A temple complex located in Japan's Yamagata Prefecture, Yamadera offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside -- if you're willing to work for them. Though the Buddhist site's official name is Risshakuji Temple, it's more commonly referred to as Yamadera by the locals, meaning "mountain temple."
Yamadera Risshakuji Temple —
A temple complex located in Japan's Yamagata Prefecture, Yamadera offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside -- if you're willing to work for them. Though the Buddhist site's official name is Risshakuji Temple, it's more commonly referred to as Yamadera by the locals, meaning "mountain temple."
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To reach the main hall of the temple complex visitors need to climb the 1,015 steps that wind their way up Mount Hoju-san.
More than 1,000 steps —
To reach the main hall of the temple complex visitors need to climb the 1,015 steps that wind their way up Mount Hoju-san.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Fortunately there are plenty of sites along the way that will give you a plausible excuse to pause and catch your breath such as the Niomon Gate, which is located about halfway up the trail.
Niomon Gate —
Fortunately there are plenty of sites along the way that will give you a plausible excuse to pause and catch your breath such as the Niomon Gate, which is located about halfway up the trail.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Perhaps the most photographed buildings at Yamadera: Kaisando Hall and the red Nokyodo building.
Kaisando Hall —
Perhaps the most photographed buildings at Yamadera: Kaisando Hall and the red Nokyodo building.
Karla Cripps/CNN
Yamadera's observation deck, called Godaido Hall, offers views of the surrounding Yamagata countryside. The temple is open year-round so views vary according to the season you visit.
Godaido Hall —
Yamadera's observation deck, called Godaido Hall, offers views of the surrounding Yamagata countryside. The temple is open year-round so views vary according to the season you visit.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Okunoin, Yamadera's main hall. The temple complex is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance costs 300 yen -- about $2.90.
Okunoin —
Okunoin, Yamadera's main hall. The temple complex is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance costs 300 yen -- about $2.90.
JTB Photo/Universal Images Group Editorial
Rows of tiny Ojizosan statues sit near the entrance to Yamadera at the base of the mountain. According to animist beliefs, the figures represent the guardian of children and travelers.
Ojizosan —
Rows of tiny Ojizosan statues sit near the entrance to Yamadera at the base of the mountain. According to animist beliefs, the figures represent the guardian of children and travelers.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Many visitors to the temple have pressed one yen coins into the side of Midahora Rock as offerings. It's located about halfway up the mountain, just below Niomon Gate.
Midahora Rock —
Many visitors to the temple have pressed one yen coins into the side of Midahora Rock as offerings. It's located about halfway up the mountain, just below Niomon Gate.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The ceilings of some Yamadera sites are covered in senjafuda stickers, which translates to "thousand shrine tags." The tags bear the names of visitors and are said to bring luck.
Senjafuda —
The ceilings of some Yamadera sites are covered in senjafuda stickers, which translates to "thousand shrine tags." The tags bear the names of visitors and are said to bring luck.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Yamadera Temple was founded in AD 860 to oversee the northern Tohoku region's Tendai Buddhism sect.
Tendai Buddhism —
Yamadera Temple was founded in AD 860 to oversee the northern Tohoku region's Tendai Buddhism sect.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
A map close to the temple entrance includes English information for visitors.
You are here —
A map close to the temple entrance includes English information for visitors.
Karla Cripps/CNN