Yamadera Guided Experience

Yamagata Prefecture

One of the most scenic and celebrated temples in all of Tohoku.

Yamadera is an ancient Buddhist temple complex built into a rugged, steep mountainside, enshrouded in ferns and tall cedars, only a couple of train stops from Yamagata city. It is considered a spiritual power spot, and one of the most scenic and celebrated temples in all of Tohoku. Founded by Tendai master Jikaku Daishi over one thousand years ago, Yamadera was the first Tendai temple in northern Japan and is steeped in both history and lore.

While visitors will undoubtedly enjoy the astounding views and sublime atmosphere, unfortunately, English-language signage or information is in short supply. Our goal is to further enrich your visit by elucidating the story of Yamadera, through its monuments, history, and the philosophies of Tendai Buddhism which shaped the temple’s development. You’ll also learn about its most esteemed figures, namely the founder Jikaku Daishi, and Japan’s most famous haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, who made Yamadera well known through his poetry.

Experience a Yamadera Tour

What's Included

Entry fee
Knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
Elucidating the story of Yamadera at each stop, through monuments, history, and the philosophies of Tendai Buddhism which shaped the temple’s development.
You’ll also learn about influential figures important to Yamadera.
You will visit Yamadera’s most picturesque structures the Nokyodo, Kaisando, and Godaido, which offer spectacular views of the mountains and valley below.

Cost

from 13,000 yen per group

Experience Availability

All-year round. Tour times are flexible.
Note that from November to December the temple is open, but the interiors of many of the halls are closed. Still, Yamadera sees its share of winter visitors, as the snow-covered temple is particularly scenic.

Average Duration

Approximately 2.5 hours

Meeting Location

Yamadera

Important notes

Experience availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
Please notify us at least 3 days before if you must cancel or modify your reservation.
This tour is predominantly outdoors, so please dress accordingly for the weather and wear comfortable shoes or boots. Due to the many stairs, pregnant women and people with serious health conditions should not undertake this tour.

Experience a deeper Yamadera

This tour starts in town and follows the pilgrim path up the 1,015 stone steps of the temple. Our first stop will be at the Taimenseki boulder, and then we’ll move on to the glorious Main Hall, the Konponchudo. We’ll pass through Hiei Shrine on our way to the main gate, learning about Yamadera’s Tendai origins in Kyoto.

From the main gate, we begin our ascent into hallowed grounds, past many ancient graves and memorials. The frightening visage of the Ubadou marks a waypoint for pilgrims on the stone path, the first crossing between worlds of existence and transcendence. This area is full of ancient stupas, stelae, and gravesites, as well as important monuments to Matsuo Basho and Jikaku Daishi. Surrounded by nature, one can meditate upon the many great spirits who have passed through this forest.

Further up, we’ll pass beneath the grand Niomon gate and the glare of its sentry guardians, and forward into the sub-temple complex where practitioners of esoteric Tendai Buddhism continue their mysterious training. We continue to the Okunoin, halls which contain numerous priceless carvings of the Amida Buddha and boddhisatva, as well as other sacred treasures.

Finally, we’ll make our way to Yamadera’s most picturesque structures the Nokyodo, Kaisando, and Godaido, which offer spectacular views of the mountains and valley below. After which, we will head back down to the starting point.

Inquire about your Yamadera tour today!

You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 3 days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserves an experience straightaway.

Cancelation policy

Our general cancelation policy for our experiences is below. Cancelation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.

6 business days before date of experience​

Free

5 business days or less before date of experience

50% of total price

Same day

100% of total price