What is the fully reservation-based “Tsuruoka Sightseeing Liner”?

Did you know there's a way to enjoy a more comfortable and flexible journey to some of Tsuruoka City’s top destinations in Yamagata Prefecture, such as Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Dainichibō Temple?

That’s the “Tsuruoka Sightseeing Liner,” a fully reservation-based, private hire taxi service exclusively for one group at a time.

It’s a convenient service that lets you travel smoothly between central Tsuruoka and the Dewa Sanzan mountains—without worrying about unfamiliar mountain roads or parking.

✅ What is the Tsuruoka Sightseeing Liner?

The traditional pilgrimage to the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa was originally a spiritual journey on foot, offering a symbolic rebirth through climbing all three mountains.
However, today it has unfortunately become difficult to complete the route on foot, as some sections of the mountain trails are closed due to recent heavy rainfall and other natural impacts.
As a result, visiting all three mountains without using some form of transportation has become realistically challenging—posing a significant inconvenience for tourists without their own car or motorcycle.

For those without their own means of transportation, the only current ways to visit all three of the Dewa Sanzan are to either use this hire car service or arrange a taxi on your own.

However, if you try to arrange a taxi on your own, the transportation costs can be quite high.
Today, we’d like to introduce the “Tsuruoka Sightseeing Liner” in detail—so you can explore these hidden spiritual sites more affordably and comfortably.

✅ Overview of the Tsuruoka Sightseeing Liner

Operating Period: June 1 (Sun) to November 3 (Mon, national holiday), 2025
Operating Days: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays only
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (by reservation only)
Operating Area: Tsuruoka City Center – Mt. Haguro – Mt. Yudono
Operating Company: Shōkō Hire Co., Ltd.
Planned and Operated by: Shōkō Travel (Travel contracts are organized package tour agreements with Shōkō Travel)
Payment: Cash only, paid on board on the day of service
Subsidized Program: This service is subsidized by Tsuruoka City and will end once the budget limit is reached.

🚖 Service Features

Private Hire for One Group (1–8 people): No ride-sharing—enjoy a private and comfortable travel experience.
Hire Car Format: More spacious and comfortable than a regular taxi, with room for luggage (please consult in advance if you have a large amount).
Flexible Pick-Up and Drop-Off: You can get on and off at any location of your choice.
No Guide or Tour Escort: Explore freely at your own pace.

💰 Fare (Includes expressway tolls)

◎ For groups of 2 or more (same fare applies for children)

Per Ride Segment: ¥4,500 per person (tax included)
Two Ride Segments: ¥9,000 per person (tax included) \*Note: Some sources list the fare as ¥9,900 (tax included).

◎ For Solo Travelers

Per Ride Segment: ¥9,000 (tax included)
Two Ride Segments: ¥18,000 (tax included)

🚌 Available Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations (Selectable upon request)

S-MALL Bus Terminal (near Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Tsuruoka)
JR Tsuruoka Station (in front of the monument / FOODEVER entrance)
In front of Zuishinmon Gate, Mt. Haguro (Cedar Avenue & Five-Story Pagoda)
Kyūkamura Shōnai Haguro (Gassan Visitor Center / Campground)
Mt. Haguro Summit (Sanjingōsai-den Shrine / Saikan Pilgrims’ Lodge)
Dainichibō Temple (Rokujurigoe Kaidō Trail)
Yudonosan Senninzawa (Yudonosan Shrine Main Sanctuary / Pilgrims’ Lodging)

\*Example Travel Times: Tsuruoka Station → Yudonosan Senninzawa = approx. 70 minutes Mt. Haguro Summit → Yudonosan Senninzawa = approx. 70 minutes

📅 How to Reserve & Booking Deadline

📞 Information Required When Booking:

name
A phone number you can be reached at on the day of service
Date and time of use
Pick-up and drop-off locations
Number of passengers

⚠️ Important Notes

Same-day reservations are not accepted.
Reservations may not be accepted depending on availability.
No tour escort or guide will accompany the ride.
If you have a large amount of luggage due to hiking or long stays, please consult in advance.
Cancellation Fee Policy:
- Up to 11 days before: No charge
- From 10 days to 2 days before: 20% cancellation fee
- 1 day before: 50% cancellation fee
- On the day of the reservation or no-show: 100% cancellation fee

🧭 Recommended Stops Along the Way

Mt. Haguro Five-Story Pagoda (National Treasure) and Cedar Avenue
Mt. Haguro Shojin Cuisine (Reservation Required)
Yudonosan Shrine Main Sanctuary and Senninzawa Hot Spring "Goshin-yu"
Yudonosan Head Temple Dainichibō (Japan Heritage Site)

summary

For those without their own means of transportation, the only current ways to visit all three of the Dewa Sanzan are to either use this hire car service or arrange a taxi on your own.

However, arranging a taxi on your own can result in very high transportation costs.
We highly recommend using the “Tsuruoka Sightseeing Liner” introduced today to enjoy exploring these hidden spots affordably.

That's all for today's article.

Guesthouse Watasagi is a guesthouse located right in between the ocean, the mountains, and the city center.

We hope you will enjoy Tsuruoka and Shonai to the fullest with Guesthouse Watasagi as your base 😊.

We also promote the attractions of our local areas of Yamagata, Tsuruoka, and Shonai. The latest updates are posted on Instagram. Please follow us and stay tuned💕

鶴岡観光にはカーシェアがおすすめ！自由に動けてコスパも良い、旅の新しい選択肢

Complete Guide to Getting to Yudonosan Shrine｜How to Book a Taxi and Important Tips

🚗 Make your trip in Tsuruoka more flexible! Complete Guide to Rental Cars Near the Station

Introduction to Japanese Traffic Rules: What Foreigners Should Know Before Driving in Tsuruoka