Travel in Yamagata

Yamadera

Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera) · 宝珠山立石寺（山寺）

Yamadera offers a stone-step climb to temple worship and views over the town below. It is also known as Risshakuji.

Follow the steps for both temple and views. The route has 1,015 steps, so allow ample time to rest along the way.

Official Risshakuji: seasonal admission hours, 1,015 steps and about 90 minutes return 2026-10-08Official sources 2026-10-09Official Risshakuji: about 10 minutes from station to stair entrance 2026-10-08

Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera) — 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source

Visitor information

Address

〒999-3301 山形県山形市山寺4456-1

4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3301, Japan

Map location

Address source 2026-10-09Address source 2026-10-09

Admission

Sanmon admission costs JPY 500 for junior high school age and above and JPY 200 for children aged four and above, paid in cash. The treasure exhibition costs a separate JPY 200 for high school age and above or JPY 100 for children aged four and above. Inner worship at Konpon Chudo costs another JPY 200.

Admission source 2026-10-09

Opening hours

Admission hours are April–September 08:00–16:00, October–November 08:00–15:30 and December–March 08:30–15:00. Winter closing is at 16:00, but weather may cause earlier closure.

Opening hours source 2026-10-09

What to see at Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)

Temple worship and views over the town

Climb the stone steps to visit the temple and look over the town below. Allow time to take photos, rest and enjoy the views.

Official Risshakuji: seasonal admission hours, 1,015 steps and about 90 minutes return 2026-10-08Official Yamagata tourism: Yamadera guide 2026-10-08

How to get to Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)

Take a Sendai-bound JR Senzan Line train from Yamagata to Yamadera. Walk about 10 minutes to the temple stair entrance. Find the 登山口 sign and climb towards Konpon Chudo and the Basho statue to the Sanmon ticket booth. Walking from the entrance to the booth and ticket queues take extra time. Prepare JPY 500 cash for Sanmon admission. Official guidance gives about 90 minutes return on the 1,015 steps; allow two to three hours with photos and rests. Ordinary adult paper tickets cost JPY 260 one way or JPY 520 return, with supplements for limited express or Shinkansen travel.

Official Risshakuji: about 10 minutes from station to stair entrance 2026-10-08Official Risshakuji: Sanmon admission JPY 500 in cash 2026-10-08Official Risshakuji: seasonal admission hours, 1,015 steps and about 90 minutes return 2026-10-08Yamadera tourism association: ascent entrance, Konpon Chudo and Sanmon sequence 2026-10-08JR revised 2026 ordinary paper fare: main-line 11–15 km JPY 260, compared with direct section searches 2026-10-09

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Visiting tips

Prepare cash for admission

Cash is needed for mountain admission at Sanmon. Konpon Chudo inner worship and the treasure exhibition each have separate fees.

Official Risshakuji: Sanmon admission JPY 500 in cash 2026-10-08

Check winter admission hours as well

Yamadera admission hours vary by season, with possible earlier winter closure due to weather. Check the visit date’s admission guidance and descent time first rather than climbing late in the afternoon.

Official Risshakuji: seasonal admission hours, 1,015 steps and about 90 minutes return 2026-10-08

Questions about Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)

Does Yamadera have many steps?

Yes: the worship route has 1,015 steps. Official guidance gives about 90 minutes return, but allow roughly two to three hours with photos and rests. If prolonged stair walking is difficult, consider your companions’ mobility. Train travel and the station-to-entrance walk are separate.