2025 Yamadera Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#1月好去地方2025 When I first saw the temple built on the cliff, I wanted to go and check it out. Climb up thousands of stone steps and pass rows of stone lanterns to reach different temples and observation decks, where you can take in the beautiful scenery. The mountain temple has different looks in each season. When I went there last time, I could see cherry blossom rain, which was extremely romantic. 🍡 Specialty food: Konjac balls and taro stew 📍Address: Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 🚗 Transportation: Ten minutes walk from JR "Yamadera Station" to the entrance #日本景点 #银山温泉 #小惈出走记

A mountain temple in winter. The air was clear and it was enveloped in silence. I went there alone last year, and I felt like Basho as I strolled around lol There were several souvenir shops at the foot of the mountain, and I talked to an old lady inside. She told me that the number of tourists has been decreasing recently 😭 I wonder if it's surprisingly unknown nationwide 🤔 What do you think? It's a wonderful place, so it's a temple that I definitely want you to visit at least once! ⏰ Business hours: 8:00-17:00 Other: Open all year round 🚘 Parking: Parking lot next to Konponchudo, Yamadera trailhead parking lot Yamadera parking lot, Yamadera station parking lot, etc. (All 500 yen) 💰 Fee: Adults 300 yen Others 4 years old to elementary school students 100 yen Junior high school students 200 yen Group benefits 240 yen (30 people or more) 📝 Note: A great spot for all seasons✨ 📍"Yamadera/Risshakuji" 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 📸Camera: iPhone 10 👨‍💻Edit: Lightroom —————————————————————— #tourist spots #tourist spots #tourist spots #travel #travel spots #travel lovers #want to connect with other travel lovers #Yamagata prefecture #Yamagata city #Yamagata tourism #Yamadera #Risshakuji #temple #temple #temple tour #temple bulletin board #want to connect with other temple lovers #temple lover #temple yoga #temple market #bargain information #retro townscape

Risshakuji Temple is a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture. After climbing a thousand steps, a magnificent view spreads out before you at the top. It's cool in the summer, perfect for hiking. You can hear the chirping of insects and birds, and it's a place that is somehow soothing. It's perfect for escaping the summer heat! #breathtakingviews #hiking

We went to Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture. There was a shrine before climbing the stairs, so we paid a visit. The water fortune telling was interesting. You put the fortune telling slip in the water and the result appears. I was very happy because the result was very good 😋 I recommend everyone to go there too. #shrine#mountain climbing

Mountain Temple (Risshakuji) is located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, and is a renowned temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Master Jikaku Ennin in 860 AD. It gained fame nationwide due to the haiku master Matsuo Basho, who wrote the famous verse "Silence, seeps into the rocks, the sound of cicadas" in his work "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." The temple is also famous for the breathtaking view after climbing its thousand stone steps. From Yamagata Station, take the JR Senzan Line to "Yamadera Station" (about 25 minutes). From Yamadera Station, it's about a 5-minute walk to the trailhead. If you visit in winter, crampons are necessary. In summer, make sure to bring enough supplies as the climb requires some physical effort. A recommended stay is around three hours. 🕰️ Operating Hours: Mountain trail for worship: 08:00–17:00 (may close earlier in winter) 💰 Average Cost: Adults: ¥300

🏞️ [Yamagata, Yamadera (Risshakuji)] A magnificent view and inner tranquility await you at the top of a thousand stone steps Risshakuji, affectionately known as "Yamadera," is an ancient temple famous for Matsuo Basho's poem "The quietness of the cicadas seeping into the rocks." The magnificent view from the Godaido Hall at the top is breathtakingly beautiful. This is a representative spot in Yamagata where silence, nature, and history intersect. ⸻ 🌟Highlights and Experience Points ・The journey up the approximately 1,000 stone steps is a "training experience" that will put your mind and nature in order ・The temples and Buddhist statues scattered along the way give a sense of the depth of history ・The panoramic view of the Yamagata Basin from the "Godai-do" at the top is breathtaking 🚉Access ・About a 5-minute walk from JR Senzan Line "Yamadera Station" ・About an hour by train from Sendai Station 🍁Recommended Seasons ・The fresh greenery (May to June) and autumn leaves (mid-October to early November) are especially recommended ・Visiting the temple in the snowy winter scenery is also fantastic (please take measures to protect yourself from the cold and prevent slipping) 👟Travel Tips ・Wear comfortable shoes and bring drinks with you for peace of mind ・Reward yourself after the climb at a cafe or soba restaurant around Yamadera Station ・A perfect place to collect temple stamps ⸻ #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Trip #Yamadera #Risshakuji Temple #Beautiful spots #Solo trip #Couple trip #Domestic trip #Absolutely free trip ⸻

The mountain temple has always been a tourist attraction I wanted to visit, and it lived up to my expectations. It is well worth the climb. I would like to come again in winter if I have the chance to experience a different style.

