I visited here on July 14th to hike Mt. Hagora. It was beautiful and calm. There are free parking lots around. After you enter the temple you will see lots of small shrines on the way. Soon a river with a red bridge welcomes you to deep into the nature. Pagoda is very close here. It is mainly before starting the steps up to the mountain. There are many gorgeous Japanese trees on both sides while you are walking. This makes you feel calm and stress out. Seasonal flowers add colors to your hike. It was tiring but worth to go.

Very slippery snow/ice to walk to the pagoda.. yet the scenery made it up for the difficult walk! Will walk past a small waterfall prior to the pagoda. Do wear snow boots if you are going!

I’m totally in LOVE with this place! It’s very cool!! We visited there on a weekday, during the spring season. There were a few people that afternoon. Feeling warm and calm. I thought I get lost into somewhere in the universe.

It was really dangerous to climb the snowy mountains🙅‍♂️ Somehow we completed climbing to the top, and went down a mountain by bus🚌

We visited the place in December where snow has covered the ground. A beautiful setting among nature. The hike up to the top was a good workout. You can ask the person at gift shop to help call for a cab if you do not wish to hike back down. You can rent boots for free at the Japan Heritage Dewa Sanzan to hike in the snow.

What a hidden gem. First time in Yamagata and visited here. My favorite hike in Japan. Very spiritual and is a must see destination for anyone that lives in Tokyo. Easy access with the train station and buses running every hour. Plenty of parking for those who drive too.

One of the must visit place if you are planning to visit Tohoku, Little hike to temple area, stairs look scary in winter, few hundred stairs to go down. But worth to that effort, lovely bridge with waterfall view is again breathtaking. Temple area is clam & looks very spiritual place.

Getting here takes so long...I don’t recommend coming in the winter while all the steps are icy and slippery. You’ll have a miserable time. Wasn’t worth the time and effort. The buses are also infrequent. Be sure to get off at Zuishinmon Gate!

Very grand, breathtaking sight, a must see hot spot.

Outstanding place !!! I suggest to wearing running or snicker shoes. Also, you can wearing a sweeter and short during spring or falls cuz there are more than 2400 step up to the hill where is the main temple. Additional to this , there are many meal options , specially for vegans :D

Take the bus at Tsurugaoka station and get off at Hagurozushishinmon stop, crossing the shrine gate will be a steep slope. In winter the snow will cover the stone steps so it will be very slippery - wear anti-skid shoes and high collars for snow protection.

It will be under construction for the next 20 years.

Very spirited place to absorb nature and its majesty.

Many steps but trekking with all beautiful cedar trees and peaceful environment around is a real blessing. Love

Amazingly beautiful place ! Takes a while to do the steps , slowly but surely.

One of the most magical places I have ever been to in Japan and it’s already my fifth time to this beautiful country. We were very lucky to visit pagoda shortly after the scaffolding was removed. As the news wasn’t announced - or so it seemed - and it was a week day, there were almost no people around.