7 Rokujuuriyama, Tamugimata, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥1,000
Yudonosan Shrine, located on the southwestern slope of Mount Gassan, is a sacred site of Shugendo. Known as the inner shrine of Dewa Sanzan, it enforces strict rules: no photography and no shoes allowed during worship. The shrine's deity is a large rock with hot spring water, attracting many visitors. Access is via an 85-minute bus ride from Tsuruoka Station. Note that the site is closed from early November to late April. Visitors should be prepared to remove their shoes and may find the hot spring water surprisingly hot.
Founded in the Yamato period