2025 Yamagata Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Mountain Temple is located in Yamagata, Japan. When I went, the weather was not good, rain and snow, the sky was gray, but I have to thank the weather for me to see a beautiful landscape painting, no blue sky but make this painting more refined. To experience the wonders, you need a number of extreme sports such as climbing, skating, climbing along the rope, and sliding...etc. But just try again when you see Kaishan Hall and then climb the five halls, worth it! A masterpiece appears in front of you. What would the mountain temple look like in other seasons? Transportation to Yamaji Temple: From Yamagata Station Guai JR Sensanji Temple to Yamaji Station If you go in winter remember to have a pair of waterproof and non-slip shoes, slow walking is not in a hurry, the beautiful scenery will not run! Our members have a discount when booking flights using trip.com #Free lounge replacement on Member Day 27th of every month

Located on the summit of Mt. Haguro, this shrine is one of the representative shrines of the Shonai region. You can get there by either climbing the approach to Mt. Haguro or taking the toll road. As one of Japan's most sacred mountains, it has a very solemn atmosphere. Combined with the autumn leaves, it creates a beautiful view. #autumnleaves #mountainclimbing #shrine #Mt.Haguro

Mt. Haguro is one of the Dewa Sanzan mountains. It is known as a mountain of mountain worship, and is the easiest of the three mountains to climb...or rather, you can drive all the way to the summit. However, if you start climbing from the base, you can stroll through the mountains with a very majestic atmosphere. The road is paved with cobblestones, so it's easy to climb. There are shrines here and there, and when combined with the autumn leaves, it creates a fantastic atmosphere. #MountainClimbing #AutumnFoliage #DewaSanzan #Mt.Haguro

This is the romance of the Taisho era! Yamagata Prefecture Bunshokan 📍Yamagata, Japan🇯🇵 . A building filled with the romance of the Taisho era suddenly appears in Yamagata city. This is Bunshokan, a nationally designated important cultural property🕊 . It was built in 1916 and was used as the parliament building until 1975😌 . It is a brick building, and the exterior is beautiful, but the interior is also wonderful, full of dignity and fashion. I saw the governor's room and it was gorgeous. It was so gorgeous that I couldn't concentrate. lol . By the way, Bunshokan was also used as a filming location for the movie Rurouni Kenshin! 😲 . Admission to Bunshokan is free. Anyone can freely visit🌼 #FreeSpot #RetroStreetScenery #SummerShortTrip

There are many new redevelopment projects in Cheung Sha Wan. While injecting vitality into the community, it also brings demand for mid- to high-end food, attracting many good restaurants to move in. Today, I went to eat at one of the boutique teppanyaki restaurants with my newly moved friends. Teppanyaki restaurants are becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong. Many people have begun to appreciate the art of teppanyaki cuisine. In Cantonese cuisine, we often mention the concept of wok-fried food. In Japanese cuisine, teppanyaki is also used to convey this fiery sensory enjoyment. The woodcarving of the sign has a strong Japanese atmosphere. The murals and woodcarving menus in the store give off an izakaya feel. There are about 10 bar seats, a teppanyaki stove and a sushi and sashimi cooking area, so that diners can appreciate the entire cooking process. There are also some scattered tables for some guests who want to focus on chatting. 📓When you open the menu, you can see several two-person meals. In addition, there are also à la carte teppanyaki dishes, sushi and sashimi, etc. It is a very comprehensive Japanese restaurant. Today I chose a Teppanyaki King Prawn Set for Two ($598), which features specially prepared Teppanyaki dishes. Other sets include the day’s sashimi and Teppanyaki cooked food. When I saw other customers ordering lobster meals, the sushi chef prepared the sashimi platter very carefully, with delicious ingredients such as sea urchin and deep-sea pond fish, which was not ordinary stuff at all 😍 I will try it next time. 🥗Appetizer salad The romaine lettuce is fresh and sweet, and the sauce is sour and appetizing. 🐟 Silver Cod | 8.5/10 The first dish was silver cod. The chef lightly grilled both sides to force out the fish oil hidden in the fish body. The fish meat on both sides was grilled crispy. Before serving, it was seasoned with butter, soy sauce and wine to make it more layered. The fish meat is tender and white, and tastes oily but not greasy. 🦐 Prawns | 7.5/10 The second dish is to appreciate the chef's smooth processing of the prawns. First, separate the prawn head from the prawn body, then use two iron plate forks to pull out the white and smooth shrimp meat from the prawn body and put it back on the preparation plate, because the prawn head needs to be roasted first to lock in the shrimp paste and oil. The prawn meat is divided into the left side, right side and tail, and the pleasure of biting into the prawn meat is still retained, with a bit of chewiness. The delicious and fragrant shrimp head makes you want to suck the essence inside 😙 🥩Angus Beef Tenderloin | 8.5/10 I was quite surprised when I saw the beef tenderloin because it was very thick, almost 2 inches thick. Watching the chef cut it into ten pieces with a knife, and simply adding some salt to cook it makes it taste great. It is soft and tender in the mouth, the flame is controlled just right, the beef tenderloin is rich and juicy, and it really tastes sweet. Garlic slices are served on the side, but I think the original flavor is enough to satisfy me😋 🍛Teppanyaki fried rice | 7/10 It was fried very dry, and the rice was made with eggs, fried garlic, onions and sakura shrimp. Just the smell was appetizing, and the rice grains had a bit of a bite. 🫕Miso soup The miso is rich in flavor and the tofu is tender and smooth. 🥬 Stir-fried bean sprouts The stir-fried bean sprouts absorbed more oil, which made me feel even more guilty, but the crispy taste was so addictive. #LocalTours #foodie #HongKongGoodDestination #SummerFoodRecommendations #SummerGoodDestination

