From Tokyo to Yamadera

Hello:I'm planning to visit Yamadera Temple in
late October,is it doable in one day?and any chance of viewing Autumn Colors? Thanks in advance.

Although a lot depends on the unpredictable weather, under normal conditions late Oct to early Nov is a good time for autumn foliage in Yamadera.
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo12/121107_yamadera.html

Going there as a daytrip from Tokyo is do-able if you don't mind 6 hrs on the train. If the connection is good the one-way train ride is just under 3 hrs with a transfer in either Sendai or Yamagata. Ideally on a more relaxing pace, spend a night in Sendai and do it as an easy side trip from there as it is just 1 hr direct rail link between the 2 places.

Thanks a lot William5 for your info.

more some info

- Shinkansen
via SENDAI stn faster than via YAMAGATA stn route.
if cheaper night bus a lot to both under 5000Y/one way.

- Yamadera
about 1000 steps stairs only No Elevator/Escalators.
take about 30-45min most.
Eat "Tama-kon" very poplar cheap local food
also "Soba(Japanese noodle)" famous.
After temple enter no sales foods and drinks.

- side trip
back to Yamagata Zao
or to Sendai and Matsushima access convenient.

I went from Yokohama on a one day bus tour, so yes, it's do-able.

I'm a resident, by the way, and it was just the bus picking you up with practically no touristical guidance, making a couple of restroom stops on the way at places they offer souveniors.

At the Yamadera, it was literally a rush. Those "who are healthy" were able to run to the top and run back after a few quick photos.

The great part of the trip, for me, was that I got to chat a lot on the bus with my friend who suggested the tour, since it was a long ride.

Thank you all for your valuable tips!!

The booked seats super express Hayabusa only takes 90 min from Tokyo to Sendai. You can't travel on the Komachi and Hayabusa without a booked seat. It's easy to do that from a Midori mado guchi.

Thanks Girltokyo for your advice I'll check into
that!!

girltokyo

can't travel (all ---) without a booked seat
A) Hayabusa (solo,max320km/h fastest)
A) Hayabusa & Super Komachi(New E6 type,max300km/h)
B) Hayate & Komachi(Not Super,max275km/h)

LtdExp reserved seat fee different between A) and B)+Yamabiko.
All Yamabiko only(as dep Sendai) have non-reserved seat cars 15-30min slower.