Hoshuyama Risshakuji Temple

Temple

4.5

A temple of the Tendai sect, Hoshuyama Risshakuji is located across the Tachiya River from JR Yamadera Station on the Senzan Line. Normally called “Yamadera”, it was opened by Ennin in 860 by decree of Emperor Seiwa. Currently, it is designated a Zao Quasi-National Park, with 1,090,000 square meters green lot with about 30 towers—the most historic holy mountain in the Tohoku region. A famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho wrote “Shizukasa ya iwa ni shimiiru semi no koe (Such stillness / The cries of the cicadas / Sink into the rocks)” here. Its remnants remain as “semi-zuka,” and many poets like Mokichi Saito have poems inscribed here.

Spot details

Address: Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Yamadera 4456-1 Map
Area: Murayama Area
Phone: 0236952843
Hours: [Apr.--Nov.] 8:00-17:00 [Dec.--Mar.] 8:00-16:00 * Gates shut may be accelerated depending on the weather conditions.
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Adult]300yen
[Junior high school students]200yen
[4 years old-Elementary school students]100yen
※Group discount available
Parking Lot: Not available
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available
Note: Temporary closure:Currently closed (information as of April 21, 2020)
* Information may be changed, so please be sure to check the official information.
Estimated stay time: 60-120 minutes
Infant friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Discover Yamadera (Risshakuji) with the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)

Yamagata | Temples

Review

Nice but looks better at the pictures

Reviewed : 2023.05.19

The pictures you find on the internet from this place looks better than the actual place. Most of the climb is just stairs with a few small statues along the way. Most of the path is covered in...
Climbing 1000 steps for a breathtaking view

Reviewed : 2023.02.21

While there are lots of shrines and temples in Japan, a visit to Yamadera could offer a unique and interesting experience. One needs to be prepared to climb over 1000 steps to reach the Okunoin...
Fall Foliage is Remarkable

Reviewed : 2021.11.02

The autumn colors are amazing. I went on a Monday and it was not busy. For 200 yen it is an incredible value.