Founded in 860 AD by the monk Jikaku Daishi, Risshakuji — popularly known as Yamadera — clings to sheer granite cliffs above the Tachiya River valley. Visitors climb 1,015 stone steps through moss-covered cedar forest, passing sub-temples, stone Jizo statues and carved cave niches to reach the Okunoin inner sanctuary and Godaido lookout platform. The haiku master Matsuo Bashō visited in 1689 and composed his famous poem 'Shizukasa ya…' here. Every season offers a different beauty — cherry blossoms, fresh green, autumn maples and snow-draped stone lanterns.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Temple/Shrine
- Season
- Year-round
- Month
- Year-round (best Spring & Autumn)
- Region
- Tohoku
- Prefecture
- Yamagata
- City
- Yamagata City
Highlights
- ◆1,015 stone steps through ancient cedar forest to clifftop shrines
- ◆Immortalised in Matsuo Bashō's most celebrated haiku
- ◆Godaido lookout with sweeping valley panorama
- ◆Founded in 860 AD — over 1,160 years of history
- ◆Spectacular in all four seasons