Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture, with Stunning Scenery Throughout the Seasons

When the snow melts away and the flowers’ breath can be felt against your skin, spring has arrived. From mid to late April, you can see a few cherry trees in bloom at the temple. The climate is lovely at this time of year, making it the perfect time to go mountain climbing.

Summer is bursting with beautiful and fresh greenery. The sounds of nature are at their most active during summer, including the voices of cicadas, which Matsuo Basho wrote about in his famous verse “shizukesa ya iwa ni shimi-iru semi no koe (deep silence; the shrill of cicadas seeps into rocks)” at this very temple. You can wear regular clothes on a visit here during the summer, but be sure to prepare for against the heat in mind as you make the climb.

Visiting during autumn is perfect, as the autumn leaves are stunning and the climate is ideal for climbing the mountain. The entirety of the mountain is dyed in shades of red and yellow, particularly late into October. The temple grounds are also lit up at night when the autumn leaves are at their finest. (※Entry to the mountain at night is prohibited. The lights can be seen from the foot of the mountain.)

Snow piles up along the ground and trees in the winter time, and the snowy scenery as you look out from Godaido or the temple grounds is absolutely stunning. However, it is not an ideal mountain climbing season for those who are not confident in their physical strength; the stone steps are dangerous and slippery with all of the snow. (Oku-no-In is closed during winter)

Yamadera is sure to feature stunning scenery throughout the seasons, whenever you choose to visit. Chow down on the local delicacy “chikara kon’nyaku” and climb your way up the 1015 stone steps!