Yamadera (Risshakuji)

Risshakuji, a venerable Tendai Buddhist temple in Yamagata City affectionately known as Yamadera, stands as one of Tohoku's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Founded in 860 by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, it is renowned as the place where Matsuo Basho composed his celebrated verse 'Silence—penetrating the rocks, the cicada's cry.' Ascending 1,015 stone steps from the main gate to the inner sanctuary reveals a grand panorama of the Yamagata Basin below. The temple is particularly stunning during autumn foliage season and maintains its charm through snow-covered winter landscapes. The approach path is lined with tea houses and souvenir shops, where the local specialty chikara konnyaku is a must-try.