Information
COVID-19 Infection Prevention Policy (Yamadera Tourism Association)
1. Tour participants and guides should:
- wash hands carefully before the start of the tour
- carry a mask and wear it when appropriate
- have their temperature measured when checking in at the concierge desk (any person with a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) or higher is asked to refrain from taking part in the tour)
- refrain from physical contact with other members of the tour (shaking hands, hugging, touching, etc.)
- practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter from other tour participants
2. Participants should inform their guide immediately and refrain from taking part in the tour if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- runny nose
- coughing
- fever (37.5°C (99.5°F) or higher)
- nausea
- listlessness (lack of energy)
3. Yamadera Tourism Association will cease a tour immediately if guides have any of the following symptoms:
- runny nose
- coughing
- fever (37.5°C (99.5°F) or higher)
- nausea
- listlessness (lack of energy)
Refunds due to any of the above circumstances will be made based on our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Cancellation and Refund Policy (Yamadera Tourism Association)
Yamadera Tourism Association (hereafter referred to as “YTA'' or "we," “our," “us") ask that participants (hereafter referred to as “you," “your") carefully read and consider our booking and cancellation policy prior to making a reservation. We make a financial commitment to our guides once a reservation has been made and confirmed, and we take all reservations in good faith and begin incurring costs upon confirmation.
Cancellations by the participant:
- No refunds will be given after a tour has started.
- A cancellation can be made prior to the day of the tour by emailing yamaderans@gmail.com.
- Cancellations are only effective upon receipt of an emailed cancellation by YTA.
Date
*Dates and times are in Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Cancellations by Yamadera Tourism Association:
Weather and Mountain Conditions Policy
Mountain weather is unpredictable in all seasons and is a constant factor that shapes the decisions we make before and during our programs. It would not be practical for us to offer refunds in every situation when weather conditions are less than ideal, so we make every effort to develop alternative plans for such eventualities.
1. YTA reserve the right to cancel a reservation before the start of a tour in the case that:
- the participant does not make a full payment by the deadline (designated as 4 days prior to the day of the tour).
- the participant is found to have given YTA false information about their health status, age, or other required information.
- the participant becomes ill.
- YTA discover that the participant might act in ways disruptive to other participants.
- the participant's demands exceed the services that YTA are able to provide.
- there is a natural disaster, outbreak of war, terrorist attack, cancellation of transportation or accommodation by a third party, or under instructions issued by the Japanese government.
2. YTA reserve the right to ask a participant to withdraw from a tour after it has commenced in the case that:
- the participant is found to have given YTA false information about their health status, age, or other required information.
- the participant becomes ill.
- the participant refuses to follow instructions given by YTA and/or the guide, the participant acts in ways disruptive to other participants, the participant is violent or threatening, or the participant acts in a similarly unacceptable manner.
- there is a natural disaster, outbreak of war, terrorist attack, cancellation of transportation or accommodation by a third party, or under instructions issued by the Japanese government.
YTA will offer a refund equal to the cost of the remaining portion of the tour that the participant is unable to take part in, minus any cancellation fees, penalties, or other costs that are or will be charged to YTA.
If a participant does not arrive at the designated location （Fumotoya Mountain Entrance branch） by the designated time, YTA reserve the right to deny that participant access to the tour. In this case, no refund will be given.
* If you have any questions regarding the above policies, please feel free to contact us at: yamaderans@gmail.com
*This tour is organized by Yamadera Tourism Association. Full details of Yamadera Tourism Association are available in Japanese on the Yamadera Tourism Association website.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Concierge Q&A
Risshakuji Temple Tourism Information
Q.Is the tour available in any other languages?
A.Chinese and Spanish are available upon request. Please contact yamaderans@gmail.com for an inquiry.
Q. ¿El recorrido está disponible en otros idiomas?
A.El recorrido en Español está disponible a pedido. Póngase en contacto con yamaderans@gmail.com para una consulta.
Q.该线路是否能提供其他语言的服务?
A.可以根据要求提供中文服务。如有需要，请向 yamaderans@gmail.com 咨询
Q.How many steps is the stone path going up the Yamadera mountainside? Can it be climbed in sandals?
A.The path is 1015 stone steps in total. Walking up it can be somewhat strenuous, so we recommend that you wear sneakers or walking shoes.
Q.What Buddhist sect does Risshakuji Temple belong to?
A.Risshakuji Temple belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
Q.How much is the entrance fee for the Risshakuji Temple mountainside?
A.The entrance fee is 300 yen for adults[SHS students and above], 200 yen for junior high school students, and 100 yen for elementary school students and younger children. A discounted rate is offered for groups (excluding groups of elementary school students). Groups of 30 or more will receive a 20% discount.
