[2025 Yamagata Attraction] Travel Guide for Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera) (Updated Mar)

"The sound of the cicadas penetrates the quiet rocks" is a place that everyone has heard at least once, and is the place where Matsuo Basho wrote a haiku 📍This time we will introduce 👇 "Hojusan Risshakuji Temple" in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. We would like to provide some useful information for those who are visiting for the first time! ★Also known as "Yamadera" This place is also commonly known as "Yamadera" because there are more than 30 large and small tower buildings built on a steep rocky mountain. ★History of its founding in 860 This place also has a long history, and like Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate, Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi, and Osorezan in Shimokita, Aomori, it is said to have been founded in 860 by the third Tendai sect priest, Jikaku Daishi Ennin 🕰★Pilgrimage route with 1015 stone steps Climb the long stone steps of 1015 steps to reach Okunoin 🥾It is said that climbing the stone steps will eliminate worldly desires. It's a tough journey, but there are plenty of sights along the way, including historical sites such as stone monuments bearing haiku poems and other spots with spectacular views, making it a pilgrimage route that can be enjoyed intellectually and sensorily❗️★Godai-do Hall stands on a cliff. As you climb the pilgrimage route, you'll come to a place where you can look out over the magnificent view from the top of the mountain. The view from this observation deck, which gives you the feeling that you are at the same height as the mountain opposite the Godaido Hall, is truly beautiful✨★You should allow more than an hour for the journey! It takes 30 to 45 minutes for young people and 45 to 60 minutes for older people to travel one way to the inner sanctuary of Risshakuji Temple and the Godaido Hall! It's a long climb, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes like sneakers. ◼︎Admission feeAdults: 300 yen, Junior high school students: 200 yen, Children (over 4 years old): 100 yen ◼︎Opening hours08:00-17:00 ◼︎Location4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3301 ◼︎AccessBy trainJR Senseki Line JR Yamagata Station → JR Yamadera Station 20 minutesJR Senseki Line JR Sendai Station → JR Yamadera Station 60 minutes10 minutes walk from Yamadera Station to the entranceBy carYamagata Expressway "Yamagata Kita IC" → about 15 minutes*There is no dedicated parking lot, use the paid parking lot in the shopping arcade in front of the templeBasically 500 yen, but some places are free under certain conditions #Sakura2024 #Japan's most beautiful scenery #Domestic travel #Yamagata sightseeing

Yamadera (official name: Hojuzan Risshakuji Temple) is located in Yamagata Prefecture in northeastern Japan. The Buddhist temple built on the mountain wall looks like it is floating in the air from a distance. Its mysterious and solemn atmosphere attracts countless tourists to make pilgrimage and worship. There are more than 30 large and small pagodas and Buddhist halls in the mountain temple. It would take a lot of time to visit all of them, so I suggest you pick some important ones. 👍🏻【Recommended route】 1. Konponchudo 2. Basho and Soryo statues 3. SEMIZUKA 4. Niomon 5. Chusei-in 6. Oku-in and Great Buddha Hall 7. Kaisan-do and Nakyo-do 8. Godai-do ✨Impressions: I went to Yamagata originally for Ginzan Onsen and Zao Juhyo, but since I had time, I just searched for Yamadera, a tourist attraction in Yamagata. Finally, I discovered this treasure-level beautiful scenery. After climbing 1,000 steps and reaching the top of the "Five Great Halls", I was shocked and moved when I saw this scenery! 💡Suggestions: The hiking trails during winter are very slippery, so I basically walked sideways (Figure 9) to avoid slipping. You can rent shoes at the entrance. I didn’t expect it to be so slippery. I suggest you bring ice grippers or rent shoes. 📍Address: 4495-15 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 💳Tickets: 300 yen for adults; 200 yen for junior high school students; 100 yen for children 🕰️Opening hours: April to November 9:30-16:00 December to March 10:00-15:00 (Every Wednesday is a closed day for the Yamadera Tourism Association) #日本景点 #日本旅行 #国外旅游

Location: Hojusan Risshakuji (Yamadera) Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture Yamadera is famous for Matsuo Basho. It takes about 1.5 hours round trip to the inner sanctuary❗This time, I went to the Konponchudo Hall😄The sacred large ginkgo tree is magnificent✨The air was clear. I only visited the entrance, but I was still able to enjoy the atmosphere❗ #EasternJapan #YamagataPrefecture #Risshakuji #PowerSpot #ForestBathing

‘Yamadera’ means mountain temple in Japan. In Yamagata, the scenic Risshakuji temple, founded over a thousand years ago, is a nestled on a steep mountainside - with incredible views across the valley below. The temple is famous locally because during a visit in the 1600s, a well known Japanese poet composed a well loved haiku about the stillness and serenity of the area. How to visit: the 1000 step trail to the temple can be completed in around 30 minutes. The start of the trail is a short walk from Yamadera station. 🚊 #getgoing2025 #sceniclandscapes #japan #japan #tranquilmountains #shorthikes

