Exploring the Stunning Vista of Sanbe Temple (Mount Shizukasa), Japan – A Spiritual Journey as Appreciated by Matsuo Basho
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Mount Sanbe Temple in Yamagata Prefecture, which is very convenient to access from either Sendai or Yamagata. The biggest feature of Sanbe Temple is its over 1,000 steps of mountain road, which allows you to enjoy the boundless mountain views after climbing the steps! This time, 'Eat, Shop & Japan' will take you to visit this place in winter, and the snowy scenery is unforgettable. The famous Japanese haiku poet Matsuo Basho also wrote a haiku about Sanbe Temple, which has been passed down to this day. Let's arrange a half-day trip to Sanbe Temple to explore!
▋How to get to Sanbe Temple?
Sanbe Temple is inJR Senzan LineSanbe Stationright next to the Senzan Line, which connects Sendai Station and Yamagata Station, so Sanbe Temple is a good place to stop when traveling between Sendai and Yamagata. You can combine transportation discount tickets to Sanbe Temple, such asJR East Japan Rail PassandMiyagi MARUKODO PASSThe Miyagi MARUKODO PASS is unlimited for purchase, you can ride on buses, subways, tourist buses and JR trains, although it is mainly in Miyagi, but the furthest place is Sanbe Station.
◎ Yamagata StationSenzan Line about 20 minutes ◎ Sanbe StationSenzan Line about 1 hour ◎ Sendai Station
▋Let's go! Enjoy the fun of Sanbe Temple from the station
About 10 minutes walk from Sanbe Station to the trailhead, be sure to stop by Sanbe Temple's famous 'Kokonotsu' along the way. Legend has it that Kokonotsu, the local taffy, originated from Sanbe Temple. Since it takes a lot of effort to climb 1015 steps, Kokonotsu was later named 'Kokonotsu' to suit the purpose. It's a good choice to eat Kokonotsu before challenging yourself!
You can eat Kokonotsu along the way
Super chewy and delicious taffy
The instructions along the way are very clear
▋Start climbing: Challenge 1015 steps
The full name of Sanbe Temple is Mount Shizukasa Temple, including the Hidden Shrine within the mountain, the Main Hall, and the Five Halls of varying sizes. After entering from the trailhead, the first thing you'll see isThe Main HallThe Main Hall is a national important cultural property and is also the oldest ( – construction) building in Japan. Next isThe GateThe long staircase journey is about to begin.
You can start climbing from the entrance
After entering the gate, you can visit all the temples in the temple, which is very cost-effective
Seeing the steps covered in snow doesn't make you feel tired
▋Meet Matsuo Basho
About 20-30 minutes walk from the gate to the Hidden Shrine, although it may be tiring by then, Sanbe Temple is not a place that requires you to challenge your limit as a traveler, but a temple where people can eliminate their worries step by step by climbing each step. If you feel tired, take a rest and appreciate the scenery and the natural atmosphere of Sanbe Temple. If it's snowing, be careful of slippery snow.The Hidden ShrineAs the end of Sanbe Temple, to enjoy the panoramic view, you should go to the neighboring
The Five Halls
After walking from the Five Halls, you might feel tired, but Sanbe Temple is not a place to challenge your physical limits, but a temple where people can eliminate their worries step by step by climbing each step. If you feel tired, take a rest and appreciate the scenery and the natural atmosphere of Sanbe Temple. If it's snowing, be careful of slippery snow.
The lantern in the Hidden Shrine is one of the three largest lanterns in Japan
▋The observation deck in the Five Halls
The view from the Five HallsDownhill fun: Water NagashinaWhen you come down the mountain, you can get a fortune slip from Shimizudera Shrine near the gate. The fortune slip has to be put in water to reveal its content. If there's no bucket of water, you can ask someone at the shrine for help, or place it on the snow to wait for the melting water to reveal its content. The fortune slip was originally blankUse melting water to reveal the contentSuccessfully see the fortune slip content
Sanbe Temple – Address:
4495-15, Sanbe Town, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Business hours:
April – November 9:30 – 4:00 PM; December – March 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
▋Enjoy the snowy scenery without a tiring journey and without having to carry equipment to climb difficult mountains. Sanbe Temple is convenient to access, and the climbing process allows you to appreciate the scenery. In winter, you can enjoy the silver scenery without being tired, and in autumn, you can enjoy the red maple leaves and in spring, you can enjoy the forest bathing while listening to the sounds of cicadas in the mountains. Imagine Basho's thoughts, with food, scenery, and also a pilgrimage site for literary masters. Don't miss this cost-effective half-day trip when traveling between Sendai and Yamagata!
みくじ
・4495-15・411 9:3016:00123 10:0015:00
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