Climbing Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple (Yama-dera), you make your way up the stone steps while experiencing the exquisite atmosphere of Matsuo Basho's verse: “Such stillness—the sound of cicadas sinking into the rocks.” Along the way are an old-fashioned bridge, Jizo statues, and bronze statues of Matsuo Basho and his disciple Sora. The lush forest gives the entire climb a peaceful atmosphere.
At the summit, the Nokyodo and Kaisando halls perched on the cliff come into view. Looking out from above over the valley and endless mountain peaks, the spectacular scenery instantly soothes the exhaustion from climbing the steps! Whether you want to test your stamina, find peace of mind, or admire breathtaking natural scenery, Yama-dera is definitely a classic Yamagata attraction you shouldn't miss!
Yama-Dera (Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple) | Review by Ming Yu
Other Reviews by Ming Yu
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TOKYO DOME HOTEL
Rising high above the urban entertainment hub of Tokyo Dome City-home to baseball games, martial arts events, pro wrestling, and concerts-the Tokyo Dome Hotel is a 43-story high-rise that stands as one of the premier skyscraper hotels in the city.
At night, the exterior glows with the classic green neon “TOKYO DOME” lettering. Together with the dense lights across the dome’s roof and the sea of pink and purple lights in the plaza, it creates a dazzling, lively nightscape with a distinctly urban feel! As the home stadium of Japan’s Yomiuri Giants and a coveted concert venue for countless international superstars, this place is always filled with baseball fans and music fans from all over, brimming with endless energy.
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Tokyo Dome City
This is a huge leisure facility complex that is centered around Tokyo Dome, which is famous as a baseball stadium. An amusement park, restaurants, shops and a hotel surround the massive Tokyo Dome.
Visiting Tokyo’s famous urban entertainment landmark, Tokyo Dome City Attractions, and looking down at the LaQua area at night, the most eye-catching sight is the hubless Big O Ferris wheel glowing with pink and purple neon lights! As night falls, the amusement park lights blend with the surrounding city streets to create a captivating nightscape, while the domed facilities and walking paths below look especially romantic under the soft lights. In addition to the thrilling roller coaster that passes through the center of the Ferris wheel, there are also plenty of shopping and hot spring facilities. Whether you come for daytime fun or to take in the glittering city lights at night, this is a highly recommended spot for dates and leisure during an independent trip to Tokyo!
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Sanrio Puroland
Guests can meet Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody at this indoor theme park. Sanrio characters put on authentic performances like shows and parades that mix stories, dances, and songs together.
At the dreamy indoor wonderland Sanrio Puroland in Tama, Tokyo, take the classic Sanrio Character Boat Ride through a magical waterway and you’ll be greeted by an entire pink celebration stage featuring Hello Kitty, Daniel, Cinnamoroll, Mama Rabbit, My Melody, and many other Sanrio stars! The gorgeous pink palace setting, delicate floral decorations, and sparkling lights create a warm, fairy-tale atmosphere as all the characters invited to the party make their grand entrance in their finest formalwear. The fully indoor, climate-controlled design means the weather is never an issue, and both adults and children can rediscover their inner child here. It’s definitely an adorable, dreamy photo spot that shouldn’t be missed on an independent trip to Tokyo!
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