Yamadera Risshakuji and Yamagata City Course

This one day route links Risshakuji, the ancient temple where the poet Basho composed a famous verse, with a walk through the old castle town of central Yamagata. It balances a climb up the stone steps with easy street strolling.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Yamadera Head to the trailhead just a short walk from JR Yamadera Station. Begin at the Konpon Chudo hall at the foot to pray for a safe journey. Entering the temple grounds beyond requires an admission fee, roughly 500 yen for adults (junior high age and up) and 200 yen for children (age four and up). The gate generally opens from 8:00.

9:30 Climb toward the Inner Sanctuary Ascend the 1015 stone steps slowly, wrapped in tall cedar groves. Pass Semizuka and the Niomon gate on the way to the Oku no in. Allow about one and a half hours for the round trip.

10:30 Views from Godaido Hall From Godaido Hall, perched on a cliff, take in a sweeping view over the temple town below. This is the highlight of the trip.

12:00 Lunch in central Yamagata Return by the JR Senzan Line to Yamagata Station and pause for local plank soba or a chilled ramen. The ride from Yamadera to Yamagata takes about 20 minutes.

14:00 Walk in Kajo Park Stroll leisurely through Kajo Park on the site of Yamagata Castle and see the reconstructed Ichimonji Gate. The grounds are free to walk, and it is about an 8 minute walk from the west exit of Yamagata Station to the south gate.

15:30 Enjoy the architecture at Bunshokan Visit Bunshokan, a Western style building from the Taisho era, and wander its beautiful red brick halls to close the day. Admission is free, and it is open from 9:00 to 16:30 (closed on the first and third Mondays and over the year end holidays).

Highlights

Risshakuji is a noted Tendai temple said to have been founded in the year 860, its halls scattered dramatically across a cliffside. In the city, the castle ruins and Taisho architecture keep the history of the castle town alive.

Access and Tips

The JR Senzan Line is convenient for Yamadera, about twenty minutes from Yamagata Station. Comfortable shoes are essential for the steps. Visiting the temple in the morning and the city in the afternoon helps you avoid crowds.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: the climb at Yamadera takes about one and a half hours round trip, and with the city walk it makes a comfortable full day.
• Transport: the Yamadera to Yamagata leg runs mainly on the JR Senzan Line, while drivers can use parking near Yamadera Station or at Kajo Park.
• Getting around the city: Kajo Park, Bunshokan, and Yamagata Station are linked on foot or by city bus, so the walk is efficient.
• Budget guide: the Yamadera admission is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children, while Kajo Park and Bunshokan are free, so costs center on the temple and lunch.
• Avoiding crowds: the steps get busy during the autumn foliage (late October to early November) and summer holidays, so just after opening in the morning is best.
• What to wear: the 1015 steps take some stamina, so bring comfortable shoes and water. In winter the opening hours shorten and the steps can freeze, so take extra care.

A Quick Tip

The steps take more energy than expected, so keep water handy and allow plenty of time. In summer the cicadas sing and in autumn the foliage colors the climb.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Visiting hours at Risshaku-ji (Yamadera): The official information gives 8:00 to 16:00 from April to September and 8:30 to 15:00 from December to March (with the gate closing at 16:00). During the winter period (around December to March) the gate may close earlier depending on the weather
• Group admission fees for Risshaku-ji: For groups of 30 or more, 400 yen for adults, 300 yen for junior high and high school students and 100 yen for children (aged 4 and over). Payment is in cash only
• Yamadera Basho Memorial Museum: Last entry is at 16:30. Admission is 400 yen for adults, 320 yen for groups of 20 or more, and free for high school students and younger. It is closed on Mondays in the winter period and over the New Year holidays (29 December to 3 January), and there are also occasional closures for changing the exhibits. The adjoining car park has about 40 spaces
• Note: The precincts of Risshaku-ji, the mountain path and their surroundings are a no-fly zone for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)
• Enquiries: 023-695-2843 (Hojusan Risshaku-ji) / 023-695-2221 (Yamadera Basho Memorial Museum)
• Official information: Hojusan Risshaku-ji official website / Yamagata City official website (Yamadera Basho Memorial Museum)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local authority. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.