Risshaku-ji Temple
Risshaku-ji Temple
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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33 within 3 miles
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81 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Martina1888Inverness, United Kingdom505 contributionsTemples in YamaderaYamadera can easily be reached by train from Sendai or Yamagata. My visit fell on a Saturday and it was extremely crowded. But nonetheless I enjoyed the climb up the countless stairs and view over the surrounding area. If possible, try to visit on a weekday, it might be much more peaceful.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 17, 2023
- ZimminaroundtheworldOkinawa Prefecture, Japan1,982 contributionsOne of the Most Scenic Place I've Been to in JapanRisshaku-ji and the surrounding area is one of the prettiest places I've visited in Japan. I stopped here while on a road trip and it was easily one of my favorite stops. The hike up the 1000 + stairs was not bad and the views were completely worth it. I came here earlier in the day and it was not busy but started to get busier as I made my way back down. Once at the top, explore the temples and go to the overlook for stunning scenery. The temples are historic and beautiful but the location is what did it for me. Risshaku-ji is a must!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 14, 2023
- Bread2011Hong Kong, China286 contributionsAmazing view from the top of mountainRissyakuji Temple located in Yamadera, which is easily access from Yamagata Station by the JR Senzan Line (or from Sendai). You need to walk up 1015 steps to reach to the top. You will see some temples & find information about the places along the way. It’s not difficult to walk up the hill. If you go during winter, you must wear a good snow shoe to walk over the snow and the slippery ice surface. Once you reach the view point, you’ll find it’s worth for the visit.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 15, 2024
- Ramon735 contributionsWell worth the 1000 stairsThis place definitely should be visited if you are in the area. Coming from either Sendai or Yamagata it can be easily reached with public transport. From the trainstation it's a rather short walk to the first stairs. After passing the entrance gate you walk uphill through the forest. The walk isn't too hard in my opinion and you can easily take a rest somewhere in between; also there is plenty to see on the way up. After a little while you come to the end of the forest part and get a first glimpse at the buildings. Apart of the temple and shrine structures you get a nice view on the surrounding mountains as well. While there were of course other people visiting, on a weekday forenoon I didn't find it too crowded. Pretty much one of the most impressive sights to see in the region.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Ramon
735 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
This place definitely should be visited if you are in the area. Coming from either Sendai or Yamagata it can be easily reached with public transport. From the trainstation it's a rather short walk to the first stairs. After passing the entrance gate you walk uphill through the forest. The walk isn't too hard in my opinion and you can easily take a rest somewhere in between; also there is plenty to see on the way up. After a little while you come to the end of the forest part and get a first glimpse at the buildings. Apart of the temple and shrine structures you get a nice view on the surrounding mountains as well.
While there were of course other people visiting, on a weekday forenoon I didn't find it too crowded. Pretty much one of the most impressive sights to see in the region.
While there were of course other people visiting, on a weekday forenoon I didn't find it too crowded. Pretty much one of the most impressive sights to see in the region.
Written April 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ヤスカム101
Koriyama, Japan10,990 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
I went to Ryuseki-ji Temple. Climb the stairs to the inner sanctuary. The stairs were quite easy to climb. The trees are changing color as you go up the stairs, which is a very nice view. This is the best. Before entering Okunoin, there is a splendid mountain gate. I feel history. Once you go through this mountain gate, you will be able to open the gate towards the inner sanctuary. When you climb the stairs, the inner sanctuary feels divine. The inside of the rock has been carved, which also creates a good landscape. It enhances the atmosphere of Ryusekiji Temple. Also, there is Kaisando after a little descent. This is another splendid temple. Climb up next to this to get a panoramic view of the city. The autumn colors from here are indescribable. It is very beautiful.
There are also important cultural properties such as three-story small pagoda. It's a place with great historical heritage and views. It was about 50 minutes up and down. Especially in the autumn foliage season, the view is good, so it is worth a visit.
There are also important cultural properties such as three-story small pagoda. It's a place with great historical heritage and views. It was about 50 minutes up and down. Especially in the autumn foliage season, the view is good, so it is worth a visit.
Automatically translated
Written November 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek21632492486
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
As others have written, the monks writing the goshuin had the worst attitude.
