Hōjusan Risshakuji—better known informally as Yamadera, literally “the mountain temple”—is a complex of 30 large and small temple structures clinging to steep, rocky hillsides in eastern Yamagata ...

At the end of my backpacking trip through Japan, I had three days to spare with no idea what to do. I had already explored the very south (Hiroshima) as well as all major landmarks around the central ...

Upon hearing I would have to climb 1,015 steps to reach the summit of Yamadera Risshakuji Temple in Japan, my immediate reaction was admittedly pathetic. I inspected the temple complex’s on-site map ...

HONOLULU (HI Now) - The HI Now Japan team continues their journey through Yamagata, showcasing the region’s natural beauty, rich culinary traditions, and special connections to Hawaiʻi. A highlight of ...

We're only a few minutes into our climb up one of Yamagata Prefecture's holy mountains, Mount Hojusan, and already our pace has slowed considerably. Our destination is Risshakuji Temple, more ...

2,400 kilometers. This is roughly the distance from Tokyo to Hong Kong, a journey a renowned haiku poet covered on foot in approximately five months over 300 years ago. That poet was Matsuo Bashō, and ...

Cherry blossoms are seen in full bloom on the grounds of Yamadera temple in the city of Yamagata, April 22, 2025. (Mainichi/Tadahiko Mori) Donald Keene's journey tracing the footsteps of haiku poet ...