Nōkyōdō, Rissyakuji

Risshaku-ji is standing on the peak of the mountain in Yamadera. It is said that it was founded approximately 1100 years ago. There are 1015 stairs to climb to the top. During winter, it can be slippery but once you go to the top the view is all white and beautiful. During summer is all green and beautiful. If you do go up , be aware that the cost of drinks are double the price!

Worth! An hour and a half total. Close to the station, also JR, ALSO close to Yamagata(if you are staying in Yamagata, you can go for a 2.5 hour trip total).

Amazing spot.

The small red-black temple on the tip of the rock wall This is the oldest building in Yamadera, which houses the copying of sutras. (Dismantled and repaired in 1986) Symbolic against the green and blue sky Above the space with height differences that make up the entire Yamadera area It is beautiful and worth seeing as if floating in the air. This is a very dangerous place if you fall. It has been well repainted and cared for over hundreds of years. I think it is well managed. Half a century ago, Speaking of Yamadera, there is a mountain that faces you. It was a photo of the training rock. The recent mountain temple is this Photos of Kaizando's Nokyodo and Godaido I see it often.

After crossing the Nio Gate and climbing up the steps, you can see the landmark of Tateishiji Temple: the Sutra Hall, which is the place where sutras are copied and stored. The building is located on a cliff, isolated from the world. Although it has an eye-catching red appearance, it does not conflict with the background and slowly blends into nature. No wonder the Japanese haiku saint Matsuo Basho wrote the classic line "Silence, the sound of cicadas seeps into the rocks" here.