Semi Onsen "Kansyokan" is located close to Shinjo Station, the last stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen line. Known for its beauty baths, this is a genuine "royal hot spring inn" where the Emperor and Empress stay when they visit Yamagata, and the one-room VIP room is available for general guests (during normal times). Japan's rice-producing region has delicious food and alcohol. After relaxing in an open-air bath with free-flowing spring water and the sound of the babbling Mogami River, you'll want to savor to your heart's content the delicacies of Yamagata, a region blessed with a rich natural environment. #hotspringtrip#greatviews#gourmettrip

🏔️ [Yamagata, Tsuruoka, Mt. Haguro] A pilgrimage to the gods and nature, with 2,446 stone steps and a national treasure five-story pagoda The sacred site, Mt. Haguro, located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a power spot that attracts faith as the “present” mountain of the Dewa Sanzan (Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, Mt. Yudono). Walking along the Michelin three-star path, with a total length of about 1.7 km and 2,446 stone steps, surrounded by rows of cedar trees, you can feel your mind and body being purified . ⸻ 🌟Characteristics and highlights ・ [National treasure, Mt. Haguro five-story pagoda] Approximately 29 meters high, three-bay, five-story, shingled and made of plain wood. It is said to have been founded by Taira no Masakado, and the current structure was rebuilt about 600 years ago . The oldest five-story pagoda in Tohoku, designated a national treasure in 1966. ・The approach to the shrine is a mystical space lined with cedar trees aged 350 to 500 years. ・Don't miss the 1000-year-old giant cedar "Jijisugi" along the way, and the Sanshingosaiden, which overlooks the pond and the main hall. ⸻ 🚉Access and travel time ・About 35 to 40 minutes by bus from JR Tsuruoka Station, or one-way on the "Haguroyamacho" bus route. ・About 15 minutes walk from Zuishinmon Gate to the five-story pagoda. Then another 30 to 40 minutes up the stone steps to the summit. ・You can also come by car. Parking is available at Zuishinmon Gate and the summit. ⸻ ✨Recommended seasons and how to enjoy ・In spring and summer, the greenery of the cedar groves and the cool breeze are pleasant, and in autumn, the autumn leaves add to the romantic atmosphere. The snowy scenery in winter is also fantastic . ・The National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda is lit up on certain nights from July 18th to September 23rd. The tower, illuminated in the darkness with lights and candles, is truly fantastic . ・You can also receive prayers from mountain priests and night-only goshuin (when lit up) . ⸻ 👣Travel Tips ・It is a wise choice to use the "Stone Steps Pilgrimage" as a route down the mountain instead of going all the way to the summit. ・Take a break with some chikara mochi and matcha tea at a teahouse on the way to the shrine. You can refresh yourself while looking out at the Shonai Plain below. ・As the entrance to the Dewa Sanzan tour, a pilgrimage plan that combines it with Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono is also popular . ⸻ "2,446 stone steps" and the "National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda", the majestic nature and the presence of the gods. Mt. Haguro is the perfect place for a **“tranquil and deep experience trip”**, where the more you walk, the clearer your mind becomes.⛰️✨ ⸻ #Mt. Haguro #Tsuruoka sightseeing #Tsuruoka trip #Yamagata sightseeing #Yamagata trip #Dewa Sanzan #National treasure five-story pagoda #Absolutely free trip #Domestic trip #Solo trip #Couple trip #Travel tips ⸻

