Yamadeta Risshakuji Temple

Temperature and Precipitation in Yamagata

Yamadeta Risshakuji Temple is located in a beautiful place away from the center of Yamagata.
The official name of Yamadeta Risshakuji Temple is "Hoshuyama Risshakuji Temple", but it is generally called "Yamadera" which comes from the place name. Especially known is the phrase that appeared in Matsuo Basho's "Oku no Hosomichi" and was read as "the voice of cicada that permeates the quiet rocks", and this phrase is too famous. The Risshakuji Temple was built in 860 and is a very old and historic temple built along the mountain surface. From the ground, you need to climb 1015 stone steps. Therefore, when viewed from Yamadera Station or the parking lot, you can first feel that it is in a high place in the mountains. However, you can see the megaliths, temples and green trees without climbing, which is also a magnificent view. As you walk up the stone steps through the trees, you can't really see the scenery along the way, but there are temples and gates here and there, so you won't get bored even if you take a walk. You can see the main spot, Kaisando, when you almost climb the stone steps. The view from here is a superb view overlooking the nature of Yamagata, and it is so beautiful that you will feel tired. After descending the mountain, there are many restaurants and souvenir shops along the river, where you can eat the famous "Yamadera Chikara Konnyaku" and "Dashi Soba". You can also buy Yamagata specialties such as "cherries" at the souvenir shop. There is also a memorial hall about Matsuo Basho nearby, where you can have handwritten phrases and matcha tea in the tea room, so I think you can also visit here.