Travel in Yamagata

Yamadera

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

Climb Yamadera’s stone steps to visit the temple, also known as Risshakuji, and look out over the town below.

The route has 1,015 steps. Allow plenty of time to stop and rest as you make your way uphill to the temple and viewpoints.

Risshakuji official guide: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and approximately 90-minute return visit 2026-10-08Official sources 2026-10-09Risshakuji official guide: about 10 minutes from the station to the temple steps 2026-10-08

Yamadera (Risshakuji) — 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

Location on the map

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

Admission

Sanmon admission costs ¥500 for junior high school students and older and ¥200 for children aged four and older, payable in cash. The treasure exhibition is extra: ¥200 for high school students and older and ¥100 for children aged four and older. The inner sanctuary of Konponchudo costs a separate ¥200.

Admission source 2026-10-09

Opening hours

Mountain admission hours are 08:00–16:00 from April to September, 08:00–15:30 in October and November, and 08:30–15:00 from December to March. In winter, the temple closes at 16:00, or earlier depending on the weather.

Opening-hours source 2026-10-09

What to see at Yamadera (Risshakuji)

A temple visit and views over the town

Climb the stone steps to explore the temple and look out over the town below. Leave time for photos, rests and the views.

Risshakuji official guide: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and approximately 90-minute return visit 2026-10-08Official Yamagata tourism guide: Yamadera 2026-10-08

How to get to Yamadera (Risshakuji)

Take a JR Senzan Line train toward Sendai from Yamagata Station and get off at Yamadera. Walk about 10 minutes to the start of the temple steps. Look for the 登山口 sign and continue toward Konponchudo and the Basho statue to reach the Sanmon ticket gate. Allow additional time for that walk within the grounds and ticket queues. Bring cash for the ¥500 Sanmon admission. The official estimate is about 90 minutes to climb and descend the 1,015 steps; allow around two to three hours with photos and rests. Adult paper tickets for ordinary trains cost ¥260 each way, or ¥520 return. Limited-express and Shinkansen supplements are extra.

Risshakuji official guide: about 10 minutes from the station to the temple steps 2026-10-08Risshakuji official guide: ¥500 Sanmon admission, cash payment 2026-10-08Risshakuji official guide: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and approximately 90-minute return visit 2026-10-08Yamadera Tourism Association: ascent entrance, Konponchudo and Sanmon in order 2026-10-08JR 2026 revised ordinary paper-ticket fares: ¥260 for main-line journeys of 11–15 km, compared with a direct route search 2026-10-09

Get directions

Before you visit

Bring cash for mountain admission

Bring cash to pay admission at Sanmon. The inner sanctuary of Konponchudo and the treasure exhibition each have separate charges.

Risshakuji official guide: ¥500 Sanmon admission, cash payment 2026-10-08

Check winter visiting hours

Yamadera’s visiting hours change by season, and winter weather may cause an early closure. Before climbing late in the afternoon, check admission guidance for your date and allow enough time to descend.

Risshakuji official guide: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and approximately 90-minute return visit 2026-10-08

Questions about Yamadera (Risshakuji)

Are there many steps at Yamadera?

Yes. The route has 1,015 steps. The official guide gives about 90 minutes for the temple visit and descent, but allow around two to three hours with photos and rests. If long stair climbs are difficult, consider everyone’s walking ability. Train journeys and the walk from the station to the start of the steps take additional time.