From Matsune to Churenji Temple

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The Itaya Spring source

THE HIGHLIGHTS

OF THIS TRAIL

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The Juotoge

Steps:

(Click on the photos to enlarge them)

7

After turning right at the Oibun stela, follow straight on the long forest path

4

Arriving at the small "Mountain God Stela" (山神碑), go straight

5

Arriving at the "Mt. Yudono Stela" (湯殿山碑）go straight.

2

Walk 350 meters from Kamimatsune Bus Stop to Matsune's Hachiman Shrine

1

Take the bus bound for Matsune (bus stop n°3 at Tsuruoka Station) and get off the bus at Kamimatsune 上松根.

No circulation during: weekends, national holidays, and August 13th-16th

3

Walk up the torii. Arrived at the giant stela, go towards the direction of the forest

6

After 1km, on your left, you will find the Oibun stela (追分石). If you go left, you will find the Otaki falls (20 min. walk). If you turn right, you will follow the path to Churenji.

8

You arrived at a sign that shows you the direction to Juotoge (十王峠).

9

At this point, turn left to follow the road to Juotoge

10

Climb the Yukitsubaki slope (ユキツバキ坂). Be prepared: it's harsh!

11

You arrived at Juotoge, that you can recognize by its Jizo statue and its tree logs that serve as chairs.

12

Go down the path, there are not so many trees around you, that's normal.

13

You arrive at the Itaya spring source. Give a little splash to 6 Jizo carved in the stone. It'll give you luck.

14

After the Itaya spring, there is a beech forest. If you go during spring, you'll notice some snow camellia flowering around you.

15

Go down the cedar alley

16

After some time, you'll have reached Churenji Temple.

17

Pay a visit to the Sokushinbutsu mummy (entry: 500 yen)

Part  1 cleared!

Bus info and timetable

About the bus stops:

  • Tsuruoka Station 鶴岡駅前: Where most of the buses depart from.

  • Kamimatsune 上松根: Get off there to start hiking the Rokujurigoe-kaido. 

  • Oami 大網: Get off there to see Dainichibo Temple and Churenji Temple's mummies.

  • Tamugimata 田麦俣: Get off there to see the thatched-roof houses or to stay for the night (ex: Tamugiso 田麦荘).

  • Yudonosan Senninzawa 湯殿山仙人沢 : Get off there to visit Mt. Yudono or to stay for the night (Yudonosan Sanrojo).