Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Map
Risshakuji, familiarly known as 'Yamadera,' is an old Tendai temple spread across the hillside in northeastern Yamagata City. It is said to have been founded in 860 (the 2nd year of Jogan) by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, and is characterized by a distinctive landscape in which halls and pagodas are scattered snug against the rock face. It is known nationwide as the setting of the haiku that Matsuo Basho composed on his visit in 1689 (the 2nd year of Genroku): 'Shizukasa ya iwa ni shimiiru semi no koe' (Stillness: the cicada's voice seeps into the rocks).
Temple Info
- Sect
- Tendai
- Principal Image
- Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
- Founded
- Said to date from Jogan 2 (860)
History & Origins
It is said to have been opened in 860 (the 2nd year of Jogan) by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, the founder of the Tendai school, by order of Emperor Seiwa. Since then it has flourished as a Tendai training ground, and a distinctive layout of buildings making use of the mountain's bedrock has been established. Many halls are scattered across the grounds, including the Konpon Chudo, Kaizando and Okunoin, and 1,015 stone steps lead up to the Okunoin at the summit.
Highlights
The highlights of the grounds are the Okunoin and the Godaido near the summit. The Godaido is an observation platform jutting out from the edge of a cliff, from which you can see the whole Yamagata Basin. The Noukyodo and Kaizando, built on the cliffs, are the iconic views of Yamadera, and visitors never stop photographing them. The act of climbing the 1,015 stone steps is itself regarded as ascetic practice.
Visitor Guide
The nearest station is Yamadera Station on the JR Senzan Line, and the trailhead is reached in about 7 minutes on foot. Admission is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children from elementary school age. Hours are 8:00-16:00 from April to September and 8:30-15:00 from December to March (gate closes at 16:00). Allow 1-2 hours for the round trip to the Okunoin at the summit. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Best Season
May-June, with fresh greenery, and October, with autumn foliage, are especially beautiful, with a splendid contrast of mountain green and buildings. Summer, when Basho visited, also has its charm, and in winter you can enjoy the magical sight of halls floating in the snow.
Annual Events
- May
Yamadera Basho Matsuri (Yamadera Basho Festival)
A haiku contest held in commemoration of Matsuo Basho's verse, "The stillness: the cicada's voice sinks into the rocks." Haiku enthusiasts gather from all over Japan.
- January
Hatsumode (New Year Visit)
Busy with New Year worshippers, many people visit Konponchudo Hall to pray for good health and good fortune in the year ahead.
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