Hojusan Risshakuji

In 860, Hojusan Risshakuji was built as a branch of Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei. Here, Tendai Buddhism has been taught for more than 1,150 years. This place is commonly called “Yamadera” which means mountain temple in Japanese. It was also a place where the famous haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, wrote haiku. It has been told that you can cleanse your desires as you walk up the long stairs that lead to the temple. As the name “Yamadera” indicates, it is located on top of the mountain, so it is not easy to reach. Yet when you arrive at the top of the hill, you won’t be disappointed.