Yamadera Temple is located in the mountains northeast of Yamagata City. Yamadera means "mountain temple" in Japanese, it is a buddhist temple of Tendai sect and known for its name as "Risshakuji".
In 1521, this temple was destroyed by war then rebuilt by Yoshiaki Mogami, the lord of Yamagata domain by its current temple.
At the foot of the mountain, visitors can find the main building, , Konponchudou Hall, many museums and other buildings and attraction. Also around the mountain base is a treasure house that requires a seperate fee.
To reach the temple grounds, visitors must walk to the trail up to the main hall where visitor also requires to pay an entrance fee. After this, visitors will reach the Niomon Gate, one of the temple's new building.
While passing the Niomon Gate, there are many buildings to passed on along the mountainside and somehow offers a wonderful views out into the valley.
Then, visitors will also pass the Kaisando Hall, Yamadera's most famous buildings. Up the Kaisando Hall is the Godaido Hall, which allows visitors to witness an amazing view onto the valley below.
Yamadera Temple is a 5 minute walk north of Yamadera Station. Yamadera Station is served by the JR Senzan Line that connects Yamagata City and Sendai.
Yamadera Temple opens at 8:00 to 17:00.
No closing days.
Admission for the upper area is 300 Yen
Yamadera Treasure House opens at 8:30 to 17:00
Closed on December to late April
Admission fee is 200 Yen