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.
Yamadera (Hojusan Risshakuji Temple) | Review by Jk
Other Reviews by Jk
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If you're heading to Onomichi for the insanely gorgeous ocean views and to explore Senkoji Temple, riding the Senkoji Ropeway is definitely the most fun and effortless way to start! Just buy a ticket at the base station and hop into a car. During the short three-minute ride through the air, the whole landscape suddenly bursts open beneath your feet like you've activated a cheat code! As the Senkoji Ropeway climbs toward the summit, the view quickly rises from shrine torii gates and rows of retro red-tiled houses packed along the hillside to the entire wide Onomichi Channel and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea in the distance. There's also a super-friendly guide in the car who enthusiastically points out the scenery along the way. That wide-open feeling of having the entire port city beneath your feet is truly incredible!
The insider way to do it is to buy a one-way ticket up! Take the ropeway straight to the top with no effort, and as soon as you leave the summit station, you can walk onto the newly built, wave-shaped PEAK observation deck. Feel the sea breeze while looking out over unbeatable 360-degree ocean views and taking tons of photos. Then just follow the slope down to explore Senkoji Temple and Cat Alley, which is full of adorable cats. You won't have to climb uphill until your legs give out, and you can easily experience all the highlights of Onomichi's artsy route in one go! -
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Senso-ji Temple
One of Asakusa's leading tourist attractions, Senso-ji Temple welcomes more than 30 million visitors annually. This iconic Tokyo temple hosts many annual events, including New Year's visits and Setsubun. Kaminarimon Gate, a symbol of Asakusa, features a large red lantern flanked by statues of the gods of wind and thunder.
The moment you walk out of the subway station and see that ridiculously huge red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate, you instantly feel like, “I’m really in Tokyo!” Built in the seventh century, Senso-ji Temple is the oldest historic temple in Tokyo and the heart and soul of the city’s old downtown area. Pass through Kaminarimon Gate and enter the bustling Nakamise shopping street, where dozens of old Edo-style shops line both sides. The aromas of freshly baked ningyo-yaki cakes, soy sauce from grilled rice crackers, and sweet matcha desserts all mingle together, and the atmosphere is incredibly lively as you walk around and browse. Continue through Hozomon Gate, with its giant straw sandals, to the main hall. Waft the smoke from the incense burner over your head and body to pray for good health and wisdom, then shake the fortune-telling box nearby and draw an omikuji. Even if you happen to draw bad luck, there’s no need to worry—just tie it to the rack nearby and leave all that bad luck behind at the temple!
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Abeno Harukas
A 300-meter-tall mixed-use skyscraper that opened in 2014. The second basement through 14th floors house the Kintetsu Department Store Main Store Abeno Harukas and Abeno Harukas Dining.
Walk into the super-impressive Harukas 300 Observatory from Tennoji Station and take the incredibly fast dedicated elevator, which even has cool lighting effects on the ceiling. In just a few dozen seconds, before your ears can even adjust, you’re shot straight up to the 60th-floor Sky Corridor, 300 meters above the ground! Standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows with completely unobstructed 360-degree views, the entire Osaka cityscape instantly shrinks into an adorable LEGO model. You can clearly see Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka Castle, Kyocera Dome, and, when the weather is especially good, even the distant Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island. That floating sensation of having the entire city beneath your feet is seriously breathtaking!
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