This trip was to watch an ice show, so we stayed in downtown Sendai. If you don’t have a JR pass, you can only search for nearby attractions. Mountain Temple, I have seen him in his green and lush state~ I wonder if he is still magnificent under the white snow. Take the train to Yamagata and watch the snow getting thicker and thicker I know the mountain temple is getting closer and closer to me~ I met a warm-hearted fellow countryman on the road and shared the moment when the tram passed by. The cold wind is biting, but it does not reduce my eager heart The scenery under the snow, the open sky and the mountain temple became the biggest highlight of this trip! Recommended for travelers who love both natural scenery and humanities After coming to Shansi to calm down, my courage has doubled, and I feel like nothing can stump me anymore! #yamadera #yamagata #日本北东

Risshaku-ji Temple, located in Yamagata, northeastern Japan, is the inspiration for the poet Matsuo Basho's description of "silence seeping into the rocks." This thousand-year-old temple is built on the mountain, hidden among the green pines and cypresses. The stone steps wind up, leading you into the perfect blend of Zen and nature. Whether it’s fiery red leaves in autumn or picturesque snowscapes in winter, mountain temples are a place of spiritual tranquility no matter when you visit. 🪨✨ The soul of the mountain temple: Thousands of stone steps and five main halls Starting from the foot of the mountain temple, slowly climb up the 1,015 stone steps, with each step accompanied by bird calls and pine wind. The chapels and stone Buddhas along the way exude an ancient atmosphere, making people feel the accumulation of time. The five main halls after reaching the top are the best viewing spots, overlooking the mountain plains and distant mountains. The broad view is refreshing. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, climb slowly, and experience this journey of physical and mental purification. 🌄 Strolling around: The retro atmosphere of Yamadera-machi The small town around Yamadera retains a strong Showa style, and the old wooden houses and traditional shops are very interesting. We recommend trying a bowl of hand-made soba noodles at Yamadera Soba at the foot of the mountain. The refreshing soup and chewy noodles are unforgettable. The environment inside the store is antique and the greenery outside the window is lush, perfectly blending into the quiet atmosphere of the mountain temple. 🍜 Tips for taking photos and checking in 1. Overlooking the Five Halls: Stand at the Five Halls to take pictures of the panoramic view of the valley. The red leaves or snowy scenery are particularly stunning. Remember to capture the details of the wooden buildings. 2. Stone Stairs: Take photos of people and scenery on the stone steps, with a bit of hazy light and shadow to show more Zen. 3. Mountain Gate Entrance: The stone bridge and red mountain gate at the entrance of the mountain temple are classic check-in spots. It is recommended to take photos in the early morning to avoid crowds. Useful Information • Location: 4456-1 Ojiyamaji Temple, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan (Tateishiji Temple) • Transportation: Take the Senzan Line from JR Yamagata Station to Yamadera Station, which takes about 20 minutes, and then walk for 5 minutes to the entrance of Yamadera • Admission fee: 300 yen (Adults) • Best time to visit: Autumn (October-November for red leaves) or Winter (December-February for snow) • Recommended duration: 2-3 hours, including climbing and walking around Why do you recommend Yamadera? Yama Temple is not only a temple, but also a spiritual pilgrimage. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, stroll along the stone steps of the thousand-year-old temple, listen to the pine wind, see the red leaves, and feel the tranquility and power of nature. This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a must-visit place for travelers seeking inner peace. Come to the mountain temple and find your own Zen moment! 🙏🍁 Check-in location: #山 Temple (Lishi Temple), #五大堂

I went to Yamadera, a Buddhist temple surrounded by greenery. The view from the Godaido hall on the cliff is spectacular, and the fresh, clear air and bright scenery make you feel glad to have visited. The ancient stone steps continue to the top of the mountain, which is good exercise, but it may be a little difficult for those with weak legs. Of course, there are many temples at the foot of the mountain, so there is also a course to visit them. This is a temple that Matsuo Basho also visited, so you can remember his footsteps. The shop near the top has postcards and stamps, and you can even mail them from the postbox next to it. It makes a great, unusual souvenir. 📍Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3301 #0 yen trip

✵ 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

Yamadera Temple, the temple of Yamagata's name. To get there, you can take the train from Yamagata, Senzan Line, and get off at Yamadera Station, then walk straight away. The entrance fee to the temple is 300 yen, but the way up the mountain is very steep, with about 1000 steps. Each step has large, shady trees, but it is also very tiring. You have to rest at intervals. But when you reach the highest point, you see the view below and your tiredness disappears. It would be especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.

Yamadera (山寺) is a scenic temple located in the mountains northeast of Yamagata City. The stone path up the mountain has about 1000 steps.

Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture was a tranquil and relaxing place, perfect for a girls' getaway. There are a whopping 1,115 towering steps! It was a bit tiring in the middle of summer, but climbing the stone steps one step at a time and clearing your mind in the depths of nature was a truly luxurious experience. When we reached the top, we were moved by the magnificent view that unfolded below us, and felt free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The historic temple and the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons seemed to permeate deep into our souls. It was an unforgettable trip that refreshed both body and mind in the amount of physical exertion.