🏨 [Shonai, Tsuruoka Suiden Terrace] A moment to enjoy "tranquility x hot springs x books" at a famous architectural hotel floating on a rice field Suiden Terrace, designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban, is a beautiful fusion of the warmth of wood and glass. Its appearance, as if floating on the water mirror of a rice field, is a one-of-a-kind space overlooking the Shonai Plain  . ⸻ 🌟 Features and Attractions ・An overwhelming sense of tranquility that only an inn that seems to float on the water, where the building and the landscape are one ・A large bath (open-air + indoor) with natural hot spring water, and a wooden sauna on the premises, so you can enjoy bathing to your heart's content  ・A library connected to a bar with a collection of about 2,000 books is the perfect relaxing space for resting and reading  ⸻ 🚉 Access and Facility Information ・Address: 23-1 Shimotorinosu, Pekinda, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture  ・Access: About 5 minutes by car from Tsuruoka Station / 20 minutes from Shonai Airport / 150 free parking spaces available  ・Check-in 15:30 / Check-out 10:00 / 119 rooms in total (2 people ~ Family-friendly)  ⸻ 🥢 Food and Experiences ・In the attached restaurant, you can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients from Shonai  ・Breakfast is a buffet centered on local vegetables, and dinner and cafe options are also available◎ ・The scenery reflected in the rice fields changes with the seasons, so the water mirror scenery from rice planting to harvesting season is photogenic ⸻ 🌿 Recommended seasons and ways to enjoy ・From rice planting (spring) to summer, the reflection of the rice fields at dusk is romantic ・From autumn to winter, reset your mind and body with the calm tranquility of Shonai and the hot springs ・The "farming in the sun and reading in the rain" time spent surrounded by books and rural scenery in the library is also attractive ⸻ 👣 Travel tips ・Tourist attractions such as Mt. Haguro and Yunohama Onsen are scattered around the area. Combine with driving and cycling◎ ・Even if you don't stay overnight, you can use the restaurant or just stop by the library cafe (please check in advance) ・The perfect inn for those who want to enjoy magnificent nature, architecture, and time with books ⸻ Luxurious silence, hot springs, and a feast of local ingredients in a "healing architecture that blends into the rice fields." Come experience the luxury that is unique to Shonai that you can only find at Suiden Terrace 🌾✨ ⸻ #Suiden Terrace #Shonai Tourism #Shonai Trip #Tsuruoka Tourism #Shonai Trip #Hot Spring Hotel #Architecture Trip #Domestic Trip #Couple Trip #Solo Trip #Detour for Adults #Absolutely Free Trip ⸻

🎯【Yamagata・Sankyo Warehouse】A retro warehouse district in the historic port town of Sakata The "Sankyo Warehouse" in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a symbol of the area, built in 1893 as a rice storage facility. Even today, the warehouses are actively used, creating a picturesque contrast with their black fences and rows of zelkova trees. This photogenic spot is perfect for a leisurely stroll while soaking in the history and charm of the port town. ⸻ 🌟Highlights & Experiences • A group of 12 warehouses preserving the charm of the Meiji era • The "Shonai Rice History Museum" where you can learn about the history and culture of Shonai, a major rice-producing region • Famous filming location for movies, commercials, and dramas (e.g., "Oshin") • Stunning zelkova tree-lined paths that change with the seasons ⸻ 🚉Access • About a 20-minute walk or a 7-minute bus ride from JR Sakata Station • By car, approximately 15 minutes from the Sakata IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway ⸻ 🍁Recommended Seasons • Spring: Fresh green zelkova trees swaying gently in the breeze • Autumn: Romantic golden-hued tree-lined paths ⸻ 👣Travel Tips • The "Sakata Yume no Kurabu" within the premises offers a variety of local specialties and souvenirs • Combine your visit with nearby port town attractions (e.g., Sanno Club, Former Abumiya Residence) • Bring a camera for the perfect photo opportunities! ⸻ Experience the slow passage of time amidst a landscape steeped in history at Sankyo Warehouse. It's an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy gourmet food, history, and culture all in one place.

