Yamadera day trip

An atmospheric temple complex clinging to the steep mountainside.

If you're travelling to Sendai in October, be sure to make a day trip to the temple complex Yamadera which has spectacular autumn colours. Literally ?mountain temple' Yamadera is a steep hillside dotted with interesting temple buildings built into the rock face many of which command sweeping views across the valley. There are around a thousand steps to the top of the mountain, but with great photo opportunities and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.

Tohoku's most famous visitor the haiku master Matsuo Basho wrote these lines on visiting Yamadera:

Ah this silence

sinking into the rocks

voice of cicada.

Yamadera day trip

located in Sendai

Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:

Discover the highlights of rural Tohoku in this week-long add-on itinerary - samurai towns, hot spring villages, and sacred mountains.

Rural Tohoku Trail

Journey north into lesser-known Tohoku to discover the highlights this area has to offer. From samurai towns to temple lodgings on sacred mountains, to soaking in hot springs and tucking into local cuisine at izakaya restaurants, this itinerary makes a perfect add-on to any of our Japan trips.

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Other Sightseeing experiences

Beginners' Japanese lesson
Get your holiday on the right track with a lesson in survival Japanese.
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Peace Park & museum tour
Take a sobering tour of Hiroshima's Peace Park with a volunteer from an NPO that provides support to A-bomb survivors.
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Gunkanjima cruise
Take a boat trip to see the mysterious island of Gunkanjima - aka 'Battle Ship Island'.
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