Yama-dera, Buddhist temple at mountainside in Yamagata, Japan.
The temple complex stretches along a steep hillside with multiple buildings connected by stone staircases leading to different prayer halls and observation points.
Founded in 860 by Buddhist monk Ennin after his return from China, Yama-dera served as a branch of the Tendai sect from Enryaku-ji temple near Kyoto.
The temple holds numerous wooden statues and inscriptions of the Lotus Sutra, with the Konpon-chudo hall constructed between 1346 and 1370 as its main structure.
Visitors need to climb more than 1,000 stone steps to reach the upper temple area, with operating hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM throughout the year.
The temple grounds contain a cave where archaeologists discovered human remains and fragments of Heian period wooden statues attributed to founder Ennin.
Location: Yamagata
Inception: 860
Founders: Ennin, An'e
Part of: Shiji Kairō
Address: 山形県山形市大字山寺4456-1 999-3301
Opening Hours: Dimanche: 08:00 - 16:00
Phone: 0236952843
Website: https://rissyakuji.jp
GPS coordinates: 38.31256,140.43739
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:20
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