Let's fully enjoy Tateishokuji Temple (Yamadera), one of Yamagata's leading sightseeing spots!

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>

Yamadera, commonly known as "Yamadera" in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is one of the prefecture's leading tourist spots.
You can climb the stone steps to reach Risshakuji Temple at the top. The view you see after reaching the top is truly spectacular! It is a popular spot that is constantly visited by 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 Risshakuji Temple at the top, you must first climb 1,015 stone steps.
The steps begin at the trailhead. It is believed that climbing the stone steps of Yamadera Temple, one by one, will help you to eliminate your worldly desires. Here are some tips for enjoying this historic temple.

Yamadera is a power spot!

Yamadera is actually known as a power spot.
It is also known as the temple of "disengagement," and many people visit the temple hoping to receive blessings such as "cutting off bad ties and making good ones."

As you begin your ascent from the trailhead, the first thing you'll see is the Konponji Chudo,
the main hall of Risshakuji Temple. The Yakushi Nyorai statue, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is enshrined here. It is only open to the public once every 50 years, and the statue is said to have the power to protect people from evil deeds. It has long been believed that if you make a connection here, you will be able to cut off bad ties and find good ones, bringing you happiness and improving your 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

It is the smallest three-story pagoda in the world, and was made using the same process as the other pagodas.
These two places are said to have the strongest power among the mountain temples, so be sure to visit.

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

On the way to the summit, there are several places where you can sit and rest, so you can take a break and spend some time relaxing and enjoying the nature.
In addition to Tamakon, Dadacha Mochi is also popular! Dadacha Mochi is a rice cake filled with bean paste made from Yamagata's fragrant Dadacha beans.
The aroma of Dadacha beans is very nice, making it a popular dish!

Yamagata Prefecture is also famous for its soba noodles,
and of course you can enjoy them at restaurants near Yamadera!

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

Yamagata is famous for its ita soba noodles.
At Takifudo, you can enjoy 100% buckwheat soba noodles that have been dried in the cold, as well as Sarashina soba noodles made with spring water from Yamadera.
The soba noodles are highly rated for their firm texture and smooth texture.
Tempura platters and cold meat soba noodles are also popular dishes!

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 to see this view,
and among them, the Godaido Hall, located halfway up the mountain, is a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves.

Yamadera Temple (view from Godaido Hall)

Looking down at the Satoyama, 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?