Travel Guide Yamadera (Risshaku-Ji)

Founded in 860 by Ennin, Yamadera is a collection of about 40 temples located in a very mountainous and rugged area. It is one of the most revered places in Tōhoku, which explains the flood of tourists. From the station, cross the river and turn right to reach the Konponchū-dō, a national treasure, which has the same name as the symmetrically placed site on Mount Hiei in Kyōto. This building, dating from 1356, houses a flame that is said to have been brought from Enryaku-ji, the center of the Tendai sect, 1,100 years ago, and has been burning ever since. Walking to the left, you will reach the Hihōkan where the temple treasures are located. You can continue up the stairs to reach the Nio-mon Gate. The climb up the 1,100 steps lined with moss-covered jizō statues leads to the Okuno-in (the back temple). The paths beyond still serve a few buildings and a few shrines. Perhaps the best view of Yamadera is from the terrace of the Godai-jō.