One thousand steps to Yamagata’s most iconic spot.
Built over 1,000 years ago, Yamadera Temple is one of northern Japan’s most picturesque spots and a must-visit destination in the Tohoku region.
The mountain temple
Make your way up the 1,000 steps.
Yamagata’s“mountain temple” as it translates to, can be best enjoyed during the winter when the nearby mountains are submerged in a sea of white, or during Autumn, when the area bursts into color. However, the temple is a photographer’s dream at any time of the year.
From Yamadera Station, it’s only a five-minute walk to reach the base of the temple, where you can begin your ascent.The quiet atmosphere makes Yamadera a spiritual escape.
Hiking Yamadera
The quiet pathway to the top of Yamadera Temple.
The ascent up the mountain’s 1,000 steps typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes. It’s not a difficult climb, but the journey through the forest is half the adventure. Eye-catching shrines and amusing statues placed carefully along the route compliment stone lanterns leading the way.
Along the path, you’ll see many temples and landmarks such as the Mida Hora stone carved walls, or the Niomon Gate standing a bit further away. At the very top of the hike is the Kaisando Hall which is dedicated to the temple founder, Jikaku Daishi.
Quite the view
The view from Yamadera Mountain Temple.
Once you arrive at Yamadera Temple midway up, the reward is a stunning view overlooking the Tachiya River, with its verdant mountains and vast neighboring valley.
Take the path on the right of Kaisando Hall, which will take you to the Godaido, an observatory deck with the best view of Yamagata City’s south valley.
On the way back, stop in at any of the souvenir shops lining the street from the temple to Yamadera Station for unique ice cream flavors like pineapple and cherry (which Yamagata is known for), a much-needed refreshment after your climb.
Dig Japanese history? Read more on where to find historic gems.
FAQs
Hiking Yamadera
The ascent up the mountain's 1,000 steps typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes. It's not a difficult climb, but the journey through the forest is half the adventure. Eye-catching shrines and amusing statues placed carefully along the route compliment stone lanterns leading the way.
Is Yamadera worth it? ›
Yamadera is well known in fall for its colourful autumn leaves that colour the whole mountain side. During winter, it can be harder to go up but the view is well worth it, when the whole area takes up a mantle made of snow.
Does JR Pass cover Yamagata? ›
This region is covered by both the JR Pass and the JR East Pass. Not all trains stop at all stations once in Yamagata, so you may need to transfer.
What food is Yamagata known for? ›
Yamagata Prefecture is known for its cherries above all. Many other fruits are also cultivated in abundance in Yamagata, such as La France pears (western pears), grapes, watermelons, and persimmons. Please enjoy the freshly picked juicy fruits of the "fruit kingdom" of Yamagata as much as you like.
How many steps are there in yamadera Temple? ›
Officially known as Hojuzan Risshaku-ji, Yamadera was founded in 860. At the base of the mountain sits the main Konpon Chudo Hall, a designated important cultural property of Japan, followed by the 1,015 stone steps that lead to the summit.
Can I use JR pass from Tokyo to Sendai? ›
Tokyo to Sendai
On the Yamabiko train, expect a journey of two hours. The entire trip is covered by the JR Pass.
Is ginzan onsen worth it? ›
Ginzan Onsen is a charming hot spring town located in Obanazawa, Japan. This picturesque spot is worth visiting for its nostalgic atmosphere and traditional wooden ryokans that line the streets. The highlight of Ginzan Onsen is its beautifully preserved historic buildings, which give visitors a glimpse into the past.
Is it worth going to Yamagata? ›
The city of Yamagata, capital of the eponymous Yamagata Prefecture, is one of Japan's premier winter destinations. Surrounded by snowy mountains and natural beauty, Yamagata city is the perfect base to visit the ski slopes, hot springs, national parks, and historic monuments that fill the region.
Is yamadera temple open in winter? ›
While winter time produces beautiful snowy scenes and the mountain is still accessible, the halls are closed due to the weather.
How much is the bullet train from Tokyo to Yamagata? ›
Japan Railways Shinkansen operates a train from Tōkyō Station to Yamagata hourly. Tickets cost ¥8500 - ¥12000 and the journey takes 2h 56m.
Simple rules. Subways, metros and underground are run by municipal and the JRPASS does not cover them. Train lines, stations do not have JR logo, the JRPASS basically does not cover. Although there are the same station name, JR and non JR companies have their own stations.
Is Yamagata Shinkansen included in JR Pass? ›
If traveling from Tokyo to Yamagata, simply board the JR Yamagata Shinkansen at Tokyo Station. Trains depart each hour, and the trip takes approximately two and a half hours. The entire trip is covered by the JR Pass. The fastest train services stop only at f*ckushima, Yonezawa, and Kaminoyama along the way.
What is the best time to visit Yamagata? ›
The best time to visit is night time during winter season when the night lights offer a very magical touch and snow piles up (January to February).
What is the famous Onsen village in Yamagata Japan? ›
Travel back in time to classical Japan in Ginzan Onsen! The town is home to wooden hot spring inns lining each side of the Ginzan River and resonates with nostalgic beauty when illuminated at night by gas street lamps. The view reminds visitors of scenes from the famous film “Sprinted Away” by Hayao Miyazaki.
What are the biggest cities in Yamagata? ›
List
| Rank (2020) | Name | Status |
|---|
| 1 | Yamagata | City |
| 2 | Tsuruoka | City |
| 3 | Sakata | City |
| 4 | Yonezawa | City |
17 more rowsIt takes 4 to 5 hours even if you quickly go through the whole course. If you don't have much time,it is better to focus on the Daibutsu-den Hall, the Sangatsu-do Hall (Hall for the March Rite), and the Kaidan-in (Ordination Hall).
How long does Mount Takao take? ›
Hiking. Hikers can climb to the top in about 90 minutes on any of several clearly marked trails. Other visitors can ride to the top in a cable car or chair lift from the foot of the mountain. When the weather is right you can see Mt.
How long is Shikoku Trail? ›
The pilgrimage on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, is a 750-mile route that links 88 Buddhist temples, each of which claims a connection to Kukai, a celebrated monk — posthumously known as Kobo Daishi — who, after returning from a trip to China in the ninth century, founded one of the major schools ...
What is yamadera famous for? ›
It is known as the place where Matsuo Basho, one of Japan's most famous haiku poets, wrote his haiku "Shizukesa ya / iwa ni shimiiru / semi no koe" (Such stillness / the cicadas' cries / sink into the rocks).
