Yamagata - Jakushoji Temple - A Mountaintop View of Tendo

High on the mountainside looking down upon the city of Tendo, Jakushoji Temple (若松寺) was founded approximately 1,300 years ago. The enshrined deity is called Wakamatsu Kannon (若松観音), a different reading of almost the same characters that make up the temple's name (which probably explains why the temple is sometimes mistakenly called Wakamatsudera). Thanks to Wakamatsu Kannon, the temple is a popular destination for those praying for luck in their love life.

In fall, however, the temple is an amazing spot for fans of koyo, the Japanese tradition of viewing autumn foliage. The mountaintop location gives visitors a view of the vast valley below, covered in trees turning red and orange, and laced with a delicate veil of icy frost.