Someone else had asked for the goshuin, but he was arrogant throughout and mocked his opponent in the exchange, giving him the goshuin as if throwing it.
I thought about it as a person before I was a monk.
When we saw that, we stopped asking.
Also, when my child asked another monk about a nearby toilet, he didn't seem to tell me in a mocking manner.
It may be part of it, but it's a shame.
Someone else had asked for the goshuin, but he was arrogant throughout and mocked his opponent in the exchange, giving him the goshuin as if throwing it.
I thought about it as a person before I was a monk.
When we saw that, we stopped asking.
Also, when my child asked another monk about a nearby toilet, he didn't seem to tell me in a mocking manner.
It may be part of it, but it's a shame.
Automatically translated
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apple_HK
Hong Kong446 contributions
Nov 2022
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, located at the highest level among the temple buildings, whereas from Godaido, the view can be quite breathtaking.
Weather can be unpredictable; I started at the entrance with bright sunshine but by the time I reached close to Godaido, it started to rain quite heavily. Then it was sunshine again when I finished the hike and reached the rail station, ready to go to my next destination.
Weather can be unpredictable; I started at the entrance with bright sunshine but by the time I reached close to Godaido, it started to rain quite heavily. Then it was sunshine again when I finished the hike and reached the rail station, ready to go to my next destination.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
タネチャン
Mitsuke, Japan7,946 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I paid my respects on July 20.
I came to the summit wearing trekking shoes and carrying a trekking pole, ridding myself of earthly desires on 1,015 stone steps.
I couldn't afford to enjoy the view because of the rain at the top of the mountain, but I had rain gear, so nothing happened.
I had seen the immortal lantern of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei before, and was deeply moved to learn that the lantern was also given to the Konpon-chudo Hall of Ryuseki-ji Temple 1,200 years ago.
The goshuin I received at Konponchudo was a cool goshuin with flavor.
I came to the summit wearing trekking shoes and carrying a trekking pole, ridding myself of earthly desires on 1,015 stone steps.
I couldn't afford to enjoy the view because of the rain at the top of the mountain, but I had rain gear, so nothing happened.
I had seen the immortal lantern of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei before, and was deeply moved to learn that the lantern was also given to the Konpon-chudo Hall of Ryuseki-ji Temple 1,200 years ago.
The goshuin I received at Konponchudo was a cool goshuin with flavor.
Automatically translated
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ぷる太郎 足
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was a temple I had been looking forward to visiting. I have been to countless temples, but I was disappointed by the horrible attitude of the monk writing the goshuin. I even felt like all the goshuin I had received up until now had been tainted. I wonder if he is swearing at the people who come to pray like that every day? It's an unpleasant temple. I will never go there again and I don't recommend it.
I read similar posts from people and learned that it has had a bad reputation for a long time. The worst temple.
I read similar posts from people and learned that it has had a bad reputation for a long time. The worst temple.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bread2011
Hong Kong, China286 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Rissyakuji Temple located in Yamadera, which is easily access from Yamagata Station by the JR Senzan Line (or from Sendai). You need to walk up 1015 steps to reach to the top. You will see some temples & find information about the places along the way. It’s not difficult to walk up the hill. If you go during winter, you must wear a good snow shoe to walk over the snow and the slippery ice surface. Once you reach the view point, you’ll find it’s worth for the visit.
Written January 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
k_matsu132
Kushiro, Japan23,609 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It is commonly known as Yamadera, but its correct name is "Hojusan Risshakuji Temple." We passed through the temple town below Risshakuji Temple and parked our car in the parking lot below Konponchudo.
After climbing a long flight of stone steps, we arrived at Konponchudo, the main hall of Risshakuji Temple. From there, we headed west along the approach to the temple and came to the "Sanmon Gate" at the foot of the mountain. From the Sanmon Gate, it was a long, long climb.
After climbing the 1,015 stone steps, we reached "Okunoin" at the top. It is said that climbing the stone steps is a blessed place of training, as it is said that climbing them will eliminate worldly desires. Along the way, there were many things to see, such as buildings such as the "Niomon Gate," haiku monuments, and spots with spectacular views, so we enjoyed the climb.
