The Heights of Yamadera

One of Tohoku’s Top Attractions

In today’s post we’ll be examining one of the northernmost outposts of the Tendai Buddhist sect that has been on my bucket list for years. Officially known as Risshaku-ji, the temple is more colloquially known as Yamadera (lit. “Mountain Temple”) as it seemingly clings desperately to the cliffs of Mt. Hoju. Yamadera is home to some absolutely spectacular panoramic…