MT. YUDONO
湯殿山
THE MOUNTAIN OF FUTURE
1500m. high
Mt. Yudono from afar
The merciful god for unborn children or babies who lost life early in life
Inari shrine
Mt. Yudono from afar
Mount Yudono was not always part of the Dewa Sanzan. For geographical survey reasons, Mt. Yudono replaced Mt. Hayama (which, itself, replaced Mt. Chokai) in the early 17th century. It is said that Mt. Yudono was made a sacred place for Buddhism by Kukai—the founder of Shingon Buddhism himself.
Who is Kukai?
Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi (774-835), is a Japanese monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. People considered him a Shaman, someone who could grant wishes by reciting spells. In Shingon Buddhism, the Buddha embodies the entire universe and incarnates the Universal Truth; he is called Vairocana (in Japanese: Dainichi-nyorai). In Kukai’s Shingon Buddhism, followers are taught how to "become a Vairocana Buddha" by reciting Vairocana's words. According to Kukai, everybody can become a "Buddha" in their present life. This concept is called Sokushinjobutsu 即身成仏, and is attainable through enlightenment and esoteric training.
Haguro and Yudono—a complicated relationship
When Mt. Haguro converted to Tendai Buddhism in 1642 for political reasons, Mt. Yudono was expected to do the same. But Mt. Yudono refused to substitute Tendai Buddhism for Shingon; to do so would be considered treasonous to Kukai, the mountain's founder. As a result, Mt. Haguro's officials were outraged by Yudono's refusal to abide by their rules and convert to Shingon Buddhism.
Temples on Mt. Yudono, such as Dainichibo and Churenji, subsequently turned the Sokushinjobutsu concept into a concrete practice: live mummification. Out of the 20 sokushinbutsu mummies in Japan, 11 of them were monks who trained on Mt. Yudono. There are 8 mummies in Yamagata Prefecture (4 in Tsuruoka, and 2 in Sakata City). Others can be found in Niigata Prefecture.
Climbing map
HIKING SEASON:
LATE APRIL - LATE OCTOBER
DON'T MISS THE BUS!
Get off the bus at Yudonosan Senninzawa 湯殿山仙人沢.
NO BUS FOR THE MOMENT
IT'S A RELIGIOUS PLACE...
We welcome all kinds of hikers! However, we would like you to remember this is a sacred place and that you should be considerate of the people around you, do not be too loud and do not litter. Thank you!
COME WITH THE APPROPRIATE GEAR !
Even if it is hot in Tsuruoka City, at Mt. Yudono it can be very cold! Please bring warm jackets, raincoats, hiking boots and sunglasses with you.
YUDONO'S HIGHLIGHTS
Dainichibo Temple
Ryusuiji Dainichibo 龍水寺大日坊
The cost to tour the temple is 500 yen, and here you will meet
Shinnyokai, one of the 4 sokushinbutsu mummies in Tsuruoka.
Tamugimata Village
田麦俣
Known for its emblematic thatch-roofed houses, the Tamugimata village is only 15 minutes away from Mt. Yudono by car.
Oami Village
大網
The small village of Oami is a 25-minute car ride from Mt. Yudono. There you will find the Churenji and Dainichibo temples, which both contain a sokushinbutsu mummy.
Tamahime Inari Shrine
玉姫稲荷神社
Inari Shrines are recognizable by their numerous torii gates and fox statues. Foxes are worshipped as gods who protect cereal and agriculture.
Mizuko Kannon
水子観音
Mizuko Kannon is the god of mercy who protects the souls of stillborn babies and infants who have lost their lives prematurely.
Yudonosan Sanrojo
湯殿山参篭所
For contemporary food options, check out the Yudonosan Resthouse, just below Yudonosan Sanrojo. They serve ramen/soba lunches and also sell good-luck charms and souvenirs.
Our tours in Yudono
WHERE TO STAY?
Worried that you'll miss the bus back to Tsuruoka? Stay in Yudono's pilgrim lodge!
湯殿山参籠所
Yudonosan Sanrojo
Shinto shukubo (pilgrim lodge)
Address:
六十里山７ Tamugimata, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0532, Japan
Reference price (1 night, 2 meals):