Snow Monkey Resorts Tours · Sendai
A small-group day by public transport to two very different places: the 100 m white Kannon statue that towers over Sendai's northern suburbs, and the 1,015 steps of Yamadera. Pick it for the contrast and the ease: trains, buses and both entries are paid, and the group is tiny.
Two stops, seven hours. First the Sendai Daikannon in Izumi ward, a white statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy that stands 100 metres high and shows up on the skyline from half the city. Most tourists never get there because it means a 30 to 40 minute city bus ride. You spend about 50 minutes at the statue. Then the group heads west to Yamadera, Risshakuji, for two hours on the stone steps up to the Okunoin and the Godaido view.
One guest summed it up as new and old Buddhism in one day, seen by public transport from an everyday person's perspective. The listing caps the group at six, and the guides on recent reviews are praised by name.
The price check. Both sites are cheap alone: Daikannon entry is 500 yen, Yamadera 500 yen, and the train to Yamadera 910 yen each way. Doing both on your own takes planning, because one is north of the city by bus and the other west by train, but costs under 4,000 yen. The $171 buys the planning, the guide and a group that will not swamp you. Lunch is extra.
Under the Morinosanka stained glass on the 2F concourse. Look for the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS sign.
By city bus to Izumi ward in Sendai's north.
The 100 m white Kannon statue and its grounds.
By public transport to Yamadera, about an hour west of Sendai by train. Lunch on the way, at your own cost.
Risshakuji's 1,015 steps through the cedars to the Okunoin, the Kaisando and the Godaido platform.
Train back to Sendai station. About 7 hours in total.
★★★★★Great way to see new and old Buddhism in Japan or just see some the lovely scenery in this area. Get around via public transport and see from the every day persons perspective.
★★★★★Kim is a fantastic English speaking guide for this fascinating day tour.
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A white statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, 100 metres high, in Sendai's Izumi ward. Entry is 500 yen; on your own it is a 30 to 40 minute city bus ride from Sendai station's west exit.
Public transport for the day, entry to the Daikannon and Yamadera, and a guide. Lunch is extra.
Moderately fit. Yamadera has 1,015 stone steps, and the listing does not recommend the tour for back or heart problems.
Six travellers at most, according to the listing.
Ready to book
The 100 m Sendai Daikannon and the Yamadera climb in one day, entries and trains included.
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