Woke up early and reach Yamadera around 7am. The weather was very hot and apparently that day recorded the highest temperature in Japan - 38 degree celcius in Spring. It took us roughly 1.5 hours to reach the top as there are 1,000 steps to climb. We are not a regular hiker thus we took a few stops during our way to the top. The view is very breath taking and it's really worth it to reach to the top. You will feel that all the tiredness is gone when you see the beautiful scenery. You will have to pay 500 yens upon entering the attraction. Bear in mind that there bare no restaurant at the top and shops are only selling souvenir and bottled water. Do write and send a postcard there as you get a limited edition stamp on your postcard. There are a lot of restaurant at the bottom of the mountain and its open starting at 10 or 11am. Take note on the train schedule as the JR doesn't stop that frequently. #yamadera #yamagata #may2023 #hiking #japan

Yamadera is a historic temple founded in 860⁡ You can visit the temple by climbing 1,015 steps💡⁡ ⁡ However, when I arrived in the evening, the temple gate was closed and I couldn't go to the top😅⁡ ⁡ It was a little disappointing, but⁡ I was able to eat the famous Chikara Konnyaku, Yamagata gourmet ita soba, taro stew, and zunda mochi, and everything was delicious and I was very satisfied!! ️⁡ ⁡ There are retro sights in the area, such as Yamadera Station and Yamadera Hotel, so if you want to go from the mountain gate to the top and enjoy the food, it might be a good idea to have about half a day⏰⁡ ⁡ Make sure you have plenty of time🎵⁡ ⁡ ---------------------------------------------------------⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡ ⁡ [Hojusan Risshakuji (Yamadera) and surrounding area]⁡ ⁡ ◼️Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture⁡ ⁡ ◼️Phone number: 023-695-2002⁡ ◼️Opening hours: 08:00-16:00⁡ ⁡ ◼️Parking: Available (paid) #domestictrip #yamagata #yamagatatourism #yamagatatrip

The 1015 steps of Risshakuji, a famous tourist attraction in Yamadera, Yamagata Prefecture! In reality, it seems like there were a few more steps... If you climb quickly, you can get through it in 1 hour! You can see beautiful scenery... Find delicious soba nearby!

I came during winter and summer, and braved the slippery, snowy, wet treacherous climb (then descent) to get to Yamadera. I was justly rewarded with beautiful views and the experience of having accomplished something special. Challenges and worthwhile to visit. Thousands steps to climb up. Very tired but very happy to go up around the forest and Japanese style sculpture amongst the way. There is also an admission fee to go up #songkran2024#mytravelhacks#cherryblossom2024#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip#trip#instatravel#goodfoods#langkawi#foodphotography#chinatown#ipoh#temples#siemreap#familyfun#คาเฟ่ห้ามพลาด#edinburgh

The mountain temples in Yamagata are really beautiful in winter It's worth the 1.5 hour round trip #山寺 #山形县 Most of the time I take the stairs. Most uphill ladders have handrails or cables. I really have to go and see it if I have a chance.

When arriving in Yamagata City, you must stop by a temple called Yamadera Temple, which can be reached from Yamagata Station > Yamadera. This year, we went 2 days before New Year. There were quite a few people. The atmosphere, the weather was nice and cold, single digits, very comfortable. There is an entrance fee of 300 yen to support the temple. Walk up 1,000 steps, but it seems to be more than 55. Z😁

It takes 20 minutes by train from Yamagata Station to Yamadera Station. After exiting the station, you can walk for 10 minutes to the entrance of the Yamadera Kazekage area. There is a big tree near the entrance, named "Goshinki". The trunk is very thick and full of yellow leaves, and the ground is also covered with fallen yellow leaves. It takes about 1,000 steps from the foot of the mountain to the top. There are many tall upright trees along the way, which is very spectacular. The leaves on the top of the mountain are of many colors, including red, yellow, and green, which is very beautiful. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can see the entire mountain temple area from a distance, which feels like European scenery. The whole journey takes only about two hours.

During my trip to Sendai, I visited Yamadera in Yamagata 🍐 While enjoying sightseeing at Yamadera, I went to Risshakuji ⛩️ I read "The quietness of the cicadas soaking into the rocks" written in Oku no Hosomichi, visited Konponchudo and Hie Shrine, climbed the mountain, and visited Risshakuji! However, it was raining on the day I visited, so it was foggy ☔️Because of the fog, the scenery was pure white like a sea of ​​clouds, and I felt like I was in a castle in the sky ☁️ Next time, I'd like to visit when the weather is nice! After visiting the temple, I ate Yamagata's cherry soft serve ice cream! #solotravel #tohokutrip #tohoku #yamagatatourism #yamadera #risshakuji

Location: Near Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture Shop: Ogasawara Orchard Address: 1973-516 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Budget: About 1,400 yen Yamagata Prefecture cherries are in season from June to July. Since they are only available for a limited time, it is recommended to plan early. Information for June 2022 #Eastern Japan #Photogenic Spots #Gourmet Food #Outdoors #Yamagata Prefecture