Mount Yudono is one of the three sacred mountains that make up Dewa Sanzan, and it is traditionally associated with the concept of the future.
Alongside Mount Gassan and Mount Haguro, Mount Yudono holds a unique position and has long been treated as a particularly sacred and sensitive place.
At Mount Yudono, there is a long-standing tradition often expressed as “do not speak, do not ask.”
After receiving purification at the shrine entrance, the area beyond is not described in detail, and this restraint has been carefully respected over generations.
For this reason, this article does not attempt to explain the meaning of the site or describe personal experiences.
Instead, it focuses on practical information, such as how to get there and what to know before visiting.
Mount Yudono is a place whose significance can only be understood by visiting and experiencing it for yourself.
Please note that the visiting season is limited.
Visiting period:
June 1 – November 3 (until midday)
(2025 reference; dates may vary slightly depending on weather conditions)
Overview of Mount Yudono
Mount Yudono is located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, and is one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan.
In the traditional pilgrimage of the three mountains, Mount Yudono is considered the final destination.
While Mount Gassan represents the past and Mount Haguro the present, Mount Yudono has long been associated with the future.
One of the defining characteristics of Mount Yudono is that nature itself, rather than shrine buildings or statues, is the object of worship.
For this reason, photography is restricted in the inner sacred area, and there are unique customs and rules that visitors are expected to follow during worship.
At the same time, visiting Mount Yudono is not as physically demanding as a full mountain climb.
The approach to the shrine entrance can be made by car or dedicated bus.
More than physical strength, visiting Mount Yudono requires prior understanding and a respectful mindset.
Access
Address:
Rokujurigoe, Tamugimata, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
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This is the furthest point accessible by car.
There is no regular public bus service to Mount Yudono.
Access to the foothills is possible only by car, either by rental car or hired taxi.
From the foothills, you can proceed to Yudonosan Shrine by a paid shuttle bus or on foot.
Access to the Foothills
The nearest major station is Tsuruoka Station, where renting a car is recommended.
For routes to Tsuruoka Station, please refer to this article.
Car rental shops around Tsuruoka Station:
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Hired taxi:
View details
Advance reservation is required.
Because a rental car offers greater flexibility in scheduling, renting a car is generally the most convenient option.
Toll Road (Required)
If you are traveling by car, you must use the toll road.
The toll fee is 400 yen, payable in cash only, so be sure to prepare cash in advance.
Once you pay the toll on the way in, there is no additional charge when leaving.
How to Reach the Yudonosan Shrine Entrance
From the foothills, there are two ways to reach the entrance of Yudonosan Shrine: by shuttle bus or on foot.
By Shuttle Bus
Tickets are purchased at the ticket counter near the parking area.
The shuttle bus runs about once per hour.
The bus departs from directly in front of the ticket counter, and the next departure time is displayed at the counter.
Fare:
-
Round trip: 400 yen
-
One way: 200 yen
(Cash only)
When getting off the bus, please hand one ticket to the driver.
The ride takes about 5 minutes.
It is also possible to walk up and return by shuttle bus.
On Foot
Proceed uphill through the torii gate.
The walk takes about 15 minutes. It is a fairly steep slope, but many visitors choose to walk, and the route is easy to follow without getting lost.
From the Shrine Entrance to the Sacred Area
At Mount Yudono, there is a long-standing tradition often expressed as “do not speak, do not ask.”
For this reason, details about the area beyond the shrine entrance are not described.
In this section, we focus instead on what visitors see and need to know before entering, such as the scenery around the shuttle bus arrival point, information about the return bus, and how to prepare for visiting Yudonosan Shrine.
What lies beyond the entrance is meant to be experienced personally and is not explained in words.
Scenery Upon Arrival by Shuttle Bus
This is the area where the shuttle bus arrives.
There are no restrooms at Yudonosan Shrine, so please use the facilities here before proceeding.Photography is not permitted beyond the staircase ahead.Turning around, you will be greeted with a wide, scenic view of the surrounding landscape.
Return Shuttle Bus
The return bus stop is located about 15 meters from the restroom, so it should be easy to find.
Visitors typically line up here to board the bus.
Be sure to check the return shuttle bus timetable in advance.
The left column shows schedules for weekends and public holidays, while the right column is for weekdays.
Important Notes Before Entering Yudonosan Shrine
After walking up the stairs for a short distance, you will reach Yudonosan Shrine.
Before entering, a purification ritual is performed, which requires a cash payment of 500 yen, so be sure to prepare this in advance.
You will also be required to remove your shoes and socks and enter barefoot, so please bring a towel with you.
Once again, do not forget these two items: 500 yen in cash and a towel.
Hours & Fees
Visiting Period
June 1 – November 3 (until midday)
(2025 reference; dates may vary slightly depending on weather conditions)
Toll Road Operating Hours
8:15 – 16:40
Please note that the toll road entrance closes at 15:50.
We recommend arriving at the parking area by around 15:30 to ensure sufficient time.
Fees
-
Toll road to the foothills: 400 yen
-
Shuttle bus from the foothills to the shrine entrance: 400 yen (round trip)
-
Yudonosan Shrine admission: 500 yen (purification fee)
This article is based on information available as of November 2, 2025.