AugustWinter Scenery · Tohoku
Yamadera (Hojusan Risshakuji Temple) in Snow
Yamagata, Zao & YamaderaTemple❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Mar
Overview
Overview
Yamadera (Hojusan Risshakuji Temple), said to have been founded in 860, is an ancient temple where the entire rocky mountain serves as a place of ascetic practice. In winter its 1,015 stone steps and the halls perched on the rocks are wrapped in snow, and you can worship amid quiet snowy scenery.
- Address
- 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, Yamagata
- Time needed
- About 1–2 hours round trip to the Okunoin inner sanctuary (allow extra time on snowy paths)
- Official website
- https://rissyakuji.jp/
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonWinter (around December to March)
December
January
February
March
The amount of snow varies by year. In winter the gates may close early depending on the weather
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
From the Godaido Hall you can look down on snowy mountain ridges and the village at the temple gate. The Kaisando Hall and Nokyodo Hall, standing on the rocks and draped in snow, are also highlights.
📷 Best views
Godaido Hall
A lookout over the snowy mountain ridges and the village
Kaisando Hall and Nokyodo Hall
Halls perched on the rocks, draped in snow
Hours
Opening hours
Winter (December–March)8:30–15:00
Gates close at 16:00. May close earlier depending on the weather
In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The stone steps are slippery with snow and ice. Besides non-slip shoes, use light crampons or other ice grips if needed
- ✓In winter the gates may close early depending on the weather, so a morning visit is recommended
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Yamadera Station (JR Senzan Line)About 5 min on foot
- Driving & winter roads
- Paid parking lots nearby
- Getting back
- The sun sets early in winter, so start climbing early in the afternoon to make it before entry closes at 15:00
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for Yamagata: high 3.3°C, low -3.1°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- You will sweat climbing up and down the stone steps, so wear warm layers that are easy to take on and off. Gloves and non-slip winter boots are essential
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.
Winter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Tohoku
CastleTsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) in Snow
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
❄ Best season: Mid Nov – Mid Mar
✦ Illumination
CastleHirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle) in Winter
Tohoku ・ Hirosaki
❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Gorge
Hot spring town
Snowy village
Rime ice
Frozen waterfall & icicles
Old townKakunodate Samurai District in Snow
Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Lake
Frozen waterfall & icicles
Snow corridorSeasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06