Japan’s Tallest Stone Staircase (Kumamoto)

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.