1000 steps

We are back in Japan for a winter photography holiday.

In Yamagata Prefecture in Japan there is the small town of Yamadera. The Hojusan Risshakuji temple at Yamadera was founded in 860, and is an atmospheric temple complex with the buildings and grounds extending up the mountainside. There are just over 1000 stone steps that lead to the upper buildings of the temple complex. There is not a lot of snow the day we visit which makes climbing the steps much easier. There are endless opportunities for creating images and we wend our way slowly up the path, stopping frequently. The views from Gododo Hall over the valley and mountains are wonderful, the mountain ridge lines creating repeating shapes and patterns.

Worth every step

Ascending through the forest

View from Gododo Hall