About
Yamadera means “Mountain Temple,” although its real name is Hojusanrishaku-Ji. Yamadera can be best enjoyed during the winter. During Winter the nearby mountains are submerged in a sea of white snow; or during Autumn when the area bursts into colours. Regardless of the time of year, the temple is a photographer’s dream in all four seasons.
The Risshaku temple (Yamadera) founded in 860 AD. The renowned haiku poet Basho composed one of his most famous poems here. It was founded by Jikaku Taishi. Taishi-san also established Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima and the temples Chusonji and Motsuji in Hiraizumi.
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amadera base section, which can be easily accessed from the road. However a mountain section requires some hiking experience.
The mountain section consists of a thousand-step staircase. It also knowns as a Stairway to heaven. It typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes through a scenic forest, past interesting stone sculptures, intimate prayer halls, and rock formations.
Above all when you reach Godaido near the top, you will be mesmerised with breathtaking views of the valley and town below, especially in the Japanese winter season.
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How To Get There
Address
By Train
It is a 6~8 minute walks from Yamadera station; however, you have a couple of options to reach there.
Option-1:
From Tokyo Station, Take Tsubasa Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station at Yamagata City ( 2 hr 45 minutes and cost 11,550 Yen). And take Senzen line to JR Yamadera Station ( 17 minutes and cost 240 yen).
Option-2:
From Tokyo Station, Take Hayabusa Tohuku-Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sendai Station at Sendai ( 1 hr 32 minutes and cost 11,410 Yen). And take Senzen line to JR Yamadera Station ( 1 hr 5 minutes and cost 860 yen).
By Road
A bus runs hourly from the east exit at JR Yamadera Station. It is an hourly service to Yamadera.
If buses are not available or canceled due to weather conditions, it is also good to take a taxi. It starts from JR Yamadera station to Risshaku Temple Yamadera. It cost approximately 6,000 yen one way.
Cost
Entrance Fee: 300 Yen
Hours of Operation: 8:00 to 17:00
Tour Guide: Fee: 2,300 Yen (Tour: 2000 Yen, Entrance Fee: 300 Yen)
Important Links/Websites
- Kanto Tesudo Bus Yamadera Official Website
https://www.yamaderakankou.com (Japanese website) - Japan National Tourism Website
https://www.japan.travel/en (English Website) - Sightseeing Guide
https://www.yamaderakankou.com/pamphlet/index.html (Japanese website) - Miyagi Tourism
https://visitmiyagi.com (English website) - Yamagata Tourism official
https://yamagatakanko.com (Japanese website but translation available)