✵ Yamagata Prefecture 2024.01 To Yamadera Temple, where the entire mountain is a place of training and faith🚶 Walk along the long stone staircase approach with 1015 steps. It is said that climbing the stone steps will eliminate your worldly desires! A power spot with a mellow atmosphere that will heal your soul🌳 It is also known for Matsuo Basho's haiku "The quietness of the cicadas' voices penetrating the rocks" in "Oku no Hosomichi"💭 The red hall at the top of the stone steps and the observation deck with a panoramic view of Yamagata are must-sees! 📍Spots Yamadera Hojusan Risshakuji 🚃Access 5-minute walk from JR Yamadera Station to the trailhead 🅿︎Parking Paid parking available 📷Photo 2024.1.6 #0 yen trip January 2025 #Yamadera #Yamagata sightseeing

I finally visited Yamadera, a place in Yamagata Prefecture that I've wanted to go to since I was a child. The view from Yamadera, one of Yamagata's proudest tourist spots, was breathtaking.✨ The official name of Yamadera is Hojusan Risshakuji Temple. It is one of the most famous temples in Yamagata Prefecture and is also known as a scenic spot. It gets extremely crowded during the warm seasons! Climbing the 1,015 stone steps from the trailhead feels more like a mini-hike than a pilgrimage. In winter, you'll need to prepare for snow and cold weather.⛄️ The estimated time for a round trip is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We recommend wearing non-slip shoes like sneakers for the climb.👟👟 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name: Hojusan Risshakuji Temple (commonly known as Yamadera) Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 20 minutes from Yamagata Station to Yamadera Station on the JR Senzan Line Closed: Open year-round - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#0yentravelautumn #yamagatatourism #templevisiting A sacred mountain of the Tendai sect in Yamagata Prefecture, representing the Tohoku region. It is famous as "Yamadera" (mountain temple), but its official name is Hojusan Risshakuji (mountain temple). I had heard that the stairs here are difficult...💦, but I was excited to go! Unluckily, on the day I visited, a linear rain band came and an alert was issued for Akita and Yamagata. Hmm... should I give up? I thought, but the rain kept getting stronger and weaker, so I climbed with the hope that maybe the rain would weaken! It's true that the mountain path is lined with stone steps. This is... difficult...💦 In the rain, I climbed silently, looking only at my feet so as not to slip. Of course, I didn't forget to take pictures along the way, and struggled with an umbrella in one hand. Finally the summit. I had heard that climbing will erase your worldly desires... and it certainly made me feel refreshed, and all the hardships I had gone through when climbing were blown away, so I'm glad I climbed! ! is all I can say. It's a temple with mysterious powers. The temple at the top isn't particularly spectacular, but the other temples along the way and the surrounding scenery all combine to make Yamadera so appealing. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Please give it a try.

#familytrips2024 Nestled amidst the lush forests of Yamagata Prefecture in Japan, Risshakuji Temple, also known as Yamadera, offers a serene retreat for spiritual reflection and cultural exploration. As the family ascended the stone steps leading to the temple complex, they were enveloped in the tranquility of the surrounding natural beauty, with towering cedar trees and moss-covered rocks lending a sense of timelessness to the atmosphere. Upon reaching the temple precincts, they discovered a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, serene gardens, and ornate pagodas, each corner steeped in centuries of history and tradition. Looking ahead, the family dreams of embarking on a journey to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt's Nile Valley, where temples, tombs, and majestic pyramids await. Imagining themselves cruising along the storied waters of the Nile, marveling at the colossal statues of Luxor and Karnak, and uncovering the secrets of the Valley of the Kings, they anticipate a voyage filled with awe-inspiring encounters and unforgettable moments amidst the remnants of one of the world's greatest civilizations. With each step along the banks of the Nile, they eagerly embrace the opportunity to delve into the mysteries of Egypt's storied past and forge lasting memories amidst its timeless wonders.

Yamadera Temple or Hojusan Risshakuji Temple is located in Yamagata, Tohoku region. It is an old temple on a mountain that is over 1,000 years old. The highlight here is that from late September to early November, the leaves change color into bright colors. Looking down from the mountain is so beautiful that you can shout! I must say that it is so awesome ❤️ If you want to see the beautiful view on the mountaintop, you have to walk up more than 1,000 stone steps. It is a bit tiring, but I assure you that it is worth it! The view you will see is so beautiful that you will forget how tired you are. It was also a filming location. Yamadera Temple was once a location in the movie "March Comes in Like a Lion", so it has become a popular destination for tourists visiting Yamagata. When is the best time to go? Late September to early November The most beautiful autumn leaves ⏰Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00 🎟️Admission fee: Adults 300 yen, Junior high school students 200 yen, Toddlers (4 years old and above) 100 yen 🚃Transportation: Yamagata Station by JR senzan line ➡ Yamadera Yamadera station only 19 minutes Ticket price: 242 yen #Sakura2024 #yamadera #yamagata #Yamagata #TravelJapanByYourself #Travel #Japan #japan #Temple

