Popularly known as YAMADERA, the HOJYUSAN-RISSHAKUJI temple, a branch of the ENRYAKUJI temple on MT. HIEI near KYOTO, was founded over 1,100 years ago by the priest JIKAKU DAISHI, and is one of the most renowned historic temples in the TOHOKU region. There are a number of places of interest here, such as SEMITSUKA and GODAIDO, about which BASHO wrote, and KONPONCHUDO, designated an important cultural property. The Buddhist temple that can be glimpsed through the lovely autumn foliage creates a mood of serenity that is uniquely Japanese. The unparalleled view from GODAIDO makes visitors forget the long difficult climb up the steep stone steps.