Risshaku-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple founded in the city of Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, in the year 860. The temple is especially enchanting in early November when the autumn leaves are at their most beautiful.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I’ll be introducing a temple I’ve never visited before. After researching it in detail, I found out that the scenery is exceptionally beautiful during the autumn foliage season. I’m sharing this place with all of you as somewhere I’d love to visit.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Risshaku-ji, commonly referred to as Yama-dera, stands as a significant Buddhist temple nestled in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Its origins trace back to the year 860 AD. This temple, often known as Yama-dera, sprawls across a vast expanse, spanning from the foothills to the summit, encompassing an elevation difference of 159 meters and covering an area of approximately 109 hectares.
Within this extensive compound, visitors can find more than 30 buildings of varying sizes scattered throughout. Merely exploring these historical structures is a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In the summer of 1689, during the Edo period, the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited this area and composed a haiku after his visit to this temple.
On the mountainside, there is a monument called Semizuka commemorating this event. Additionally, there are structures like the Niomon Gate, which was reconstructed in 1848. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Niomon Gate from the trailhead.
As you step inside the temple grounds, you’ll come across Konponchudo and the Treasure Hall. Konponchudo is famous for its everlasting flame, aptly named the “Fumetsu no Hoho,” which has been burning for centuries, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness this extraordinary spectacle.
Further ahead, brace yourself for a climb up 1,015 stone steps. It’s recommended to wear comfortable and durable shoes for your visit.
As you continue climbing the stairs, you’ll start to see numerous buildings near the summit, such as “Oku-no-in” and “Daibutsu-den.” The estimated time to reach this point is about 40 to 60 minutes.
Moving forward, deeper into the area, you’ll encounter the “Kaizan-do”, and the “Godai-do,” believed to be constructed 30 years after the founding of the temple. This hall juts out over a cliff, offering panoramic views of the town at the foothills and the surrounding mountains.
During early November, when Risshaku-ji and the nearby mountains are ablaze with autumn foliage, you can enjoy incredibly beautiful scenery from here.
Detailed descriptions of each building can be found on the Yamadera Tourism Association’s website.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Risshaku-ji stands as an incredibly ancient Buddhist temple, with its origins tracing back to the year 860 AD.
The temple houses the renowned light of Buddhism, famously known as the “Fumetsu no Hoho,” which was originally bestowed upon Risshaku-ji from Enryaku-ji, a temple in Kyoto. Enryaku-ji’s light of Buddhism boasts a history dating back to 806 AD, making it over 1200 years old.
Intriguingly, during the turmoil of 1521, Risshaku-ji was destroyed due to conflict, and the flame was extinguished. It wasn’t until the temple was reconstructed in 1543 that the light was rekindled, once again sourced from Enryaku-ji.
But the tale doesn’t conclude there. In 1571, 28 years later, the light of Buddhism at Enryaku-ji was lost due to conflict. To restore it, Risshaku-ji’s flame was returned to Enryaku-ji, ensuring the continuity of the eternal flame.
Thus, the light of Buddhism, believed to have originated in 806 AD, continues to illuminate even today, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Risshaku-ji.
Dining Guide
Yamagata Prefecture boasts local delicacies unique to the area, such as “Ita Soba,” a variety of buckwheat noodle, and a hearty hotpot dish known as “Imoni.”
Imoni features taro roots as the star ingredient, combined with konjac, green onions, mushrooms, burdock, and meat.
These delightful dishes are available at establishments like Fumotoya, Mitoya, and Yamadera. Each place offers menus complete with pictures, serving as a visual guide to traditional Japanese cuisine. Feel free to use them as your reference.
Accommodation
Around Risshaku-ji, there is one accommodation option called Takasagoya Honkan. The accommodation fee is approximately 10,000 yen for a traditional Japanese-style stay.
If you prefer staying nearby, it’s recommended to book accommodations around JR Yamagata Station online. There are several options available, ranging from around 8,000 yen to 20,000 yen.
Transportation
To reach Risshaku-ji from the nearest JR Yama-dera Station, it takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes on foot. To get to JR Yama-dera Station, first, make your way to JR Yamagata Station or JR Sendai Station.
Transportation Options via JR Yamagata Station
Access to JR Yamagata Station
By Plane
Travelers from Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya (Komaki), or Osaka (Itami) can avail flights to Yamagata Airport. From Yamagata Airport to Yamagata Station in the city, Airport Liner buses operate, departing approximately every 1 to 2 hours, in coordination with flight arrivals. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the fare is 1300 yen for adults.
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
JR Yamagata Station is accessible via the Yamagata Shinkansen. This line branches off from the Tohoku Shinkansen, linking JR Tokyo Station and JR Shin-Aomori Station at JR Fukushima Station. Please check the train schedule in advance as there is approximately one train per hour.
- From JR Tokyo Station, you can reach JR Yamagata Station directly in approximately 2.5 hours, costing around 12,000 yen.
- If you’re traveling from JR Fukushima Station, it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach JR Yamagata Station.
Access to JR Yama-dera Station
There are two convenient ways to reach JR Yama-dera Station from JR Yamagata Station.
By train
If you opt for the train, transfer to the Senzan Line heading towards JR Sendai Station and alight at the 5th station, JR Yama-dera Station. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, with trains running approximately once per hour. The fare from JR Yamagata Station is approximately 250 yen.
By bus
Alternatively, if you prefer taking the bus, proceed to JR Yamagata Station’s bus stop and board the local bus bound for Basho Kinenkan (Basho Memorial Hall). Keep in mind that the bus operates only once every two hours, so plan your schedule accordingly. The travel time is around 40 minutes, and the fare is 700 yen. Additionally, please note that only coins or 1,000-yen bills are accepted, so be sure to prepare your change in advance.
Transportation Options via JR Sendai Station
To travel from JR Sendai Station to Yama-dera Station, you’ll need to take the Senzan Line heading towards Yamagata Station. Please note that there’s only about one train per hour, and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Access to JR Sendai Station
If you are located in Sendai city or traveling from Hokkaido, Aomori, or Akita, you can transfer to the Senzan Line at JR Sendai Station, which is part of the Tohoku Shinkansen route. However, please be aware that it takes approximately one hour to reach Yama-dera Station from there.
Access to JR Yama-dera Station
To reach Yama-dera Station, you can take a local train (Senzan Line) that runs approximately once an hour, connecting JR Sendai Station.
Budget and Transportation Tips
The entrance hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM between April and September, and from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM between December and March. During the winter season, the closing time might be earlier depending on the weather conditions.
To enter Risshaku-ji, an admission fee of 300 yen (for adults) is required. Additionally, there is an extra charge of 200 yen (for adults) to enter the Treasure Hall within the temple grounds. If you wish to visit the Konponchudo Hall, where the Eternal Lamp is housed, an additional 200 yen fee is applicable.
Weather Guide
In early November, the temperatures in this area typically reach around 15°C during the day and drop to about 6°C in the mornings and evenings. The air becomes dry, indicating the onset of the cool season. However, when ascending the stairs from the foothills to the summit, it can become warm.
Furthermore, as you climb to higher elevations, it might get chilly. So, it’s a good idea to bring layers such as a fleece jacket, a lightweight down jacket, a mountain parka, or a windbreaker. Wearing layers enables you to adjust your clothing according to the changing weather conditions.
