Japan's Largest Ston Staircase

This is the largest stone staircase in Japan. There are 3333 steps which run continuously up a hillside in Misato-machi - leading to a Shaka-In （釈迦院）temple at the top, which has over 1200 years history. From top, there is a great views of the surrounding countryside.

The staircase is located at Kumamoto prefecture Shimomashiki-Gun central town Izumi-Mura, Misato-machi. The altitude is a little over 2km, it was finished in 1988. All the stones were provided world wide, starting from Japan, then China, Korea, India, Brazil. The altitude is about 2km.









































Many people and companies donated for building the ston staircase.

















03/20/2008 is the day of the vernal equinox(春分の日). It is a holiday in Japan. We the whole family went for the challenge.




































You can climb the steps anytime, but in mid November a special festival is held. Participants have to estimate their arrival time at the summit (watches not allowed!) - and there are some great prizes on offer for the best guesses - return tickets to Osaka and Kyoto etc. The fun starts at 8.30am - and lasts until 2pm. Fancy dress is encouraged.