On my first visit to Yamagata, I couldn’t resist stopping by the beloved local soba shop "Soba-dokoro Shojiya" even before heading to the hotel. The exterior and interior exude traditional Japanese charm, and the central hearth seating adds a cozy, homely touch 🫶. 📖 The menu is simple yet incredibly diverse, offering everything from hot soba, cold soba, to tempura set meals, all neatly categorized. 🥚 Tamago Toji Soba (JPY 1020) This dish features fluffy, soft golden egg topping laid over springy soba noodles. The soy sauce-based broth is rich and flavorful, perfectly blending with the egg aroma and green onions for a warm and comforting taste. 🍤 Aimo-ri Ita-ten (JPY 2500) If you want to try two different types of soba noodles in one go, this is a must-order! The lighter-colored soba is delicate and smooth, while the darker soba boasts a robust buckwheat flavor and chewy texture. Pair the dipping sauce with green onions, wasabi, and grated radish for an impeccable combination. You can even finish off by adding hot broth to transform it into a warm soba soup✨. The accompanying tempura platter, featuring shrimp, eggplant, and more, makes for a truly satisfying meal. Soba-dokoro Shojiya 📍 Address: 14-28 Saiwai-cho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture ⏰ Business Hours: 11:00 - 16:00 / 17:00 - 20:30 🚆 Access: About a 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station

🎯 [Yamagata Shonai Movie Village Open Set] Get lost in the world of movies and take a tour of the spectacular filming locations of period dramas "Studio Sedic Shonai Open Set" (formerly Shonai Movie Village) at the foot of Mt. Gassan in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture is a realistic filming location theme park where actual film and drama sets remain as they are. The six areas, including farm villages, fishing villages, post towns, and Sengoku Otemon Gate, are like a scene from the solemn Edo period. Even the background of nature, such as Mt. Gassan visible in the back of the set, is like a painting.  ⸻ 🌟 Attractions and experiences • Experience the film and drama filming locations as they are Many famous works, such as "Rurouni Kenshin," "Departures," and "Samurai Marathon," have been filmed here. The long-established public bathhouse "Tsuruno-yu" and "Oshin's Birthplace" are preserved and open to the public as real sets.  • Six areas to explore by tour bus and on foot The site is 2km long and can be moved around on foot or by a 500 yen tour bus. Each area has a different landscape, so you won't get bored even while walking.  • Plenty of rental costumes and play spots You can take commemorative photos in rental samurai and princess costumes, there is a waterwheel and drum performance area, and a cardboard maze, so it's great for families.  ⸻ 🚉Access and business information • Address: 102 Higashimasukawayama, Kawashiro, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata • Business period: Late April to mid-November (closed in winter)  • Opening hours: April to September 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:00), October to mid-November 9:00-16:00 (last entrance 15:00) • Fee: 1,300 yen for adults / 900 yen for elementary school students / free for preschoolers / 500 yen for sightseeing bus   • Access: About 30 minutes by car from Shonai Asahi IC, about 50 minutes by bus + shuttle from JR Tsuruoka Station  ⸻ 🍁Recommended season • Spring to autumn: Surrounded by natural greenery, the season when the filming set looks even more beautiful. • Summer to early autumn (May to September): The tour buses are running at a leisurely pace, and you can enjoy a pleasant stroll with the river breeze. ⸻ 👣Travel tips • Check out the filmed works before visiting: There are many exhibition panels and behind-the-scenes stories within the set, and learning the background of the works will make your visit even more memorable. • Wear comfortable clothes: There are gravel roads and steps, so comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. • Combine with other sightseeing in the area: There are hot springs such as "Mt. Haguro", "Gassan Kogen Ranch", and "Tsuru-no-Yu" nearby, so it is also recommended as a one-day trip. ⸻ Especially recommended for movie lovers and historical romance lovers! This spot will stir your sense of adventure as you explore the set and experience the realism of the screen. Please consider this as a candidate for your next trip✨ #YamagataTourism #YamagataTrip #ShonaiMovieVillage #FilmingLocationTour #RurouniKenshin #Departures #IWantToConnectWithMovieLovers #SoloTrip #CoupleTrip #FamilyTrip #DomesticTrip

