Understand

Welcome to Yamadera, a quaint town known as "Mountain Temple" due to its iconic Ryshaku-ji Temple. This serene location, famous for its association with Matsuo Basho and his renowned haiku poem, awaits your discovery. In his immortal words, "Silence, and the penetrating sound of cicadas echoing through the rocks." Experience the true depth of these words by visiting this temple, especially during late summer when the symphony of cicadas resonates, sometimes even resembling drilling through solid rock. Follow in the footsteps of Basho and immerse yourself in the magic of Yamadera, a place where nature and poetry intertwine effortlessly.

Get in

If you're looking to visit Yamadera, there are a couple of convenient options to get there. If you're coming from Yamagata, you can hop on the JR Senzan line, which will take you there in just 20 minutes. This train line connects all the way to Sendai, so it's easy to reach Yamadera from other cities too. If you're coming from Tokyo, there are two ways to get to Yamadera. One option is to take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata and then transfer to the Senzan Line. This will cost you 11,000 yen and take around 3 1/2 to 4 hours. The other option is to take a Tohoku Shinkansen train to Sendai and then switch to the Senzan Line. This will cost you 11,230 yen and take between 3 and 4 1/2 hours, depending on the connection times. Regardless of the route you choose, you'll have a scenic journey to Yamadera!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing