Yamagata is a region known for its beautiful mountains and hot springs, and its delicious rice and fruit.
Zao Onsen, with its nicknamed "Bijin no yu (Springs of Beauty)," and Atsumi Onsen and Yunohama Onsen are popular hot springs.
In Yamagata, you can indulge in delicious seasonal fruit such as pears, peaches, and melons, including the red jewels known as sakurambo cherries.
It is one of Japan's rice cultivating regions that produces the Tsuya Hime and Yukiwakamaru brands of rice. In addition, Yamagata Prefecture has a worldwide reputation for its sake.
If you are looking for tranquility, the Buddhist temple Risshaku-ji in Yamadera, and Mount Haguro, with its path of cedar trees over 300 years old and stone steps, and the five-story pagoda that is a national treasure, are not to be missed.
During the winter, the juhyo soft rime, or snow monsters as they are known, are a must-see.
Getting from Tokyo to Yamagata
Recommended routes
Spots around
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Festivals of Yamagata
Local specialty shop