⚔️ [Yamagata・Uesugi Shrine] A power spot where the "Bi" flag flies, worshiping the strongest warlord of the Sengoku period, Uesugi Kenshin✨ Located in Matsugasaki Park (former site of the Yonezawa Castle main citadel) in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, "Uesugi Shrine" enshrines Uesugi Kenshin, the strongest warlord of the Sengoku period. It is said to bring a variety of benefits, such as good luck, academic success, and business prosperity, making it the perfect place for a trip to feel the romance and power of history . ⸻ 🌟 Attractions and experiences • "Bi" and "Ryu" flags on Maizuru Bridge The approach to the shrine, with flags symbolizing Bishamonten, whom Kenshin loved, and Acala flying, is as impressive as if his troops were marching . • Treasure Hall and Keishoden Hall Important cultural properties such as Uesugi family relics and Naoe Kanetsugu's helmet with the character "love" on the front are lined up, making it a must-see for history fans. • Seasonal approach and festivals In spring, about 200 cherry trees bloom in full bloom, and the armor procession at the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival during Golden Week is a spectacular sight. In winter, you can enjoy the fantastic candle lighting at the Snow Lantern Festival. ⸻ 🚉Access and facility information • Location: 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture • Visiting hours: Spring, summer, and fall 6:00–17:00/Winter 7:00–17:00 (Keishoden 9:00–16:00)  • Access: Take the bus from JR Yonezawa Station to the Uesugi Shrine stop/Free parking available (Matsuga Misaki Square, approx. 300 spaces)  ⸻ 🎯Recommended season • Spring (late April onwards): The collaboration with the rows of cherry blossom trees is spectacular. Feel free to visit while enjoying cherry blossom viewing. • Golden Week (April 29th to May 3rd): Experience the gorgeous festival where the Sengoku period picture scrolls decorate the town at the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival. • Winter (2nd Saturday of February): The "Snow Lantern Festival" is a romantic evening with about 1,000 snow lanterns lit up.  . ⸻ 👣Travel Tips • Come visit Matsusaki Shrine (an auxiliary shrine) as well! This shrine enshrines Lord Uesugi Yozan, and is a historical spot with a stone monument bearing the feudal lord's code of conduct, "Denkoku no Ji." . • Enjoy local cuisine at Yonezawa Castle History Garden We recommend taking a historical stroll with a Yonezawa beef croquette in hand, and tasting local cuisine at the museum cafe. • Stop by the Uesugi Museum (Denkoku no Mori). This museum allows you to learn about the entire Uesugi culture, and is packed with cultural assets such as the Rakuchu Rakugaizu byobu folding screen. . ⸻ #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Trip #Uesugi Shrine #Yonezawa #Samurai Power Spot #Sengoku Romance #Cherry Blossom Spot #Snow Lantern Festival #History Exploration #Solo Travel #Couple Travel #Absolutely Free Travel #Domestic Travel

🎯 [Yamagata Kamo Aquarium (Jellyfish Dream Hall)] A mysterious blue world where jellyfish are soothing 💙 Kamo Aquarium in Tsuruoka City, overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan, is a popular spot with the largest number of jellyfish species on display in the world. The fantastic sight of about 10,000 moon jellyfish swaying back and forth in the 5m diameter circular aquarium "Jellyfish Dream Theater" is a healing experience that makes you forget time . ⸻ 🌟 Attractions and experiences • World record-class jellyfish exhibit: The diverse exhibit with more than 60 species of jellyfish floating is an impressive scale. • Time like a cranetarium: The "Jellyfish Dream Theater" is a quiet space like a starry sky . • Sea lion and seal exhibit & interaction: A healing time that both children and adults can enjoy . ⸻ 🍽Gourmet/Souvenirs • Restaurant "Uosho Dining Oki-Kaizuki": Popular for its seafood bowls made with fresh local seafood from Shonaihama, as well as the surprising "jellyfish ramen" and "jellyfish ice cream." • Shop "Kaizuki Akari": A perfect place to choose souvenirs, with a lineup of jellyfish-themed sweets (jellyfish buns and yokan), postcards, and miscellaneous goods. ⸻ 🚉Access • Car: Approximately 20 minutes from Shonai Airport / Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Tsuruoka Station. Free parking. • Bus: Take the Shonai Kotsu bus from Tsuruoka Station bound for Yunohama Onsen for approximately 40 minutes, then get off at "Kamo Aquarium." ⸻ 📅Recommended seasons • Year-round: Enjoy all year round, and there is also a campaign where elementary and junior high school students can enter for free in winter (December to February) . ⸻ 👣Travel tips • Pay attention to renewal information: The aquarium will be closed temporarily for renovations from November 2025 to the end of March 2026. Please check the latest business information . • Relaxing rooftop plaza: Enjoy a luxurious moment watching the Sea of ​​Japan while playing with black-tailed gulls . • Jellyfish learning & events: There are plenty of programs to satisfy your intellectual curiosity, such as backyard tours and observation sessions . ⸻ #Yamagata tourism #Yamagata trip #Kamo aquarium #Jellyfish dream hall #Jellyfish #Relaxing spot #Solo trip #Couple trip #Family trip #Absolutely free trip #Domestic trip ⸻

