Mt. Haguro Three Temples (Yamadera)

Mount Takarajima Rokusho-ji Temple is known for its entire mountain of unique rock formations, and its landscape is renowned as a place of practice and faith. It takes about an hour to walk from the trailhead to the Okunoin, where the Great Buddha Hall is located, but during that time, a stunning view unfolds. The mountain is dotted with unique rocks and boulders, and the powerful natural beauty of their shapes can be felt. Moss and plants grow on the rock faces and in the crevices, giving the scenery a unique flavor. It is also known that Matsuo Basho wrote the famous haiku "silence / cicadas penetrate the rocks" during his travels in the travelogue "Oku no Hosomichi". The landscape of these unique rock formations evokes a sense of the mystery and tranquility of nature for visitors. The scenery of Mount Takarajima Rokusho-ji Temple, which has been highly valued as a place of mountain worship and practice, has become a special presence for those seeking purification and healing of the heart!

At the Tachiseki Temple on Mount Houshu, there is a long staircase of 1,015 steps known as the traditional pilgrimage route. Climbing these steps to reach the inner sanctuary is considered part of the training for many believers and visitors. These 1,015 steps are considered a path for practitioners to detach themselves from worldly desires and achieve spiritual purification. By climbing the steps, one can strengthen their body, discipline their mind, and overcome their desires. Therefore, these steps are called the "auspicious steps of training." Along the way, there are various attractions such as monuments, historical sites, and breathtaking views, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery while climbing. The surroundings of the steps are tranquil and majestic, providing a peaceful environment for spiritual training. Climbing the 1,015 steps may be a challenge, but it offers the opportunity to experience the magnificent view of the inner sanctuary and the joy of purifying one's mind. The staircase at Tachiseki Temple is a special spot for deepening one's faith, and is a valuable place for many people.

The Root Main Hall of Hōjusan Risshaku-ji Temple is an important temple that serves as the main hall of the entire temple. The current Root Main Hall was rebuilt in 1356 by Kaneyori Sawai, the lord of Yamagata Castle, and is a five-by-four bay building with a hipped roof. The building is mainly made of beech wood and is considered the oldest known beech wood building in Japan. Inside the Root Main Hall, there is a wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, enshrined as the main deity. It is said that this statue was made by the Buddhist monk Jikaku Daishi, and visitors can pay their respects to the statue at the Root Main Hall. In addition, other deities such as Nikkō Bosatsu, Gakkō Bosatsu, Jūnishi-ten, Monju Bosatsu, and Bishamon-ten are also enshrined as attendants. The Root Main Hall is not only a place of worship, but also a valuable cultural and architectural asset due to its historical and architectural significance. Its beautiful hipped roof and interior decorations such as statues and carvings are attractive to many people. The Root Main Hall of Hōjusan Risshaku-ji Temple is a precious cultural heritage site in Yamagata City and a place of peace and tranquility for visitors.

Kaizando Hall at Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple is the hall where Jikaku Daishi, who founded the temple, used to worship. It is built on top of Hyakujogai Cliff. Under the hall, there is a natural cave where Jikaku Daishi's remains are buried in a golden coffin. Inside the hall, there is a wooden statue of Jikaku Daishi, which is offered meals and incense twice a day. Normally, the hall is closed, but once a year, on January 14th, the anniversary of Jikaku Daishi's death, a memorial service is held and the hall is opened to the public. To the left of Kaizando Hall, there is a small red hall called Nokyo-do, where visitors can receive a stamp for their temple book and leave a copy of sutras they wrote. This is the oldest building on the mountain, and it houses a copy of the Lotus Sutra that was transcribed over four years at Okunoin. The building is designated as a cultural asset by the prefecture, and it underwent dismantling and repair work in 1987. Moreover, to the upper right of Kaizando Hall, there is Godaido Hall, where the Five Great Myo-o deities are enshrined. The hall is built like a stage, and visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Yamadera's scenery. The area around Kaizando Hall at Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple is filled with Jikaku Daishi's spiritual energy and history, and it has become a spiritual sanctuary for many people.

The Inner Sanctuary, or Okunoin, of Takamatsuzan Tateshina Temple is located at the end of the approach and is commonly referred to as the Okunoin. Its formal name is "Nyohodo." The hall enshrines both Shaka Nyorai and Tahoto Nyorai, which are said to have been brought back from China by the priest Jikaku Daishi. The Nyohodo was used as Jikaku Daishi's dojo, and the one-character-three-bows calligraphy practice he started with graphite and a brush is carefully preserved. This practice is part of ascetic training, and believers perform the calligraphy with sincerity, hoping for purification of their hearts and the severing of bad karma. On the left side of the Nyohodo is the Daibutsuden, or Great Buddha Hall. Inside the hall, a 5m-tall golden Amida Buddha statue is enshrined, attracting many people from various sects who come to pay their respects. The statue exudes a solemn presence and has become a place to deepen one's faith. The Okunoin and Daibutsuden are the final destination of Tateshina Temple and an important place for those seeking to sever bad karma and purify their hearts. Many believers and pilgrims visit this sacred place, hoping for peace of mind and salvation.