Japan Landscape Photography, Yamadera, The temple in the Sky, Yamagata.

Hōjusan Risshakuji—better known informally as Yamadera, literally “the mountain temple” clings to steep, rocky hillside in eastern Yamagata Prefecture. It was founded in 860 by Jikaku Daishi. It’s a great spot for photography and having just stopped off their quickly in the middle of the day I would love to go back to capture the sunrise.

Japan Landscape Photography, Mt, Haguro, Yamagata.

The hike up Mt Haguro is a magical experience that passes through beautiful forest, past waterfalls, Tori gates and to amazing temples. It’s definitely a photographers paradise with many sights along the way and an abundance of nature. There are 500 year old cedar trees through which a stone pathway with 2,250 stairs has been carved. I took these photos on a whirlwind tour of the mountain but I would love to go back and photograph at dawn to capture the mist in the forest that would add a magical touch.

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