basic information

Yudono-san is one of the three mountains of Dewa Sanzan, and its shrine is considered to be a kind of inner sanctum. In fact, Yudono-san is so sacred that one is neither to talk nor hear of what happens inside the shrine.

Despite its secrecy and mystery, Yudono-san is relatively easily accessible via a toll road. Located in a valley below the summit, the shrine is only 200 meters from the bus stop. The traditional approach, however, is more challenging, consisting of a descent via a steep hiking trail from the summit of Gas-san.

Entering the sacred area around Yudono shrine

View of the surrounding valley

Yudono-san's shrine maintains a strict ban on photography. Visitors must walk a short final portion of stoned pathway from the bus stop to enter the shrine itself, where they are asked to remove their shoes to begin purification rites in their bare feet. Rather than divulge any more of Yudono-san's secret interior, we recommend travelers make their own visit to this impressive shrine.

Like Gas-san, Yudono-san closes during the winter months, although it is still feasible to visit in poor weather thanks to its road access. Because Yudono-san is the mountain symbolizing rebirth, it is typically the final Dewa Sanzan shrine visited by pilgrims after Haguro-san (birth) and Gas-san (death).

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

From late April to early November, Shonai Kotsu operates three bus round trips per day between Tsuruoka Station and the parking lot below Yudono-san (80 minutes, 1550 yen one way). From the parking lot, the shrine can be reached in a short shuttle bus ride (200 yen one way, 300 yen round trip) or in a steep 10 minute walk.

How to get to and around the Dewa Sanzan

hours and fees

Yudono-san Shrine
Hours:	9:00 to 17:00
Closed:	November to April (depending on snowfall)
Admission:	500 yen

travel community

Popularity of Yudono-san:
Users who have been to Dewa Sanzan: 17
Users who have been to Yudono-san: 7

3rd of 4 most visited sights in Dewa Sanzan.
482nd of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Yudono-san:

japan-guide.com Rating:		best of Japan
User Rating:	n/a	insufficient data

User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

japanese links