrimage site surrounded by nature and spirituality. Climb an ancient stairway of 2,446 steps through beautiful cedar forests and discover a place rich in culture and tradition. With background knowledge of the history and local culture, you'll enjoy the hike to the fullest. This tour does NOT include lunch.
Mt. Haguro Pilgrimage Hike via 2,446 stone steps (no lunch)