Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
山寺（立石寺）
Yamadera, meaning "mountain temple", is the common name of Hojuzan Risshakuji, a temple founded in 860. From the Konpon Chudo hall at the bottom, 1,015 stone steps lead up to the Okuno-in area at the top. On the way you pass gates, small halls and viewpoints over the valley. The poet Matsuo Basho wrote a famous haiku about the silence here.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
Visiting hours are 8:00 to 17:00.
- Closed
Open every day (no regular closing day).
- Admission
Adults (high school students and over) pay 300 yen.
- Getting there
Take the JR Senzan Line from Yamagata Station (about 20 minutes), then walk about 7 minutes from Yamadera Station to the entrance.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- There are 1,015 steps to the top, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Credit cards are not accepted. There is no temple parking, but paid parking lots are nearby.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- Reaching the inner sanctuary at the top means climbing a stairway of 1,015 stone steps.
- The climb to the top usually takes 30 to 40 minutes one way, so plan around prayer times.
- Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
- Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
- Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Yamagata and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Yamagata
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:28
- Sunrise06:08
- Dhuhr11:24
- Asr14:13
- Maghrib16:35
- Isha18:05
Times are calculated for Yamagata City. Times may differ elsewhere in Yamagata.
Places to pray near Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: Cp9asngf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): visityamagata.jp, tohokukanko.jp, japan.travel