From Tamugimata to Mt. Yudono

大掘抜.JPG

Beech tree tunnels

THE HIGHLIGHTS

OF THIS TRAIL

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The "Dragon god" tree

Steps:

(Click on the photos to enlarge them)

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If you wish to start hiking the Rokujurigoe-kaido from this course by bus, follow those instructions:

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After getting back on the track, you'll arrive at Umadachi (馬立). It's recognizable by its beautiful beech forest.

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You arrive at Kobo Teahouse's ruins (弘法茶屋跡). There was once a pilgrim teahouse there, but due to the lack of pilgrim through time, it was abandoned.

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There's a crossing. Turn left.

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Go up the paved road to find the Arikoshi-zaka (蟻腰坂) entrance. It's not far from the place where you can see the Nanatsutaki (七ツ滝) falls. 

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You're in Tamugimata, look for the Several-layered thatch-roof house (Tasôminka 多層民家)

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There's a little house-shaped box with a drawer. Inside the drawer, there's a little booklet. Please write your name, your contact info and other additional information before going further. This will help us find you if you get lost.

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Now you have written down your info, you can follow the harsh slope.

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Look for the "Dragon God Beech Tree" (龍神ブナ). Do you see the shape of a dragon's face?

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After a while, you'll have reached Hananoki-zaka (花ノ木坂), famous for its snow camellia flowers.

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You'll arrive to a National Road (Road 112). Follow it for a while

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You'll arrive to a National Road (Road 112). Follow it for a while

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Now you have reached the "Lovers' Beech Trees" (ラブラブナ), two beech trees which branches are intertwined, making them look like lovers hugging eachother.

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Further, there is a rest area built on the ruins of Dokko Teahouse (独鈷茶屋). There's a portable toilet.

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Now it's time to continue our adventure. You will reach the "Thousand-handed Beech Tree" (千手ブナ).

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Further, you will find the Gomadanseki stela, that is said to have received the prayers of Kukai.

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After some time walking, you'll follow a rather flat path that gives you an unobstructed view on the mountains around.

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You enter a beech forest again

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The beech forest continues

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Here's the slope that leads to Gassan's viewing spot.

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Here's a reward for your efforts: the beautiful view on Mt. Gassan from Gassan Yohaijo (月山遥拝所)

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Another reward! Cross the Kohonogi (小掘抜) tree tunnel.

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Wonders are not over! Cross the bigger Tree Tunnel : Ohonogi (大掘抜). How beautiful is it?

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You arrived at the Hosogoe-toge rest area. There is a portable toilet here.

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When you've reached the highest point of Hosogoe-toge, you can have a sneak peak of Mt. Yudono's torii from above.

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Start to climb down the beech tree forest

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You arrived at a spring source. Quench your thirst here and fill in your water bottle before continuing.

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A long descending slope is waiting for you.

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You arrive at Sasagoya's ruins (笹小屋跡).

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Follow the wooden path

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You arrived at (another) Mt. Yudono stela (湯殿山碑).

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Go up the harsh slope. There's a crossing at the end.

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Turn left at the crossing.

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Now you need to take the long ascending slope

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You will have to cross a paved road. Follow towards the direction of the flag that bears the Japanese writing:  六十里越街道

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Follow straight on the Zangezaka (ザンゲ坂)

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This part of the path is hard. But the beauty of the beech forest makes it worth it, doesn't it?

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You can see Mt. Yudono's giant torii. You made it! You accomplished the pilgrimage to Mt. Yudono!

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You can now visit Mt. Yudono, or have some food at the souvenir shop next to Yudono's pilgrim lodge.

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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).

Part  4 cleared!