Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Greenland
Mexico
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Temple · Yamagata, Yamagata
Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)
A 9th-century Buddhist temple on a rocky mountain northeast of Yamagata, with about a thousand stone steps among cedars up to the upper halls and the Godaido viewpoint over the valley.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Yamadera (Risshaku-ji) in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)
Risshaku-ji, known as Yamadera, is a Tendai temple traditionally founded in 860 by the monk Ennin. It sits on Mount Hoju, a slope of volcanic rock to the northeast of Yamagata city, above the Tachiya River valley. The halls are spread up the mountain from the base to the summit, connected by a stairway.
At the base is the Konponchudo, the main hall, rebuilt in the 14th century and designated an Important Cultural Property. There burns a Buddhist flame that, according to the temple, came from Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei near Kyoto. From there, about a thousand stone steps climb between tall cedars, passing the Niomon gate and rocks with niches, statues and memorial inscriptions.
At the top are the Okunoin, the inner hall, and several smaller pavilions. The most photographed is the Godaido, a wooden balcony attached to the rock edge, offering wide views of the valley, the village and the mountains. The small Nokyodo, perched on a cliff, is another familiar image of the temple.
The poet Matsuo Basho climbed Yamadera in 1689 and wrote there the haiku about silence that penetrates the rocks with the cicadas’ voices. A statue of him and a stone with the poem stand on the path. The ascent takes 30 minutes to an hour and requires stamina; in winter, the steps can be covered with snow and ice.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the ascent, the upper halls and the descent.
Best time
From late October to early November, when maples usually color the mountain; from May to July, with the green and the cicadas. Early, before the groups. In winter, the steps may have snow and ice. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
From Yamagata Station, the Senzan Line takes about 20 minutes to Yamadera Station; from Sendai, about one hour. The temple entrance is about a 5-minute walk from the station, across the river.
Tip
Bring water and ascend slowly, resting on the landings. Save the Godaido for the end of the climb for the view. On the way back, try the skewered konnyaku sold near the entrance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)
How many steps does Yamadera have?
About a thousand stone steps between the entrance and the Okunoin at the top. The climb takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Are Yamadera and Risshaku-ji the same place?
Yes. Risshaku-ji is the temple’s official name; Yamadera, “mountain temple,” is the popular name, also used for the station and the village.
What is Basho’s haiku at Yamadera?
It is the poem about silence and the cicadas’ voice that pierces the rocks, written in 1689. A stone with the haiku and a statue of the poet stand along the path.
Can you climb Yamadera in winter?
Generally yes, but the steps can have snow and ice. Wear slip-resistant footwear and check conditions before you go.
Beyond the guide
