AugustAutumn Leaves · Tohoku
Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Yamagata, Zao & YamaderaTemple🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
An ancient Tendai Buddhist temple known for Matsuo Basho’s haiku “Ah, stillness / the cicada’s voice / seeps into the rocks.” From the Godaido hall, at the top of 1,015 stone steps, you can take in the mountain scenery dyed with autumn leaves.
- Address
- 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, Yamagata 999-3301
- Time needed
- About 1 hr 30 min to climb the stone steps and come back down
- Official website
- https://rissyakuji.jp/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookYamadera (Risshakuji), Tendo Onsen & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour (from Sendai)Guided bus tour from Sendai to Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple), Tendo Onsen and Ginzan Onsen. Admission and meals not includedView on Klook- PRKlookYamadera (Risshakuji), Tendo Onsen & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour (Sendai Hotel Pickup)Day tour with a guide and driver and hotel pickup in Sendai, visiting Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple), Tendo Onsen and Ginzan Onsen. Yamadera entry fee not includedView on Klook
- PRKlookYamadera (Risshakuji), Tendo Onsen Roadside Station & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour (from Sendai)Day tour by nine-seat van with a Chinese-speaking guide and Sendai hotel pickup, visiting Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple), Michi-no-Eki Tendo Onsen and Ginzan OnsenView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late October to early November
September
October
November
December
As of Oct 15, 2026, the Yamagata City Tourist Association reports the leaves have only just started to change color. Check its peak information for the latest colors
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The Godaido hall, standing on a cliff, is Yamadera’s best viewpoint, and in autumn it overlooks the autumn leaves of the surrounding mountains. Along the approach are highlights such as the Konponchudo hall, Semizuka and Midahora.
📷 Best views
Godaido hall
Yamadera’s best viewpoint, jutting out from the cliff, with a sweeping view of the mountains in autumn colors
Semizuka
The place where a strip of paper bearing Basho’s haiku is said to have been buried
Konponchudo hall
A hall said to be the oldest beech-wood building in Japan
Illumination
Illumination & night viewing
- Period
- Usually late October to early November
Held for a limited period
Hours
Opening hours
Gate hours (April–November)8:00–16:00
Gates close at 17:00
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Entry feeAdults (junior high school students and up) ¥500, children (age 4 and up) ¥200
Cash only
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓There are 1,015 stone steps. Take breaks as needed and climb at your own pace
- ✓Goshuin temple seals are not given on loose paper, so bring a goshuin book
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Yamadera Station (JR Senzan Line)
- From major stations & airports
- Yamagata Station: Car (About 30 min)
- By car & parking
- Private paid parking lots available
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The stone steps tend to get congested on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings, right after opening
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Normals for Yamagata: October high 19.5°C, low 9.8°C; November high 12.6°C, low 3.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- You will sweat climbing the steps, so wear layers that are easy to take off and put on, and non-slip shoes such as sneakers
Facilities
Facilities
- Payment
- Entry fee is cash only
Events
Events & festivals in Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
August
December–FebruaryZao Snow Monsters Light-up
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
Attractions
Attractions in Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
AquariumTsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium (Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui)
Tohoku ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata
An aquarium in Tsuruoka facing the Sea of Japan, known for its jellyfish exhibits. After a five-month closure, it reopened after renovation on April 1, 2026 under the nickname Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui. It displays about 100 species of jellyfish.
☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
ZooMiyagi Zao Fox Village
Tohoku ・ Shiroishi, Miyagi
A facility in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, where you can see foxes. The foxes roam freely inside, and you walk among them. Admission is free for elementary school students and younger.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Tohoku
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Temple🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peakTsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-19