Travel in Yamagata
Yamadera
Yamadera · Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera) · 宝珠山立石寺（山寺）
Climb Yamadera’s stone stairs to visit its temple and look down over the town. It is also known as Risshakuji.
For temple architecture and views together, follow the stairs uphill. With 1,015 steps along the approach, allow ample time for rests.
Official Risshakuji: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and 90-minute return walk Sources and dates checked Official Risshakuji: ten-minute station-to-stair-entrance walk
Visitor information at a glance
Address
〒999-3301 山形県山形市山寺4456-1
4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3301, Japan
View location on the map →Admission
Sanmon admission costs JPY 500 for visitors of junior high school age and above, and JPY 200 for children aged four and above, payable in cash only. Treasure hall admission costs JPY 200 for visitors of high school age and above, and JPY 100 for children aged four and above. Konponchudo inner-sanctuary admission costs a separate JPY 200.
Opening hours and closed days
Visiting hours are 08:00–16:00 in April–September, 08:00–15:30 in October–November and 08:30–15:00 in December–March. Winter gate closing is at 16:00, but weather may cause earlier closure.
What can I see at Yamadera?
Temple visits and views of the town below
Climb the stone stairs to visit the temple and look over the town. Leave time for photos, short rests and enjoying the view.
Official Risshakuji: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and 90-minute return walk Official Yamagata tourism: Yamadera
How to get to Yamadera
Take a Sendai-bound JR Senzan Line train from Yamagata to Yamadera. Walk about ten minutes to the worship-stair entrance. Find 登山口, then climb towards Konponchudo and Basho’s statue to Sanmon’s ticket office. Allow extra time to walk from the stair entrance to ticketing and queue for tickets. Prepare JPY 500 in cash for Sanmon. Official guidance gives about 90 minutes for the return temple walk across 1,015 steps; allow two to three hours with photos and rests. Ordinary adult paper fares are JPY 260 one way, or JPY 520 return. Limited-express and Shinkansen travel cost extra.
Official Risshakuji: ten-minute station-to-stair-entrance walk Official Risshakuji: JPY 500 Sanmon admission, cash payment Official Risshakuji: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and 90-minute return walk Yamadera Tourism Association: ascent entrance, Konponchudo and Sanmon order JR revised 2026 ordinary paper fares: main-line 11–15km JPY 260, compared with direct section searches
Before you visit
Prepare cash for admission
Cash is required for Sanmon admission. Konponchudo’s inner sanctuary and the treasure hall each have separate charges.
Check winter visiting hours
Hours vary by season, and winter weather can cause early closure. Instead of climbing late in the afternoon, first check that day’s visiting guidance and allow descent time.
Official Risshakuji: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and 90-minute return walk
Questions about Yamadera
Does Yamadera have many stairs?
Yes, the approach has 1,015 steps. Official guidance gives about 90 minutes for the return temple walk; allow two to three hours with photos and rests. If prolonged stair climbing is difficult, consider your companions’ mobility. Train travel and the walk from the station to the stairs take additional time.
Official Risshakuji: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and 90-minute return walk
Sources and dates checked
- Official Risshakuji: seasonal visiting hours, 1,015 steps and 90-minute return walk ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Official Risshakuji: ten-minute station-to-stair-entrance walk ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Official Risshakuji: JPY 500 Sanmon admission, cash payment ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Yamadera Tourism Association: ascent entrance, Konponchudo and Sanmon order ·
- JR revised 2026 ordinary paper fares: main-line 11–15km JPY 260, compared with direct section searches ·
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