Mt. Yakushidake (薬師岳)

Mt. Yakushidake is a 2,926m peak located in Toyama Prefecture and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. A sacred mountain of mountain worship on par with Mt. Tateyama, it has long been revered as the Pure Land of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha). A shrine enshrining Yakushi Nyorai stands at the summit, and on the east face the Yakushidake Cirque Group, designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan, spreads out magnificently. The most popular route is a day-trip or one-night out-and-back hike from Origata via Taro-daira Hut.

The trailhead is Oridachi. Take a bus from Arimine-guchi Station on the Toyama Chiho Railway.

*Timetable last checked: [sc name=”updated_date”][/sc]

Map

Access to Trailhead

1. 1. Going: Arimine-guchi Sta. → Oridachi
2. 2. Return: Oridachi → Arimine-guchi Sta.

1. Going: Arimine-guchi Sta. → Oridachi

Take the Toyama Chitetsu Bus “Oridachi Line” from Arimine-guchi Station to Oridachi (the nearest trailhead for Yakushidake, via Tarohdaira Hut). There is a direct bus and a transfer service via Arimine Kinenkan (reservations available from 1 month before departure).
Operating period: mid-July – late September (varies yearly; daily service in peak season, weekends & holidays only otherwise)
Fare: 3,700 yen

Bus Timetable: Arimine-guchi Sta. → Oridachi

Reference: Toyama Chiho Railway

2. Return: Oridachi → Arimine-guchi Sta.

Take the Toyama Chitetsu Bus “Oridachi Line” from Oridachi to Arimine-guchi Station. If you want to visit an onsen on the way back, get off at Kamedani Onsen (one stop before the station) for Shirakaba Heights day-use bath.
Operating period: mid-July – late September (varies yearly)
Fare: 3,700 yen (to Arimine-guchi Station)

Bus Timetable: Oridachi → Arimine-guchi Sta.

Reference: Toyama Chiho Railway