7 Rokujūriri-yama, Tagumugimata, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥2,500
Mount Yudono, one of the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains, is a revered site for Shingon Buddhist practice. Located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, it's accessible via the Yamagata Expressway and Yudono-san Road (toll road). The main attraction is Yudono-san Shrine, nestled in the mountains at 1500m, featuring a sacred hot spring rock (photography prohibited). Note that the mountain closes for the winter, typically reopening late spring/early summer. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit this spiritual destination, with some using it as a starting point for climbing Gassan. Be aware that the route from Yudono-san Shrine to Gassan is considered the most challenging of the Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage routes.