🗺️ Yamadera (Hōjusan Risshakuji)山寺（宝珠山立石寺）

Yamadera is a Tendai sect temple located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, officially named "Hōjusan Risshakuji." It is an ancient temple founded by Master Jikaku in the year 860. The 1,015 stone steps that extend from the mountain gate to the summit are referred to as the path of ascetic practice. It is said that climbing each step can relieve one of a worry and purify the soul. Since ancient times, Yamadera has been revered as a temple for "cutting off bad relationships and forming good ones." The temple complex contains many buildings. The "Honmon Chūdō," located near the base of the mountain, is designated as an important cultural property by the country and is the oldest zelkova wood structure in Japan. Visitors can worship the wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai and the "Eternal Flame" inside the hall. Legend has it that this flame has burned continuously for over 1,000 years without ever going out. The haiku poet Matsuo Bashō once visited this place and left behind the famous classic lines: “閑さや 岩にしみ入る 蝉の声” (In the stillness, the sound of cicadas seeps into the rocks). On the way to the summit, there is a haiku monument called "Cicada Mound." (This haiku translation is from Zheng Qingmu's translated work "The Narrow Road to the Deep North: Bashō's Journey through Ōu and Hokuriku.") After climbing the 800th step, one reaches the Great Buddha Hall and the Oku no In. Inside the Great Buddha Hall is a golden statue of Amitābha, standing at a height of 5 meters. Although it takes about 40 minutes to an hour to reach the summit, the sense of achievement that arises upon reaching the top, along with the beautiful scenery that unfolds before one's eyes, brings immense satisfaction and happiness. The breathtaking view from the "Godai Hall," built on a sheer cliff, is particularly stunning.

You need to climb 1,015 steps to reach the summit, so it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. This is a famous temple that was visited by the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō, who left behind classic quotes. The "Hondō" (根本中堂) within the temple grounds has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. From the "Godai-dō" (五大堂) built on the cliff, you can overlook the beautiful scenery at the foot of the mountain.