❄️ [Yamagata, Zao Onsen & Rime Trees] A superb mountain trip where the mysteries of nature and hot springs await When it comes to winter in Yamagata, it's "Zao". The fantastic silver world created by the rare "rime trees" and the skin-melting strong acidity of "Zao Onsen" are full of charms that attract travelers again and again. It is an all-season resort where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter and trekking in summer. ⸻ 🗻Highlights and experiences When it comes to winter in Zao, it's the giant rime trees known as "snow monsters"! Zao Onsen is also famous as a skin-beautifying bath with a sulfur scent Take an aerial walk on the ropeway, and the view from the summit is spectacular In summer, trekking on Mount Zao and the emerald green "Okama" is a must-see! 🚉Access ・About 40 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station (to Zao Onsen) ・If you use a rental car, you can easily visit a wide area such as "Okama" 📅Recommended season ・January to February: Peak season for frost-covered trees (light-up also held) ・July to September: Summer highland resort perfect for mountain climbing and summer escape ♨️Travel tips ・Dress up warm! It's especially cold to view frost-covered trees, so gloves are a must ・The hot spring town also has a traditional public bath. It's also fun to interact with the locals ・The natural scenery seen from the "Zao Open-Air Bath" will be an unforgettable memory ⸻ #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Trip #Zao Onsen #Zao Frost-covered Trees #Frost-covered Trees Light-up #Okama #Breathtaking Trekking #Hot Spring Trip #Solo Trip #Couple Trip #Absolutely Free Trip #Domestic Trip ⸻

🏞️ [Yamagata, Yamadera (Risshakuji)] A magnificent view and inner tranquility await you at the top of a thousand stone steps Risshakuji, affectionately known as "Yamadera," is an ancient temple famous for Matsuo Basho's poem "The quietness of the cicadas seeping into the rocks." The magnificent view from the Godaido Hall at the top is breathtakingly beautiful. This is a representative spot in Yamagata where silence, nature, and history intersect. ⸻ 🌟Highlights and Experience Points ・The journey up the approximately 1,000 stone steps is a "training experience" that will put your mind and nature in order ・The temples and Buddhist statues scattered along the way give a sense of the depth of history ・The panoramic view of the Yamagata Basin from the "Godai-do" at the top is breathtaking 🚉Access ・About a 5-minute walk from JR Senzan Line "Yamadera Station" ・About an hour by train from Sendai Station 🍁Recommended Seasons ・The fresh greenery (May to June) and autumn leaves (mid-October to early November) are especially recommended ・Visiting the temple in the snowy winter scenery is also fantastic (please take measures to protect yourself from the cold and prevent slipping) 👟Travel Tips ・Wear comfortable shoes and bring drinks with you for peace of mind ・Reward yourself after the climb at a cafe or soba restaurant around Yamadera Station ・A perfect place to collect temple stamps ⸻ #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Trip #Yamadera #Risshakuji Temple #Beautiful spots #Solo trip #Couple trip #Domestic trip #Absolutely free trip ⸻

🧖♀️ [Yamagata Ginzan Onsen] A nostalgic hot spring town with a hint of Taisho-era romance Ginzan Onsen, located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a hot spring resort with a beautiful townscape that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. Wooden inns from the Taisho to early Showa eras line the streets, and at night, gas lamps light up the area, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. It's a great destination for hot spring and photography lovers alike. ⸻ 🌟 Points of interest and experiences ・Retro scenery created by wooden inns lined up along the river ・Footbaths and day-trip baths are also available, so you can enjoy it even if you don't stay overnight ・It has different expressions in each season, and the snow-covered winter is especially fantastic 🚉 Access ・About 40 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Oishida Station ・You can also transfer from Yamagata Station by Shinkansen 🍁 Recommended season ・Winter: The combination of snowy scenery and gas lamps is spectacular ・Spring to autumn: The contrast between the nature of fresh greenery and autumn leaves and the hot springs is also ◎ 👘 Travel tips ・If you're staying overnight, make reservations early for famous inns such as Notoya Ryokan ・If you want to enjoy the night illumination, it's better to stay overnight than for a day trip ◎ ・There are also historical sites such as the remains of the Ginzan mine tunnels scattered nearby, making it perfect for a stroll ⸻ #Yamagata tourism #Yamagata trip #Ginzan Onsen #Retro inn #Taisho romance #Girls' hot spring trip #Couple trip #Solo trip #Absolutely free trip #Domestic travel ⸻

Explore Yamagata in the Tohoku region with this two-day itinerary. Day 1: Tour of Yamagata's Retro Architecture Day 2: Visit Risshakuji Temple From Yamagata Station, take the Senzan Line for 20 minutes, then walk 10 minutes from the station. 【Yamagata City Spots】 1. Yamagata City Local Museum (Former Saiseikan Main Building) 2. Yamagata Prefecture Local Museum (Bunshokan) 3. Kajo Park 【Recommended Cuisine】 1. Special Spicy Miso Ramen 2. Imoni (Yamagata-style taro stew) 3. Cherries 🍒 【Additional Tips】 When visiting Risshakuji Temple, be prepared to climb many stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the visit. Sightseeing