On the way back from Okunoin, we stopped by the "Kaisando Hall and Nokyodo Hall," and enjoyed the spectacular view from the "Godai Hall," which overlooks the rural landscape from the back of the hall, which resembles a Noh stage.
After climbing a long flight of stone steps, we arrived at Konponchudo, the main hall of Risshakuji Temple. From there, we headed west along the approach to the temple and came to the "Sanmon Gate" at the foot of the mountain. From the Sanmon Gate, it was a long, long climb.
After climbing the 1,015 stone steps, we reached "Okunoin" at the top. It is said that climbing the stone steps is a blessed place of training, as it is said that climbing them will eliminate worldly desires. Along the way, there were many things to see, such as buildings such as the "Niomon Gate," haiku monuments, and spots with spectacular views, so we enjoyed the climb.
On the way back from Okunoin, we stopped by the "Kaisando Hall and Nokyodo Hall," and enjoyed the spectacular view from the "Godai Hall," which overlooks the rural landscape from the back of the hall, which resembles a Noh stage.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kanagawakenmin
Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan113 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I went there in September. It wasn't very crowded.
The 1000 steps to the inner sanctuary were quite a strenuous climb, so I took breaks along the way.
I was awfully sweaty, so I changed clothes after descending.
The view was amazing.
I reluctantly climbed, but I'm glad I went.
After I returned to Tokyo, the subway stairs became a breeze for a while.
The 1000 steps to the inner sanctuary were quite a strenuous climb, so I took breaks along the way.
I was awfully sweaty, so I changed clothes after descending.
The view was amazing.
I reluctantly climbed, but I'm glad I went.
After I returned to Tokyo, the subway stairs became a breeze for a while.
Written December 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel09375090157
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Business
The view at the end of the difficult climb was amazing.
However, the attitude of the person in charge when receiving the goshuin was awful. The way he answered my questions was just arrogant, and he spoke in a tone that seemed to annoy me. I think that even an average person would be able to have a more sensible conversation, but it didn't seem like he was living under the teachings of Buddhism.
I left my money there as usual, but he almost seemed to be trying to pick a fight with me, saying that I shouldn't throw it around so easily.
I didn't want to bother dealing with him, so I politely apologized, but he was silent after that.
Just looking at the goshuin made me feel uncomfortable, which is very disappointing. I will never go there again.
However, the attitude of the person in charge when receiving the goshuin was awful. The way he answered my questions was just arrogant, and he spoke in a tone that seemed to annoy me. I think that even an average person would be able to have a more sensible conversation, but it didn't seem like he was living under the teachings of Buddhism.
I left my money there as usual, but he almost seemed to be trying to pick a fight with me, saying that I shouldn't throw it around so easily.
I didn't want to bother dealing with him, so I politely apologized, but he was silent after that.
Just looking at the goshuin made me feel uncomfortable, which is very disappointing. I will never go there again.
Written January 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the steps like? Will it be safe to carry my toddler and baby up them in their carriers? They got carried up mount Snowdon in them a few weeks ago, so I'm used to terrain, just checking on safety o mountain steps please
Written April 9, 2019
The steps are even and well placed. You will have no problem carrying you toddler up. There are flat places along the way to est and for your child to play.
Written April 9, 2019
Hi, is Yamadera worth a day trip in itself? Or more likely half a day? TIA
Written August 18, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
United States
I also agree that a half day here is perfect! Stay in Yamagata, where there are more city sites to see (museums, parks and the fabulous train station mall). It's about a 25 min train ride to Yamadera - very convenient.
Written September 4, 2018
I would think it is. There is so many people climbing the steps on a daily basis that my feeling is it would be practical even during winter.
We were there in late March and I've seen women climbing in high heels.
I would suggest a boot with a good sole.
The view at the top is simply breathtaking.
Enjoy your visit in Japan :-)
Written July 14, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
United States
My husband and I are 63 and 62, and we did stop and rest now and then on the way up. I saw probably a dozen seniors well over 75 doing the same steps. DO bring water with electrolytes to prevent cramping. Going back down is the toughest part on your calves.
Written September 4, 2018
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