Q.Is parking available?
A.Visitors to Risshakuji Temple may use one of the parking areas provided by local Yamadera shops for a fee of 300 to 500 yen per day.
Q.Is bicycle parking available?
A.There is no designated bicycle parking lot for visitors to Risshakuji Temple, but you may park your bicycle in the Hojubashi Park area.
Q.Can the stone path be climbed in winter?
A.Yes. However, snowfall makes the steps very slippery, so please wear appropriate footwear (snowshoes and/or snow spikes) and enter the mountain at your own risk.
Q.Is it possible to climb the path with a baby stroller?
A.It would be difficult to take a baby stroller up the stone steps, but a baby stroller can be used in the Yamadera shopping area.
Q.Does the stone path have a handrail?
A.Yes, the path is furnished with a handrail.
Q.Can the stone path be climbed in the early morning, before the Sanmon Gate opens?
A.Visitors are asked to wait until the Sanmon Gate opens.
* The gate opens at 8:00 AM from April to November, and 8:30 AM from December to March.
Q.What are the Risshakuji Temple hours?
A.Admittance to the Risshakuji Temple mountainside changes depending on the season.
From April to November: Gate opens at 8 AM (Last entry before 4 PM). Visitors are asked to exit the mountainside by 5 PM.
From December to March: Gate opens at 8:30 AM (Last entry before 3 PM). Visitors are asked to exit the mountainside by 4 PM.
*Admittance hours are subject to change due to weather and safety reasons.
Q.How long does it generally take to go up the mountainside and come back down?
A.It typically takes about an hour and a half to complete the trip.
Q.Is there an escalator or ropeway?
A.No, the path can only be climbed on foot.
Q.Where can you receive a shuin (seal stamp) at Risshakuji Temple?
A.Ten different shuin seal stamps are available at the following seven locations: 1) Konponchudo Hall, 2) Hie Shrine, 3) Shozoin Sub-Temple (2 varieties), 4) Konjoin Sub-Temple, 5) Chushoin Sub-Temple, 6) Kezoin Sub-Temple (2 varieties), Okunoin Hall (2 varieties)
Q.Are dogs allowed on the stone path?
A.Yes, if they are kept on a leash. However, dogs are not allowed in the wooden temple structures, including Godaido Hall.
Q.Are there restrooms in the Risshakuji Temple complex?
A.Yes. During the summer, there are restrooms at the following four locations: 1) next to Konponchudo Hall, 2) in front of the Sanmon Gate, 3) in the vicinity of the Niomon Gate, 4) next to the summit store. During the winter, there are restrooms at the following two locations: 1) next to Konponchudo Hall, 2) in front of the Sanmon Gate.
Q.Are there baby-changing stations in any of the restrooms?
A.There is a baby-changing station in the public restroom located in Hojubashi Park. However, there are no designated breastfeeding rooms.
Q.Is the Risshakuji Temple complex accessible to people with disabilities?
A.At the present time, the stone path has unfortunately not had any accessibility modifications.
Q.Is it possible to experience zazen (Zen meditation) at Risshakuji Temple?
A.Zazen experiences are currently under preparation. Please contact us for inquiries.
Other Information
Q.When is the best time for viewing autumn colors in Yamadera?
A.The best time for viewing autumn colors is generally from late October to mid-November.
Q.Does Yamadera Station have elevators or escalators?
A.No, Yamadera Station only has stairs.
Q.Are there allergy-friendly restaurants in Yamadera?
A.Those with allergy concerns should speak directly with restaurant or shop staff.
Q.Are coin lockers available?
A.Yes, there are coin lockers at Yamadera Station. The tourist information center and local Yamadera shops will also keep baggage for a fee.
Q.Are there any hotels or inns in Yamadera?
A.The Takasagoya Honkan Inn is the only accommodation facility in Yamadera. Those wishing to stay here should make a reservation in advance.
Q.Are there any bathing facilities in Yamadera?
A.There are no public bathing facilities in Yamadera, but Tendo Onsen is a 15-minute drive from Yamadera. Non-staying guests may also use the Tendo Onsen baths.Those wishing to utilize bathing facilities at a hotel or inn should inquire directly as to whether these facilities are available for non-staying guests. Other nearby public bathing facilities include Yupia (located in Tendo city, a 20-minute drive from Yamadera) and Yu-Cherry (located in Sagae city, a 30-minute drive from Yamadera).
Q.Are Yamadera tourism pamphlets available?
A.Tourism pamphlets may be viewed on or downloaded from the Yamadera Tourism Association website.
Q.How far is it from Yamadera Station to Risshakuji Temple?
A.It is a ten-minute walk from Yamadera Station to the Risshakuji Temple area.
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