NiigataTravel

Kinjozan Undouan Temple (金城山雲洞庵)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Take a five-minute aerial journey to the 4th station and enjoy a panoramic view of the Uonuma Plain and Echigo mountains from the observation deck

About 30 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Enjoy a soba lunch, tour the snow storage facility, and delight in baumkuchen and souvenir shopping

About this spot

A historic Soto Zen temple called 'Japan's finest hermitage.' Beneath the stone-paved path leading from the red gate to the main hall, individual characters of the Lotus Sutra are carved into embedded stones. It is said that stepping on this path brings blessings, a tradition known by the phrase 'Undouan no tsuchifundaka' (stepping on Undouan). The temple is also famous as the place where Uesugi Kagekatsu and Naoe Kanetsugu studied in their childhood, offering plenty of points of interest for history-loving families. The grounds, enveloped by tall cedar trees, are tranquil, and you can experience the solemn atmosphere unique to a temple nestled in the mountains.

Tips

The custom is to walk step by step, deliberately treading on each stone of the approach. Shoes that are easy to walk in are recommended, and after rain the stones can be slippery, so hold your child's hand. Free parking available. In winter, snow conditions may change access, so check in advance.