Enjoy Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera), one of Yamagata's most popular tourist spots, to the fullest!

NEFT Editorial Department
2016.11.30
Last updated: 2025.11.12

table of contents

1 What is Yamadera?
2 Yamadera is a power spot!
3 Delicious gourmet food you can enjoy in Yamadera!
4 The autumn leaves are spectacular!
- 4.1 Risshakuji Temple <Information>

Yamagata-dera, commonly known as "Yamadera," located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is one of the prefecture's leading tourist attractions.
To reach Risshaku-ji Temple at the top, you must climb a series of stone steps. The view from the top is truly spectacular! It's a popular spot that attracts a constant stream of tourists.

What is Yamadera?

Yamadera is the common name for this Tendai sect temple, but its correct name is "Hojuzan Risshakuji." Risshakuji is said to have been founded by Jikaku Daishi during the Heian period

This is a historic temple where the famous Matsuo Basho is said to have visited and recited the famous line, "The silence of the cicadas' voices seeping into the rocks."

To visit Risshaku-ji Temple at the summit, you must first climb 1015 stone steps.
The steps begin at the trailhead. It is believed that climbing each step of the mountain temple's steps will cleanse you of worldly desires. Here are some tips for enjoying this historic temple, Yamadera.

Yamadera is a power spot!

In fact, Yamadera Temple is known as a power spot.
It is also called the "Temple of Severing Ties," and many people visit seeking the blessing of "cutting off bad ties and forming good ones."

As you begin your climb from the trailhead, the first thing you'll see is
the main hall of Risshaku-ji Temple, known as "Konponji Chudo." Here, a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is enshrined. It is only unveiled once every 50 years, and the statue is believed to offer the benefit of protecting people from evil. It has long been believed that making a wish there will sever bad ties, attract good ones, bring happiness, and improve one's life.

And among all the mountain temples, the one that is said to have the most power is "Kazouin."

Inside Kazoin Temple is a three-story pagoda that has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is enshrined in the shrine between the rocks on the right side

This is the world's smallest three-story pagoda, built using the same process as other pagodas.
These two locations are considered to have strong spiritual energy within the Yamadera temple complex, so please be sure to visit them.

Delicious gourmet food you can enjoy in Yamadera!

How about taking a break from your stroll and enjoying some tamakon? You'll want to eat tamakonnyaku that's soaked in flavor

Along the way to the summit, there are several places where you can sit and rest, allowing you to take a break and enjoy nature at your leisure.
In addition to konjac balls, Dadacha mochi is also popular! Dadacha mochi is a rice cake filled with sweet bean paste made from the fragrant "Dadacha beans" of Yamagata Prefecture.
The aroma of the Dadacha beans is wonderful, making it a popular item!

And speaking of Yamagata Prefecture, soba noodles are famous.
Of course, you can enjoy soba noodles at restaurants near Yamadera Temple!

Among them, the most popular soba restaurant is "Takifudo"

Yamagata is famous for its Itasoba (soba
noodles served on a wooden board). At Takifudo, you can enjoy 100% buckwheat soba
noodles that have been chilled and served on a wooden board, as well as Sarashina soba noodles made with spring water from Yamadera Temple. The noodles are known for their firm texture and smooth mouthfeel.
Tempura assortment and cold meat soba are also popular menu items!

The autumn leaves are spectacular!

Yamadera Temple is transformed into a vibrantly colorful landscape, especially during the autumn foliage season

Many tourists visit the temple specifically to see this view.
Among them, the "Godai-do" hall, located halfway up the mountain, is a popular spot to admire the autumn foliage.

Yamadera Temple (view from Godaido Hall)

Looking down at the foothills, a vibrant landscape unfolds before your eyes. Godaido is a spot where you can enjoy the scenery regardless of the season. The
best time to see the autumn leaves at Yamadera is from late October to early November every year.

Why not take a stroll to Yamadera Temple, which shows off different faces throughout the four seasons, wearing comfortable clothes and bringing your camera?