[Trekking with a kid] Today, our son can comfortably handle a trail that typically takes an adult about an hour to complete. However, such trails like this are rare, so whenever we come across one, it instantly becomes our next destination. This time, we chose Rissyakuji, also known as Yamadera Temple in Yamagata in Tohoku region, as our next adventure.
Although this path is described as a “one-hour trail for adults,” we discovered – just a day before our visit – that realized that it involves a total of 1,015 steps to reach the summit. Initially concerned, we were relieved to discover that the stairs were well-sized for kids, making it an enjoyable climb for our whole family.
How kid-friendly is Yamadera Temple?
Route we took: Mountain Entrance > Temple Gate > Okunoin > Godaido Hall> Back to Mountain Entrance
Time required: 2 hours for the round trip, including two breaks.
Kid’s age: 3 years and 8 months
Walking pace of the kid: Half the speed of an average adult
Distance walked by the kid: Completed the entire round trip on foot.
Easiness for kids: ★★★★☆ (If your child is used to climbing stairs, this trail is highly manageable.)
Mood of the kid on the day: ★★★★★
From Mountain Entrance to Semizuka Monument: A gentle start to the journey
We began at the Mountain Entrance, guided by the map. The initial stretch up to the up to Temple Gate was a flat, easy walk. Beyond the Temple Gate, the path transitioned into a beautifully paved stone walkway. The smooth surfaces and gently warm corners of the stones spoke of centuries of footsteps from devoted worshippers.
The trail began to incline more noticeably after passing the Ubado Hall. There were a series of low, manageable steps, which our son climbed up without difficulty. We took a short break at the Semizuka Monument.
The continuous stairway from Semizuka Monument to Okunoin
There are long stairways from the Semizuka Monument, with steps perfectly suited for kids and gentle sunlight filtering through the cedar forests. Our son climbed with with a cheerful mood.
As we passed the Niomon Gate, the scenery suddenly opened up, revealing the vibrant reds and yellows of the autumn foliage adorning the temple grounds and surrounding mountains. Our son even spotted a Japanese serow grazing in the forest!
Along the way to Okunoin, we paused to visit and pray at several temples. The path to Okunoin, however, was marked by a series of steep, continuous stairs.
Okunoin looked stunning, especially surrounded by the autumn leaves
Proceeding to Godaido Hall
After offering our prayers at Okunoin, we continued our journey through the Kaisando Hall and Noukyoudo Hall, before reaching the Godaido Hall. Upon reaching the top, we were treated to breathtaking views of the vibrant valley below.
After visiting the Godaido Hall, we began our journey back down. Just past the Niomon Gate, the path split into two, with separate routes designated for the outward and return trips. The return path consisted of uneven log stairs, which our son navigated slowly, paying close attention to his steps.
After passing the Ubado Hall (by the way, our son was super scared by the statue at the hall!), the path leveled out again. To our delight, our little one managed to complete the entire walk to the Temple Gate. He was brimming with pride, repeatedly exclaiming, “It was a pleasant walk and I didn’t ask to be carried!” on the way back.
To be honest, we had been prepared to carry him or let him ride on our backs at some point. However, the pleasant trail with its gentle sunlight and refreshing air, made the trek enjoyable for all of us.
