Yamagata Prefecture’s Yama-dera, or Risshakuji as it’s officially named, is one of the most famous temples in the Tohoku region of Japan. Founded in 860 C.E. as a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it’s specifically noted for being a source of artistic inspiration for famed haiku poet Basho, painters, and for photographers visiting today. The temple is a series of buildings scattered across the sheer cliff face of Mt. Hoju.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 7.

This temple is really a beautiful complex with amazing foliage like massive ceder pines, Japanese maple trees, and other trees that turn the hillsides orange and red in autumn. The stair climb from the valley floor to the upper levels might be a bit steep, but it doesn’t take too long. The added sight of Japanese grandmas taking on the challenge is a shot to near anyone’s ego and is sufficient motivation to keep climbing when the going gets tough, but like many rural temples, there’s plenty of places to stop and catch your breath while looking at the stunning sights around you.

I do have a beef to pick with this temple, and I have to bring it up because it really affected my experience there. The monks at the temple are not nice people. When I asked them a simple question (in Japanese), the monk responded with a short answer that was not welcoming and actually on the verge of being rude. This happened multiple times because as I mentioned before, the temple is a series of buildings spread out across a cliff. I understand that I was one of a large number of tourists visiting that day, but I’ve also been to busier and more remote locations that treated guests like human beings. I was severely disappointed that possibly my one and only visit to this beautiful location was marred by such disreputable staff.