📕 Goshuin from visitors
Hosozan Taisan-ji
日本、〒999-3301 山形県山形市山寺４４５６−１
Known by the common name 'Yamadera (Mountain Temple),' this is a sacred mountain of the Tendai sect. It is famous for the site where Matsuo Basho composed the haiku 'The silence of the cicadas seeping into the rocks,' and for the view from the Go-daido (Great Hall of the Five) standing on a cliff, accessible via 1,015 stone steps.
History
Founded in 860 CE (Seikan 2) by Ennin, the third head of the Tendai sect (Tendai Zasu). It is said that when Ennin visited this location, he purchased the surrounding area of ten ri in all directions to serve as temple land, and built over 300 halls and pagodas to devote himself to preaching. The monastic quarters flourished during the Kamakura period but declined during the Muromachi period. In the Edo period, the temple was granted 1,420 koku of shuin-chi (seal-land, a tax-exempt land grant), and the halls and pagodas were rebuilt and restored.
Auto-generated by AI from web sources (please verify).Source
What visitors say
This is a famous spot where you can climb approximately 1,000 stone steps continuing from the mountain gate to enjoy a spectacular view from the summit. The rich natural scenery, which changes with the seasons, and the autumn foliage are beautiful, and there are teahouses along the approach path where you can rest. There are paid parking lots nearby. While visiting requires a certain level of physical stamina, the rewarding scenery is its main appeal.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 – 15:00
- Tuesday: 8:00 – 15:00
- Wednesday: 8:00 – 15:00
- Thursday: 8:00 – 15:00
- Friday: 8:00 – 15:00
- Saturday: 8:00 – 15:00
- Sunday: 8:00 – 15:00
Annual events & festivals
- August 6, 18:00 to August 7Yakou Nembutsu-ko (Night Nembutsu Recitation)
After reciting nembutsu at the Honmon-chudo, devotees chant through the night while visiting the various halls on the way to the Okuno-in. Lanterns beside the stone steps are also lit.
See details on the official site › - August 20, 18:00 onwardUrabon-e Jikaki Hokuyo (Obon Festival Rite for Hungry Ghosts)
A Buddhist rite held during Obon to offer food and drink to hungry ghosts and pray for the peace of ancestors' souls.
See details on the official site ›
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
口コミ (...件)
Looking up Hosozan Taisan-ji?
Kaminavi helps you find over 90,000 temples across Japan by map, blessing, and reviews. Its real-time lucky-direction search based on Nine Star Ki even tells you which direction is auspicious for you today. You can also keep your visit records, Goshuin collection, and pilgrimage plans in one place.
What you can do on Kaminavi
Today's Lucky Direction
From where you are now, via Nine Star Ki
Good Days to Visit
Rokuyo & auspicious-day calendar
Power Spots
Highlights in Hokkaido & Tohoku
Festival Calendar
Annual events in Hokkaido & Tohoku
Featured Articles
Guides by type of blessing
Worship Etiquette
How to pray at a temple
Visits & Goshuin
Keep a record of every visit