Hiking to Risshaku-ji: Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple
Risshaku-ji, more commonly known as Yamadera Temple or Japan’s “Mountain Temple,” is a scenic Buddhist temple located in the the beautiful mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. With a history dating back over a thousand years, Yamadera Temple remains a popular destination for pilgrims and is quite popular among tourists due to the breathtaking views, scenic hike, and ancient temples. With more then 1,000 stone steps to reach Risshaku-ji, hiking to Yamadera Temple is no easy task but the reward is worth every step, trust me the views are worth it!
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Yamadera Temple was founded in the year 860. The official name is Risshaku-ji but it has adopted the name Yamadera Temple meaning “Mountain Temple.”
To the northeast of Yamagata City, tucked away on what appears to be the side of a mountain is a complex of temples terraced along the mountainside.
Risshaku-ji was founded by a Buddhist monk by the name of Jigaku Daishi who belonged to the Tendai sect. The Tendai sect is the study of Mahayana Buddhism in Japan. It’s roots belonging to China.Jigaku Daishi chose Risshaku-ji as his base to influence his teaching in this mountainous region.
Today, visitors can hike the 1,105 steps to Yamadera Temple and explore the beauty of this temple.
Hiking to and Exploring Yamadera Temple
Most visitors coming from Sendai or Yamagata City will arrive to Yamadera Temple via train. There is a JR Senzan Line that stops at Yamadera Station.
From Yamadera Station, there are helpful sings with directions to the entrance and trailhead. From the station it is about a 5-10 minute walk to the trailhead.
For those, like us that rented a vehicle. There is plenty of parking at the foot of the mountain. We found most places charged ¥500 for parking.
After following the signs to the Risshaku-ji Mountain Trail Start, we found ourselves facing the Konponchudo Risshaku-ji. When facing it we turned left and walked until we found the trailhead. There is a fee of ¥300 to enter Yamadera Temple.
To see Yamadera Temple, visitors first must hike up 1,015 steps to the temple. There is no elevator or escalator, sorry! The hike takes roughly 15-30 minutes depending on how athletic you are or if you are like me and take photos very 15 steps. In general, the stairs are small and easy to walk on so the hike felt much easier then anticipated.
After passing through the Niomon Gate, we headed left to the overlook of Godaido Risshaku-ji. Honestly, some of the best and most impressive views I’ve seen in Japan. I must have taken 100+ photos and stood here for a solid 15 minutes in awe. Standing here, I realized that the view at Godaido Risshaku-ji might just be the prettiest view in all of Japan.
We then made our way to Daibutsuden Risshaku-ji passing by several smaller temples.
After exploring the whole complex at Yamadera Temple, we headed back down the 1,105 steps to the bottom. Trust me, going down was much easier then going up!
Popular Questions About Yamadera Temple
- How Many Steps are there to Yamadera Temple?
There are 1,015 stone steps that lead to Risshaku-ji - How Long Does it Take to Hike to Yamadera Temple?
Ascending to the top of Japan’s Mountain Temple can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. I believe we hikes to Yamadera Temple in under 30 minutes. Going down will take much less time, anywhere from 10-30 minutes. - Is Yamadera Temple Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Yamadera Temple might be one of my favorite spots in Japan. It’s a stunning area rich in history and beauty.
Side Trip to Tarumize Remains
Not far from the beautiful temple of Risshaku-ji is a beautiful hike with a hidden temple in a unique geological setting.
Mine no Ura Tarumizu Iseki or the Tarumizu Remains is a natural religious site. There is a 1.5 hour hike but the 15 minute hike to the Torii gate is definitely the highlight of the whole hike.
The Torii gate is set up on a rock in a cave like feature that was formed by erosion. Visitors can view the Torii gate and the small shrine to the harvest deity.
To get to Mine no Ura Tarumizu we drove the road Yamadera train station to a small parking lot in front of Senjuin shrine and took the trail until reaching the Torii gate. Apparently there are bears and monkeys in the area so be bear aware and use common sense!
For those that want to walk to Mine no Ura Tarumizu from the bottom of Risshaku-ji, walk passed Yamadera Cemetery, keep left until you see a big Torii gate with a railroad track behind it. Be careful as you cross the tracks and you’ll find your self at Senjuin. From the shrine, there are signs pointing toward Mine no Ura Tarumizu.
Conclusion
Possibly one of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples I’ve visited in Japan, Yamadera Temple is situated in a breathtaking environment . Climbing the 1,105 stars to the top was well worth the exercise. Risshaku-ji has a rich history paired with with a beautiful atmosphere, no wonder why so many people want to visit Yamagata’s famous “Mountain Temple”.
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