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Yamadera, Risshakuji Temple: the best temple in Yamagata

Yamadera, its official name is Risshakuji Temple, is a temple located in Yamagata prefecture. Yamadera literally means “mountain temple.” As the name describes, Yamadera stands along the steep mountain, and there are 1,015 steps towards the main building “Okunoin.” It is pretty much work to go up such number of stairs in a mountain. However, it turned out to be the best temple I have ever visited.

Yamadera Temple

About Yamadera

Yamadera was founded in AD860 (it’s surprising, over a thousand years ago!) by the priest Jikaku Daishi. Yamadera is also known for a visit by the famous poet Matsuo Basho. He composed one of his most famous poems here in Yamadera.

Basho’s original work is buried here under the stone.

Basho’s original work is buried here under the stone.

Once you get off the Yamadera Station, you will see a map. The map shows the way to the mountain entrance, and the path is pretty clear, so I think there is no worry about getting lost. It’s about 5 minutes walk from the station.

The map of Yamadera and around the area in front of the station.

The map of Yamadera and around the area in front of the station.

You will get to see the mountain instantly as you start walking.

You will get to see the mountain instantly as you start walking.

Walking towards the entrance. There are few restaurants and gift shops.

Walking towards the moutain entrance. There are few restaurants and gift shops.

Such a cute sign

Such a cute sign!

Once you reach the entrance, the journey to go up 1,015 steps starts.

The sign showing the start of the steps

The sign showing the start of the steps

Walk up 1,015 steps to the summit of Yamadera

To get an astonishing view from the summit, you will have to walk up 1,015 steps. There are stone lanterns and Jizo statues in the surrounding forests that make the hike very scenic and never get bored.

Forests along the way

Forests continue along the way

Also, there are a few sights to stop by, such as the Basho’s stone introduced above and few others. It takes about an hour to an hour half to the summit if you walk and stop by such sights.

Risshakuji Temple Hondo

Risshakuji Temple Hondo, the mail building.

Hundreds of small Jizos

Hundreds of small Jizos.

Statues like this all around. Never bored to walk around.

You will see statues like this all through the hike. Never bored to walk around.

Statues continue in the forests

Great atmosphere

Get the fantastic view at Godaido

After going up thousand some steps, you will reach a place like a plaza.

A place like a plaza, connected to Godaido

You can get this famous view of Yamadera here.

The iconic building of Yamadera Temple

Have you seen a picture of this?

Finally, you will reach Godaido Hall. This wooden porch gives you sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Godaido Hall

Godaido Hall

Godaido Hall sticks out.

Godaido Hall sticks out.

The view from Godaido Hall

The view from Godaido Hall. I went there in March so still, some snow left in the town.

Also, do not forget to visit the Okunoin temple in the back. Note that the building is closed during winter, so you can not see inside, but accepting visitors.

Okunoin of Yamadera

Okunoin of Yamadera Temple

Hike at Yamadera, Risshakuji Temple was a memorable experience, and it was definitely one of the highlights of my visit to Tohoku. I strongly recommend this place to anyone who visits Yamagata Prefecture.

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