FOOD ALONG THE
ROUTE
All the dining options and stores to fill your empty stomach along the way
1. S-MALL Supermarket
Category: Supermarket
If you plan to visit Mt. Yudono after exploring the other mountains of the Dewa Sanzan, your journey will start from Tsuruoka City. We recommend taking the bus bound for Ochiai from the S-MALL Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is equipped with air conditioning and comfortable indoor seating. It is located around 5 minutes on foot from Tsuruoka station.
The S-MALL Bus Terminal also houses next to it a supermarket with shoe shops, a drugstore, a grocery store, and a 100-yen shop. We suggest using the supermarket to purchase snacks, a packed lunch, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent before beginning your adventure along the Rokujurigoe Kaido.
Located on trail : No, located on starting point
Closed on: Never (unless exceptional situations)
Open hours: 10am - 8pm
Payment: Cash, credit card, Japanese payment apps
Average price for lunch: 800 - 1500 yen
2. Kanmanken (Tsuruoka)
Category: Ramen
Kanmanken is a ramen shop in the Kushibiki area of Tsuruoka city, located 2.5km away from Honmyoji temple (30min. on foot). Opened in April 2022 in a traditional renovated house, the restaurant serves seafood-based chukasoba and a rich, back-fat–enhanced variety called Maroyaka.
Orders are placed using wooden tags, adding to the unique experience. Enjoy hearty ramen in a nostalgic, retro atmosphere.
Located on trail : No, 2.5km away from Honmyoji Temple
Closed on: Tuesday + undetermined days (check their Instagram)
Open hours: 10am - 2pm
Payment: Cash only
Average price for lunch: 1000 - 1500 yen
3. Oami Community Center
Category: Instant ramen & snacks
This is the community center for Oami Village in the Asahi area of Tsuruoka City. Open on weekdays, it’s a convenient stop if you need shelter from the heat or rain, a restroom, or a quick snack, especially if you’re near Dainichibo Temple.
The center offers a small selection of instant ramen (and hot water), ice cream, and local treats.
Note: If you plan to use the facility on weekends or national holidays, a reservation is required. Please contact us in advance. (contact us)
Located on trail : No, 600m away from Dainichibo Temple
Closed on: Weekends, national holidays
Open hours: 9am - 4pm
Payment: Cash only
Average price for snacks: 500 yen
4. Nanakamado (Tamugimata)
Category: Soba noodles restaurant & minshuku lodge
Nanakamado is a minshuku (family-run lodge) and restaurant located between Dainichibo Temple and Tamugimata Village (near Tasominka, Arikoshizawa Trailhead, and Nanatsu Falls).
The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, but on open days you can enjoy its famous buckwheat noodles (soba) made with the pristine water of Mt. Gassan, served with a tempura set.
While Nanakamado doesn’t currently offer English menus, photos are available to help you choose your meal!
If you stay at Nanakamado, you can ask the owners to prepare an onigiri bento lunch box in advance (at least 3 days before visit), perfect for taking with you the next day.
Located on trail : Yes (30m away from track)
Closed on: Tuesdays
Open hours: 11am - 2pm
Payment: Cash only
Average price for lunch: 1500 - 2000 yen
5. Yudonosan Resthouse (Mt. Yudono)
Category: Shokudo cafeteria, souvenir shop
Yudonosan Resthouse (Yudonosan Kyukeijo) is both a souvenir shop and a cafeteria, and serves as a gathering point for those waiting for the Yudonosan-jinja sanpai bus—the shuttle that takes visitors to the top of the mountain.
The cafeteria offers sansai udon and soba (sansai are mountain vegetables).
The souvenir shop sells traditional pilgrim hats, T-shirts, drinks, instant noodles, and local snacks such as Shonai Special, a protein and energy bar made with local persimmons.
It’s a must-visit stop before heading further to Shizu Onsen.
Located on trail : Yes
Closed : From November 3rd to June 1st
Open hours: 9am - 4pm (the cafeteria closes at 3pm)
Payment: Cash & credit card
Average price for lunch: 800 - 1500 yen
6. Ebisuya (Shizu Onsen)
Category: Local cuisine (reservation needed)
Ebisuya Ryokan is the first hot spring inn you’ll reach in the Shizu area. You can also visit for lunch only and enjoy their specialty, Gassan sansai soba (buckwheat noodles with mountain vegetables). Relax in the hot springs while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Reservations needed beforehand at +81237-75-2021
Subscribe to one of our self-guided tours for fully arranged meal options
Located on trail : Yes
Closed on : Undetermined
Open hours: Upon reservation
Payment: Cash
Average price for lunch: 3000 yen
7. Pole Pole (Yumiharidaira)
Category: Picnic box pick-up (upon reservation)
Gassan Polepole Farm in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, is a spacious lodging and camping facility located on the Yumiharidaira Plateau at the foot of Mt. Gassan, covering about 33,000 m². Surrounded by beech forests, the pet-friendly cottages offer a range of activities, including BBQ, camping, skiing, and snowshoeing.
For 1,800 yen per person, you can also request a picnic box, but this requires prior reservation.
Reservation platform in Japanese here
For fully curated meals & stays, please subscribe to one of our self-guided tours
Located on trail : Yes
Closed on : Undetermined
Open hours: Upon reservation
Payment: Cash
Average price for lunch: 1800 yen
8. Seki no Chaya (Gassan Lake)
Category: Soba noodles, souvenir shop
Seki no Chaya in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, is a charming café known for its scenic views.
Open from 11:00 to 16:00 without any reservation needed, it offers local treats such as wild grape soft serve, hearty pork miso soup (tonjiru), handmade Japanese sweets like matcha warabi mochi, and seasonal fruit parfaits. Guests can enjoy the view from the counter seats while savoring dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Located on trail : No (300m away from Gassan Lake Fountain)
Closed on : Wednesdays
Open hours: 11 am to 3pm
Payment: Cash
Average price for lunch: 1000 - 1500 yen
CAUTION
There is no escape route from Mt. Yudono to Shizu Onsen, and no shops or restaurants for over 10 km. For this reason, we do not recommend this portion of the trail for beginners.
Please make sure to pack enough food, water, and snacks before continuing.
Our partner travel agencies can help you arrange a full pilgrimage with meals and accommodations included as a self-guided tour.