Japan’s Tallest Stone Staircase (Kumamoto)

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Japan’s Tallest Stone Staircase (Kumamoto)

The unbeatable feeling of making it to the top.

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Above the beautiful mountain village of Misatomachi sits a temple atop a mountain that towers 957 meters in the sky. Leading up to it is Japan’s tallest stone staircase, 3,333 stone steps that lead up the main promenade to the Shaka-in Temple at its summit.

In comparison to the 1200-year old Shaka-in Temple on top, the stone staircase is considered relatively new when construction launched in 1980 as part of the local “Build Japan’s Top Spots” PR initiatives, aiming to build a stone staircase even taller than the 2446-step stair at Mt. Haguro in Yamagata Prefecture. The staircase officially topped the Mt. Haguro stair in 1985 and was completed in 1988. It was built with stones from across Japan, as well as some cut from countries around the world including China, S. Korea, India, Russia, Brazil, the U.S.A., South Africa and more. With so many countries in play, it’s regarded as a symbol of international cooperation to the city here.

Along the way up the climb you’ll find bathrooms and rest areas available for anyone to pace themselves as needed. The front of the climb is marked by a stone welcome panel that points out what facilities are available along the way for you to see.

“Attack the Nihon-ichi”, a thrilling race to the top is held in November of each year.

Highlights

  • Japan’s tallest stone staircase, with 3,333 steps to climb.
  • Bathroom and rest area available along the way.
  • Be sure to bring a drink before you climb.
  • Red Bull Hakuryusou, a race of the fastest to the top is held every June. The 2019 winner made the climb in just 26 min. 54 seconds.

Photos

  • The heart appears from Oct. – Feb., from 11:30am to Noon.

    The heart appears from Oct. – Feb., from 11:30am to Noon.

  • A massive 3,333-step stone stair case and temple that waits up top.

    A massive 3,333-step stone stair case and temple that waits up top.

  • View of 2,000 steps.

    View of 2,000 steps.

  • The steps are hedged with a shady green canopy of trees.

    The steps are hedged with a shady green canopy of trees.

  • The cool air and vibrant leaves in fall make for a perfect season to visit.

    The cool air and vibrant leaves in fall make for a perfect season to visit.

  • Extremely tough for nonathletic types. Be careful not to overexert yourself.

    Extremely tough for nonathletic types. Be careful not to overexert yourself.

Reviews

2
  • 簡蓉

    這榮登日本的第一,讓我能登上的石階共有3,333階。為了征服日本第一而前來的~推

  • 張立仁

    攀爬的過程很是痛苦,途中看到很多運動選手特地爬樓梯做訓練。

Details

Name in Japanese
日本一の石段
Postal Code
861-4415
Address
Sakamoto, Misatomachi, Shimomashikigun, Kumamoto
Telephone
0964-47-1112 (Misato Town Hall Tomochi Building Tourism Department )
Hours
Free to walk around anytime
Access
From JR Arisa Station, take a taxi for 30 min. to arrive.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)