Yamadera, the temple of the flame that never dies
2025
Discover the esoteric Buddhist temple of Yamadera (Risshakuji), just a few minutes from Yamadera station, itself just a few minutes from Yamagata station!
A short journey in the footsteps of the poet Matsuo Basho.
To find out more about Yamadera, Tendo Onsen and Mount Zao; https://yamagatakanko.com/en/
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Culture / Heritage, Adventure / Sports & Leisure.
Best months to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Janvier, Février, Mars, Avril, Mai, Juin, Juillet, Août, Septembre, Octobre, Novembre, Décembre.
You can go all year round.
How to get there?
You can get there by , Train.
Detail of the stay : Yamadera, the temple of the flame that never dies - 1 day
Yamadera, the temple of the flame that never dies
© Yamagata Kanko Bussan Kyokai
Risshakuji temple, better known as "Yamadera", was founded in the year 860 by master Jikaku Daishi Ennin, third leader of the Tendai sect. Also known as the "ancient temple of heaven", the entire mountain is a place dedicated to spiritual practice and Buddhist faith.
Climbing the 1,015 steps to the inner temple (Oku-no-in) is said to liberate you from earthly desires. Along the way, there are many points of interest, such as the Konpon-chūdō 根本中堂, where the "eternal flame of the Dharma" shines, the Mida-hora (弥陀洞), as well as the Kaizan-dō and Nōkyō-dō pavilions.
This "flame that never goes out" comes from the main Enryakuji temple, where it was brought by Saichō disciple Ennin when Yamadera was founded. Lit before Yakushi Nyorai, the main deity, by Saichō himself, this flame has not stopped burning for over 1,200 years.