Yamagata is a place where the four seasons are distinct, offering a different charm no matter when you visit. In spring, enjoy cherry blossoms; in summer, savor cherries; in autumn, admire the fall foliage; and in winter, relax in snow-viewing hot springs. It's a destination where you can experience the blessings of nature and the warmth of its people. 🛤️ 🏞️ Top 3 Recommended Spots 🏯 Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple) • Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture • Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Yamadera Station • Highlights: Climb over 1,000 stone steps to be rewarded with breathtaking views! This historic temple, even praised in haiku by Matsuo Basho, offers a serene space to calm your mind. It's especially recommended during the autumn foliage season. 🍁 🍒 Cherry Picking Experience (June–July) • Area: Tendō City, Higashine City, and more • Access: Accessible by car or shuttle from JR Tendō Station or Sakuranbo-Higashine Station • Highlights: This is Yamagata's signature experience! Many farms offer all-you-can-eat Sato Nishiki cherries, which are sweet and juicy—a quintessential early summer activity. Reservations make it hassle-free, and it's a hit with families too! ♨️ Ginzan Onsen • Address: Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture • Access: About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Ōishida Station • Highlights: The Taisho-era romantic townscape is a hit on social media. At night, gas lamps light up, creating a nostalgic atmosphere as if you've stepped back in time. Staying at a hot spring inn and strolling in a yukata adds to the charm. 🩵

#springitinerary Nihonichi Park is also the site of the nationally designated historic mountain castle, Sazatateyama Castle. According to the pamphlet distributed at the gazebo of Nihonichi Park, Sazatateyama Castle is said to have been built in the 14th century, and the lord of the castle passed from the Oe clan to the Mogami clan and then the Sakai clan. When construction of Koushigawa Castle began in 1624 during the time of Sakai Naotsugu, Sazatateyama Castle was abandoned. It is a mountain castle located in a truly scenic location.

Opened up the experience of driving around Japan by myself for the first time by booking through trip.com and got a rental car in new condition at a very economical price. Driving around Japan by myself is not as difficult as I thought. We can apply for an international driver's license in advance via the DLT Smart Queue application, which does not take much time. And we can open Google Maps to the desired location in Japan, as easy as traveling in Thailand.

I went to the Hanagasa Festival in Yamagata! This is one of the four major festivals in the Tohoku region, and many dancers parade through the city holding flower hats. It is held every year for three days from August 5th to 7th. Of course, there were many food stalls, so I was able to eat while walking around. There were groups of elementary school students dancing with all their might, groups of university students dancing with sharp movements, and people of all ages from neighborhood associations dancing together, each with their own unique charm. #0yentravel #domestictravel #domestictravelstrategy

A visit to Murayama is a treat for both food lovers and nature enthusiasts. The **pizza shop in Murayama** offers a delightful experience with its freshly baked, flavorful pizzas. The crust is perfectly crispy, and the toppings are abundant, making each bite a savory pleasure. It’s a cozy spot to grab a bite and enjoy some local flavors, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to relax after exploring the area. After satisfying your appetite, head over to **Tendo Park**, a beautiful and spacious area perfect for a peaceful walk or enjoying the outdoors. With its well-maintained gardens, trees, and open spaces, it offers a relaxing escape and stunning views, especially during the warmer months. The park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, making it a must-see in the area. Nearby, a charming **coffee shop** adds to the experience. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a walk in the park. With a cozy interior and excellent coffee, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place to relax and recharge before continuing your day. The combination of delicious food, scenic beauty, and a great coffee shop makes Murayama and Tendo a wonderful destination for a day trip. Whether enjoying a tasty pizza, taking in the views at Tendo Park, or sipping a coffee nearby, it’s an experience worth repeating.

This time, I will introduce a large park in Yamagata Prefecture. It is open from 5:30 in the morning, so it is highly recommended to go there for morning exercise. There are buildings that have a historical atmosphere, so if you like historical buildings, I think you will enjoy it very much. Please go and check it out. 📍Kasumigaoka Park Address: 1-7 Kasumigaoka, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Opening hours: 5:30 to 22:00 #0 yen trip February 2025

