Early in December we took a short day-trip to Yamadera Temple in Yamagata prefecture.
The temple area is said to be about 1000 years old, with the oldest remaining building being about 400 years old. The temple is built on to the side of a mountain that you have to walk up (it's not too strenuous to reach the top), but it presents amazing views across the valley from the top.
The day we went it was rather quiet (we maybe saw 30 people), but we were told it can get a lot busier during the weekends and holidays.
