The most exhausting part of climbing Yamadera definitely isn’t the sore legs—it’s those more than 1,000 stone steps that seem to go on forever! Along the way, both sides are lined with towering cedar trees covered in thick snow and old-fashioned stone lanterns. As you climb and gasp for breath, you also have to watch whether the snow underfoot is slippery. But once you manage to reach the top, the view definitely makes all the effort feel worthwhile.
Looking down from beside the ancient temple next to the massive rocks, you can see endless snow-white mountains stretching to the horizon. The small town and rooftops below are all frosted with a layer of snow, and with the huge sun overhead and a cloudless blue sky, the whole scene is incredibly spectacular. The thrill of exploring an ancient mountain trail in the heavy snow while enjoying unbeatable views from the summit was definitely the most exhilarating and memorable snowy-country experience of the entire trip!
As I climbed the steps one by one, the snow crunched beneath my feet, and it was so quiet all around that I could even hear myself breathing. The surrounding trees had been transformed into strange shapes by the accumulated snow, like natural ice and snow sculptures. When I started getting a little out of breath, I stopped and looked back. The sunlight was falling perfectly across the snow and mountaintops, making them sparkle brilliantly. That feeling of being completely removed from the world really made me forget all my worries.
This experience of putting all your strength and willpower into seeing the beautiful scenery really will leave your legs completely worn out, but when you stand at the highest point overlooking the entire valley, the awe and exhilaration you feel are completely beyond words. If you want to experience Japan’s most authentic and breathtaking winter snowscapes, this is definitely a classic place to visit.
