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Yamadera 山寺

Risshaku-ji

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · On our list

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Visiting Yamadera today

  • What it is: A mountainside temple founded in 860, reached by 1,015 stone steps through cedar forest to halls perched on cliffs. The poet Basho wrote a famous haiku here.
  • Getting there: The trail entrance is about 5 minutes on foot from JR Yamadera Station on the Senzan Line between Yamagata and Sendai.
  • Hours: April–November 8:00–16:00 (gates close 17:00); December–March 8:30–15:00 (gates close 16:00). Times may shift with weather and sunset.
  • Admission: ¥500 adults, ¥200 children (age 4 and up), cash only. Raised from April 2025.
  • Tip: Allow about an hour each way. The Godaido hall gives the best valley view.
Best time
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  3. M
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  6. J
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Fresh green in early summer; autumn leaves late October to early November

Checked against: 参拝 - 宝珠山 立石寺 · 山寺観光協会 · Yamadera / Risshaku-ji Temple (STAY YAMAGATA). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Yamadera on Shibuya246

We haven't been yet, so there are no photos here. The notes above come from official sources and are checked every quarter. Our own photos and story will appear here after we visit.