Autumn is the season for sightseeing! Can you climb Mt. Yamadera even if you're not very fit?

Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple, a Tendai sect temple located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture,
is a nationally renowned scenic spot and a famous mountain temple.

The breathtaking views from there, along with the numerous temples known as power spots, make it a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. However, the temples themselves are located deep in the mountains, living up to their name as mountain temples.
Some people who don't get enough exercise might be put off by the prospect.

So in this article, I, a physically inactive person, will motivate myself to climb Mt. Yamadera and report on the highlights

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Climb 1050 steps!

The number 1050 steps is a perfect way to describe just how challenging the climb to Yamadera is.
To give you an idea of ​​how high that is, it's roughly equivalent to climbing to the top of a 42-story building.
It's a mind-boggling number.

In the past, this height was used to create a super-high slide for visitors on their way back down, but it was reportedly closed because the speed was so high that visitors frequently burned their bottoms. This shows that it's
not just high, but the angle is also extremely steep.

However, when I looked at the ages of the visitors, I saw that most were over 60 years old, so I thought that even though I'm not very active I could probably manage to climb the mountain, so I mustered up my courage and immediately gave it a try

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Konponji Temple Main Hall

The first thing we encountered when we started climbing was the main hall of Nemoto-ji Temple.
This is the main hall of Risshaku-ji Temple, where the statue of Yakushi Nyorai, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is enshrined.

Visitors can also receive a temple seal, so there were a huge number of visitors lining up on the day

It takes about 30 steps to get there, so there's still plenty of time

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trailhead

A short distance from the main hall, you will be greeted by statues of Basho and Sora.
Matsuo Basho was at Yamadera

The quietness of the cicadas seeping into the rocks

He left behind the following poem, and this statue was erected in his honor

Leaving the statue of Basho behind and continuing a little further, you'll finally reach the trailhead.
After paying the entrance fee here, the battle of the remaining 900 steps or so begins!

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Basho Memorial Monument/Haiku Monument

We've probably gone up about 400 steps.
A landing-like area opens up, and a place appears where you can take a breather.

There's a large bench there, so I'll sit down and take a break.
I'm definitely getting tired.

As I sat and looked around, I spotted the "Basho Memorial Monument/Haiku Monument."
It has text and haiku about Risshaku-ji Temple from Oku no Hosomichi written on it, but unfortunately, it's a little difficult to read.

After a five-minute rest, I regained my strength and it was time to get going

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Can you see the goal?

After walking up a little way from the rest area, a large gate came into view

Is this perhaps the finish line!?
1050 steps isn't as big a deal as I thought!

I was so happy that I quickened my pace

but…

The real challenge is yet to come!
In fact, the relentless stair climb began from this point.

By the way, this is the Niomon Gate.
There are 654 steps.
That means there's still a little over 30% left to go.

But let's do our best!

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Visiting the shrine by car

At the top of the climb was Kinjoin Temple, whose principal image is the Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva.
The way of praying here is a little unusual.

The challenge is to spin this car around in a circle.
The key is to spin it slowly.

This is called a pincoro guruma and represents the jewel and shakujo that are held by Jizo Bodhisattva Enmei

Stay healthy and vibrant forever

When the time finally comes,

Please visit the temple for your family, friends, and yourself while praying to Jizo Bodhisattva for the protection of life

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Obinzuru-sama appears!

After climbing a little further, you reach the 984th step.
At this point, the surroundings suddenly open up.

There was Neutral Academy and a mysterious bronze statue

This Buddha statue is called "Obinzuru-sama" and is a "stroking Buddha."
There is a legend that stroking the statue will grant you longevity.

Another thing that surprised me was this

Where the post was

Apparently, mail is collected once a day.
The postman who has to go up and down these stairs every day must have a really tough job!
Keep up the good work!

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Arrived at the inner sanctuary!

Leaving Chusei-in Temple behind, we climbed a few stairs and finally arrived at the top of Yamadera Temple!

This is the inner sanctuary!

I finally made it to the very top!
I'm also happy that I still have quite a bit of energy left.
It turns out you can do it even if you're out of shape!

I had offered prayers at various places since starting my ascent, but this was my last prayer.
With deep emotion, I bowed my head and left the inner sanctuary.

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There's still plenty to see! Enjoy Yamadera to the very end!

However, there are still many more sights to see at Yamadera Temple.
If you have the energy, be sure to check them all out.

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Kegon-in Temple

Just before reaching the inner sanctuary, there is a side path, and if you follow it for a while, you will arrive at Kegon-in Temple.
Here you will find the "Three-Storied Miniature Pagoda," which is a nationally important cultural property.

It's a little hard to see in the photo, but there is an intricately crafted small three-story pagoda standing inside

By the way, the view from here is also worth seeing, so don't forget to check it out!

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Kaizando

This Kaisan-do Hall is the hall dedicated to Jikaku Daishi, who founded Risshakuji Temple

When it comes to photos of Yamadera Temple, the founder's hall and sutra hall are must-sees.
Capture the best photos with your camera so you can brag to your friends, "I went to Yamadera Temple!"

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It's okay if you don't get enough exercise!

Despite being out of shape, I attempted to climb a mountain temple and successfully made it to
the top! I was exhausted halfway up, but the feeling of liberation when the view opened up instantly wiped away my fatigue. The descent was smooth, and all that remained in my body was a feeling of well-being.

Even though I wasn't getting enough exercise, I was able to enjoy it

Of course, I had muscle pain the next day (lol)

Why not give up just because you're not getting enough exercise and give climbing a try?

INFORMATION

• Name: Mt. Hoju Risshakuji Temple
• Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-3301
• Phone number: 023-695-2002
• Official URL:http://www.rissyakuji.jp/

GOOGLE MAP

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