#Domestic Travel Strategy Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is located in the Okitama region. It flourished as a castle town for the Date and Uesugi clans, and many famous places and historical sites related to the Uesugi family remain. Yonezawa beef, a local specialty, is one of the three major Japanese beefs, and it is said that the high-quality marbled meat is produced due to the large temperature difference in Yonezawa's climate and delicious water. If you are planning a trip to Yamagata, I hope you will read this article to the end and find it useful. 🔸Area: Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture ───────────────── 🔸Time required: About 5 hours ───────────────── 🔸Transportation method: Car ───────────────── This time we visited 4 spots. ❶ 11:30 Bikki Stone Start after lunch. ↓ ↓ 🚗About 4.5km About 20 minutes ↓ ❷ 12:50 Uesugi Shrine ↓ ↓ 🚗About 4km, about 10 minutes ↓ ❸ 14:00 Yotte Caffe ↓ ↓ 🚗About 5km, about 15 minutes ↓ ❹ 15:15 Sake Brewery Museum Toko Brewery 16:00 🚗Head home Restaurant Bikkiishi 📍1490-8 Manseicho, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-1123 Uesugi Shrine 📍1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0052 Yote Caffe 📍694-7 Tateyama, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0072 Sake Brewery Museum Toko Brewery 📍992-0031 2-3-22 Omachi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Yamagata #Yonezawa #cafe #shrines and temples

Gassan is a beautiful mountain located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and is especially attractive for its seasonal scenery✨ In spring, mountain cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer, lush green plateaus spread out. In autumn, the autumn leaves are spectacular, attracting visitors. In winter, skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed, making it an ideal spot for winter sports enthusiasts. Gassan is also an object of worship, with a shrine dedicated to Gassan Daigongen and a rich historical background🏔️ The hiking trails are well maintained, and there are courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced hikers alike. The view from the summit is particularly wonderful, and on clear days you can see the Sea of ​​Japan and distant mountains☀️ In addition, hot springs are dotted around Gassan, where you can relax after climbing. #0 yen trip February 2025 #Gassan

Yamagata Prefecture Aquarium is located in a lush natural environment and offers a variety of exhibits focusing on marine and freshwater fish. The biggest attraction of this aquarium is its region-specific exhibits and experience programs.⭐️ In particular, the area themed around the marine life of Shonai Beach provides an opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem, deepening visitors' understanding of the region's nature. Additionally, the aquarium offers interactive programs such as thrilling dolphin shows and penguin feeding experiences, making it a fun and educational place for families and children.🐬 At night, the aquarium is illuminated with enchanting lights, creating a mystical atmosphere different from the daytime.✨ Furthermore, the aquarium features exhibits on ecosystem conservation and environmental education, conveying the importance of the marine environment to visitors. Be sure to visit!

#SeasonalPlacesInJapan This is one of the largest sake brewing museums in the Tohoku region, located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Toko is a sake brewed by Kojima Sohonten, which was founded in 1597 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and later became the official sake brewery of the Uesugi family. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ① Old sake brewer's residence and brewing storehouse The brewing storehouse is a renovated large earthen storehouse with a floor area of ​​450 tsubo, where sake brewing was actually carried out. ② Sake sales area You can shop and sample Toko brands. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• Access 📍〒992-0031 2-3-22 Omachi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 📍About 2.5km from Yonezawa Station, about 10 minutes by bus or taxi 📍About 5km from Yonezawa Kita IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway, about 15 minutes #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Domestic travel #Solo travel

#HotPlacesInJapan A park located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture It was opened in 1956 on the site of the Yonezawa Castle main citadel, where moats and stone walls remain The park is home to the Uesugi family's historical remains °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ①Uesugi Shrine Located almost in the center of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Uesugi Shrine was built on the site of the Yonezawa Castle main citadel, with Uesugi Kenshin as its deity In honor of Uesugi Kenshin, the shrine is dedicated to bringing good luck, fulfilling wishes, It is said to bring good luck in academic success and business prosperity. In a fire in 1919, the temple grounds were completely burned down, and in 1923, the current main hall and treasure hall "Keishoden" were rebuilt with a design by Dr. Chuta Ito, a native of Yonezawa City. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ② Fukutoku Inari Shrine Founded in 1725 inside the Zao Hall of a temple in Ninomaru. When Uesugi Shrine was built on the site of the main citadel of Yonezawa Castle in 1876, it became a subordinate shrine and was moved to the grounds of Uesugi Shrine, and at the same time, Sannomaru Inari, which Uesugi Yozan had a deep faith in, was enshrined there. Uesugi Shrine was completely burned down in a fire in 1919, but Fukutoku Inari was the only one that escaped the fire. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ③ Approach There is a military flag with the characters "Bi" and "Ryu" written on Maizuru Bridge. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• Access 📍1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0052 📍About 2.5km from Yonezawa Station, about 10 minutes by bus or taxi 📍About 5km from Yonezawa Kita IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway, about 15 minutes #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Temples and shrines #Domestic travel #Solo travel