Risshakuji is a temple complex of the Tendai Sect in Yamagata Prefecture. Its temple buildings are built up and in the side of a mountain, thus it is known as Yamadera. While its more than 1000 stairs to the top are quite a physical challenge, the adventurous hiker will be rewarded with beautiful natural scenery, glimpses of temples hundreds of years old, and the chance to meet a magnificent Buddhist statue at the uppermost temple.
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Find out more about Yamadera Temple.
Justin Velgus @justin.velgus
Justin Velgus (ジャスティン ベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region. Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...