😊We have brought everyone to visit Yamadera Temple in the autumn foliage season. The feeling at that time was very different from now when everything was covered with white snow and the weather was very cold. It felt like we were traveling to the same place again. As I have told you before, the temple area covers a steep hill and is surrounded by a lush forest. Therefore, we can see the view of the forest and the village below the valley. Looking down from the viewpoint, everything is white because everything is covered with snow. It is a very beautiful picture. My heart is full. Even though it is the same place in a different season. It's like a different place, isn't it? 😊❄️🧣 ⛩️Yamadera Temple ⏰: 08:00 - 17:00 🎟️ Adults 300 yen, junior high school students 200 yen, young children (4 years old and above) 100 yen 🚃 Yamagata Station by JR senzan line ➡ Yamadera Yamadera station Only 19 minutes Ticket price: 242 yen 📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vhNYyqGiu1odxJM38 #yamadera #yamagata #yamagata #travelabroadbyyourself #traveljapanbyyourself #travel #japan #japan #travel #travelblogger #travel #japantravel #japantrip #Temple #Tohoku #snow #snow #winter #winter #sakura2024

Yamadera Temple is a temple located on a high mountain in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku Region, Japan. You can get there by train from Sendai Station and get off at Yamadera Station. Along the way up the mountain, you will find lush green scenery that is beyond words. The air is cool and there are sacred objects along the way to meditate. Or if you don't want to walk up 1,000 steps, the path around the mountain is good for viewing temperate trees. #discoveryourownjapan #japantohoku #yamagata

Ancient temple, Yamadera Temple #discoveryourownjapan #japantohoku #yamagata #yamadera Yamadera Temple is an ancient temple that is thousands of years old. It is located on a strangely shaped mountaintop. You have to climb 1015 steps. This temple is located in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku Region, Japan. It is easily accessible by train. From Sendai Station, get off at Yamadera Station and walk for a few minutes. The atmosphere of the temple is beautiful, shady, peaceful and very clean in a true Japanese style. From the top of the mountain, there is a viewpoint where you can see the entire city.

Yamadera is located in Yamagata prefecture, Tohoku region, Japan. Getting there is not difficult. You can take the train from Sendai station to Yaumadera station. It doesn't take long. From the station, you will find Yamadera Temple on a high mountain in just a few minutes' walk. It has beautiful and pleasant nature and cool weather. Especially in April to May, you can walk around and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling tired. This place is not very well-known (I think) because I walked for more than two hours and didn't see a single person. The soft pink of cherry blossoms, the red and orange of changing leaves, and the lush green of trees, happiness is truly within reach. #discoveryourownjapan #japantohoku #yamadera

#timetotravel Yama-dera (山寺, lit. "Mountain Temple"), (山号 宝珠山; Sangō Hōshu-zan) is the popular name for the Buddhist temple of Risshaku-ji (立石寺) located northeast of Yamagata City, in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Its main image is a hibutsu statue of Yakushi Nyōrai. The temple has been a place for pilgrimage for centuries, and is designated as both a Place of Scenic Beauty and as a National Historic Site[1] It is located within the borders of the Zaō Quasi-National Park. The temple buildings clinging to the steep, forested, rocky hillsides are picturesque and unusual.

Yamadera Temple, also known as Risshaku-ji Temple, is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Nestled amidst the scenic mountains, this temple offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility, making it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. Perched on the slopes of Mount Hoju, Yamadera Temple is known for its unique architectural design and its historical significance. The temple was founded in the 9th century and has since served as a place of worship and meditation. One of the highlights of visiting Yamadera Temple is the breathtaking ascent to the main hall. The temple is situated on a mountainside, and visitors must climb a stone staircase with over a thousand steps. As you make your way up, you'll be surrounded by nature and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests. The climb itself is an invigorating experience, offering a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top. Once you reach the main hall, you can explore the various smaller temples and shrines that dot the complex. Each one offers its own unique charm and historical significance. The temple grounds also feature beautiful gardens and scenic viewpoints that provide opportunities for reflection and peaceful contemplation. Yamadera Temple is especially captivating during the autumn and winter season when the surrounding mountains are adorned with vibrant hues of red, orange, gold or silvery white snow grounds. The temple becomes a popular spot for visitors to witness the breathtaking spectacle of both seasons. Yamadera Temple is truly a gem that embodies the essence of tranquility and spirituality in the heart of Yamagata Prefecture. How to get there: Take the local train from Yamagata Station. Get down at Yamadera station and walk across the river for about 10min. #japan #yamagata #yamadera #temple #buddhist #mountain #winter