Japan Train Trip: Episode 18

The next morning, we embarked on another day of sightseeing. This time, we decided to take a ride on the JR East Hayabusa bullet train, which reaches speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. The Hayabusa travels all the way to Hokkaido, but we opted for a shorter trip to the city of Sendai.

Upon arriving in Sendai, our eldest brother suggested a train trip to the outskirts of the city. We readily agreed to his proposal.

We will transfer to the JR Senzan Line, which runs between Yamagata Station and Sendai Station, with Yamadera Station as our destination. The journey will take approximately one hour.

As the train journey continued, several unusual observations were made. Aside from the vast expanse of forests and mountains lining the tracks, remnants of unmelted snow and ice persisted along the way.

The final stop is Yamadera Temple. Upon exiting Yamadera Station, a 5-minute walk will take you past shops, restaurants, and a small tourist information center located across the bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right and you will see the stairs leading up to the temple.

Yamadera, literally translated from Japanese, means "mountain" and "temple" as it is a temple located on a mountain. To reach the temple, one must climb stairs up the mountain. This beautiful Tendai sect temple is situated on a mountain in northeastern Yamagata City. Founded in 860 AD, it is over 1,000 years old. Officially named Risshakuji, the temple's grounds extend to the top of a steep hill, offering stunning views of the valley below.

Yamadera Temple: A Haven of Tranquility and Inspiration

During the early Heian period (794-1185), Emperor Saga dispatched the revered monk Jikaku Daishi to the frontiers of the Tohoku region. There, nestled amidst the serene landscape, arose Yamadera Temple. This sacred site gained renown when the celebrated poet Basho graced its grounds, composing a poignant haiku that captured the essence of its tranquility.

Basho's evocative verse, etched onto a stone tablet at the foot of the temple, speaks to the profound stillness that permeates the atmosphere. His words serve as a testament to the enduring power of nature to inspire artistic expression and evoke a sense of profound peace.

Today, Yamadera Temple stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of both Jikaku Daishi and Basho. Its serene setting and rich history continue to draw visitors seeking solace and inspiration amidst the natural beauty of the Tohoku region.

To reach the top of the temple, visitors must climb a stone staircase of approximately 1,000 steps, a journey that takes about 30 minutes. This challenging ascent has earned the temple the nickname "Temple of a Thousand Steps." Along the path, visitors will encounter stone lanterns and small statues nestled amidst the lush greenery. Upon reaching the summit, they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, making it a popular destination for tourists.

We opted to stroll below, declining the ascent of the thousand steps. After spending some time at the temple, we returned to the station to wait for our train back to Sendai.

After visiting the Yamadera Temple, we returned to JR Sendai Station. Considering the time, it was difficult to go anywhere else, so we waited for the train to return.

JR Sendai Station is a long building connected to several surrounding department stores. Therefore, there are Sky Walk or elevated walkways connecting all surrounding areas. At each intersection of the elevated walkways, there are signs indicating the directions you can go. If you want to visit nearby places, you can easily follow the signs.

Looking down from the Sendai City Bus stop, you will see the bus stop on the 1st floor in front of the station. There are platforms separated according to the type of bus. There are both public buses and hotel buses that provide pick-up and drop-off services for guests. The zone in the middle of the entrance on the 1st floor is the taxi stand where taxis will queue up. They are parked in a very orderly manner, unlike some countries we are familiar with. If you want to hail a taxi, you have to hail it at the designated point. You cannot just walk up and hail it, and you have to queue up to hail it.

After a brief stroll around the station, it was time to board the Hayabusa bullet train back to Tokyo.

Another day of relaxed sightseeing has come to an end, signaling that our time for exploring Japan is drawing to a close.

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