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A traditional Japanese temple on a mountain peak with a clear sky. 1
A traditional Japanese temple nestled in a lush green valley with mountains in the background. 2
A valley with a town, winding roads, and green hills. 3
A traditional Japanese temple nestled among autumn foliage on a rocky hillside. 4
A rocky cliff with autumn foliage, a large boulder, and a forested area. 5
By DeepExperience
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $276 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Yamadera, or Risshaku-ji Temple, is a must-visit Buddhist landmark nestled in the mountains of northeastern Japan. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the temple's rich history and spiritual significance as you navigate its stone stairway. Discover the origins of Yamadera, walk among ancient cedar groves, and visit key halls where centuries of devotion can still be felt. The journey highlights Matsuo Basho’s connection to the temple, where he found inspiration for his famed haiku. Choose from a local meeting point or a train departure from Yamagata Station for easy access to this cultural gem.

    • Experience the iconic Risshaku-ji Temple and its serene surroundings
    • Learn about the temple's history and its role in Japanese Buddhism
    • Visit sacred spaces and hear about Matsuo Basho's poetic inspiration
    • Convenient options for meeting locally or travelling from Yamagata Station

Activity location

  • Risshaku-ji Temple
    • 4456-1 Yamadera
    • 999-3301, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Yamagatakeisatsusho Ekimae Koban
    • 34 16
    • 990-0039, Yamagata, Yamagata, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Local Meeting

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

Local Meeting
Starting point:
Yamadera Station, Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301, Japan

Language options: English
Price details
CA $147.09 x 2 AdultsCA $294.18
Total
Price is CA $294.18
Until Mon, Nov 9

From Yamagata Station

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

From Yamagata Station
Starting point:
Yamagatakeisatsusho Ekimae Koban, 1-chōme-16-34 Kasumichō, Yamagata, 990-0039, Japan

Language options: English
Price details
CA $173.84 x 2 AdultsCA $347.68
Total
Price is CA $347.68
Until Mon, Nov 9

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Guided tour of Yamadera Temple
  • Exclusions
    Food and drinks
  • Exclusions
    Transport to the meeting point

Know before you book

    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Risshaku-ji Temple

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
Risshaku-ji, commonly known as Yamadera, is one of Tohoku’s most celebrated Buddhist temples, dramatically built into a forested mountainside in Yamagata Prefecture. Founded over a thousand years ago, the temple is reached by ascending a long stone stairway that winds past halls, shrines, and quiet natural settings, making the climb itself an essential part of the experience. Yamadera is also closely associated with Matsuo Basho, Japan’s most famous haiku poet, who was inspired by the profound silence of the site during his travels. Combining history, nature, and spiritual atmosphere, Risshaku-ji offers visitors a powerful and memorable encounter with Japan’s religious and cultural heritage.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Risshaku-ji Temple
    • 4456-1 Yamadera
    • 999-3301, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Yamagatakeisatsusho Ekimae Koban
    • 34 16
    • 990-0039, Yamagata, Yamagata, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Yamadera Station
    • Yamadera
    • 999-3301, Yamagata, Yamagata, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Yamadera Station
    • Yamadera
    • 999-3301, Yamagata, Yamagata, Japan

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