Yamadera (Risshakuji temple)

Yamadera (Risshakuji temple) Yamadera is a Buddhist temple of Tendai sect located about 12 km northeast of central Yamagata city.
"Yamadera" is the popular name, and the official name is "Risshakuji".

It is said that it was built in 860 by Priest En'nin, but some scholars say that it was built in earlier time.
The war in the 14th century destroyed this temple, but it was rebuilt when Yamagata Castle was completed in 1356.
In 1521, it was destoyed by a war again. But Yoshiaki Mogami, the first lord of Yamagata domain, rebuilt the current temple.

In the summer of 1628, Basho Matsuo, most famous "haiku" poet, visited here, then he composed a haiku.

"Shizukesa-ya / iwa ni shimiiru / semi no koe."
(It's so quite ! Buzzing of cicadas is sinking into all rocks.)

Most Japanese people know this haiku.

"Yamadera" means "Mountain temple". Literally, the temple is on a slope of mountain.

At the foot of the mountain, there are the main building, Konponchudou hall (A national important cultural property), a museum and other buildings.
Also there is a statue of Basho Matsuo.

Near these, there is the main gate, and we must climb lengthy 1,015 stone steps from here.
Along the steps, many stone Buddhist images are dotted. And there is "Semi-zuka", where Basho composed the famous haiku, on the way. (It means "mound of cicadas".)

Just before the main ground of the top, there is Niomon gate.
On a sheer cliff to the left of the gate, there are three buildings of temple, Godaidou, Kaizandou and Noukyodou.
Of them, we can get onto the terrace of Godaidou. It is a nice observatoty, then we can see the view of Yamadera town below our eyes.

Just up ahead from Niomon gate, we reach Okunoin, which is the main hall of this temple.
Around Okunoin there are many buildings of temple.

From the foot of mountain to Okunoin, it takes 30-40 minutes.

How to get to here

Railroad

From Yamagata, by the rapid train on JR Senzan Line, about 20 minutes.
From Sendai, by the rapid train on JR Senzan Line, about 1 hour.

Car

From central Yamagata, about 18 km, about 30 minutes.
From central Sendai, about 65 km, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

	Photo by Nihonrettou-Okunijiman
Photo by Nihonrettou-Okunijiman	Photo by Nihonrettou-Okunijiman


Photo by Nihonrettou-Okunijiman	Photo by Nihonrettou-Okunijiman

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