Yamadera, the mountain temple

Established more than a thousand years ago, the temple Hojusanrishaku-ji in the Yamagata Prefecture is one of the most sacred places in Japan. Built on a steep mountain slope dotted by magnificent rocks eroded by wind and water, the temple is commonly known as Yamadera, which means "mountain temple".

Along the 1015 steps that needed to be climbed to reach the main hall there are numerous small temples, halls, stone lanterns and gates. An images that defines the place is Nokyodo, a small red temple built on top of a rock.