Rokujurigoekaido | Tsuruoka City

Rokujurigoe-kaido 六十里越街道

What is it..?

The Rokujurigoe-kaido, literally: "The over-235km-road", is an ancient trail that was once the heart of the commercial, religious and administrative activities of the Shonai region. The first mention of the Rokujurigoe-kaido goes back 1200 years ago. It connected Tsuruoka, Oami village, Tamugimata village, Mt. Yudono to Sagae, and even Yamagata city. Even if its name says it is "235 kilometers long", the practicable part of the path is only 44km long nowadays. It is still a very challenging trekking experience even for professional hikers.

Because the Dewa Sanzan pilgrims in the Tohoku region mainly used it to visit Mt. Yudono, it is also called "Yudono-michi" ("the path to Mt. Yudono"). But at the time, any travelers used the Rokujurigoe-kaido; the lords of the Shonai clan even took it to go to the capital every time the Shogun called them back by their side.

When walking the Rokujurigoe-kaido, you will come across several sacred trees and religious stela referring to Buddhism or Dewa Sanzan, rest in what was once pilgrim teahouses and see so many more vestiges.

A good way to discover what was the Dewa Sanzan's pilgrim life 1200 years ago...

SELECT YOUR COURSE:

1. From Matsune to Churenji Temple

Mummy pilgrimage

For those who plan to use only the public transports, this part of the trail is accessible from Tsuruoka Station by bus (weekdays and non-holidays only). A not-too-challenging hike that will reward you at the end with the visit of Churenji Temple's mummy Tetsumonkai!

3 hours

6 km

DIFFICULTY

Details

4. From Tamugimata to Mt. Yudono

Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage

Want to feel like a real Dewa Sanzan pilgrim? Take this hard part of the trail to reach Mt. Yudono just like the pilgrims did for more than 1200 years. Always have your bear bell with you.

6 hours

9 km

DIFFICULTY

Details

2. From Churenji to Dainichibo

Mummy pilgrimage

You won't be crossing any forests during this part of the trail, but you will walk through Oami village, an old Buddhist village that helped the Sokushinbutsu mummifying practice spread around Mt. Yudono. From Churenji you'll go to the other famous Sokushinbutsu temple: Dainichibo Temple.

50 min.

2.8 km

DIFFICULTY

Details

5. Full pilgrim course

Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage

Those who can finish the entire Rokujurigoe-kaido road are hardcore adventurers. You will need to stay two nights and walk for three days before reaching your final goal. Please do not attempt if you don't have confidence in your trekking skills.

3 days

30 km

DIFFICULTY

Details

3. From Dainichibo to Tamugimata

Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage

Missing the forests? Go back to Nature and venture inside the forests that connect Oami village to Tamugimata village. Tamugimata has several thatched-roof houses that you can visit. You can also stay in one of them: Tamugisô, if you want to rest before continuing your trekking journey to Mt. Yudono.