Travel Plans
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- A relaxing drive along Yamagata’s Mogami River following in the footsteps of the great poet Matsuo Basho
![A relaxing drive along Yamagata’s Mogami River following in the footsteps of the great poet Matsuo Basho]()
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- Only 40 minutes by car from Yamagata Station is the prefecture’s most popular scenic spot. From a famous “yamadera,” or mountain temple, you can look down onto Mogami River and Japan’s largest set of rapids. This relaxing drive plan takes you through some stunning nature while following in the footsteps of Japan’s greatest haiku poet, Matsuo Basho (1644–1694). And, of course, there’s lots of great food along the way.
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- Take the Shiji Kairo pilgrimage course to witness the beauty of Tohoku’s sacred sites
![Take the Shiji Kairo pilgrimage course to witness the beauty of Tohoku’s sacred sites]()
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- Shiji Kairo is a pilgrimage course that weaves along four temples in the Tohoku region. It is such a famous and beautiful route that it’s been immortalised in a number of Japanese literary works, such as “Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North)” by Matsuo Basho. Here is a plan to visit Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture, Zuigan-ji Temple in Matsushima and Chuson-ji Temple and Motsu-ji Temple in Hiraizumi. Experience the pilgrimage as the great haiku poet did.
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- Yamagata Ginzan Onsen trip that makes you want to dress up
![Yamagata Ginzan Onsen trip that makes you want to dress up]()
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- With a hint of Taisho era romance in the air, let's enjoy the Yamagata hot spring area, including Ginzan Onsen. This nostalgic onsen town setting will surely encourage you to adapt to the fashion sense of years past as you eat and walk around the area. Of course, the onsens are what attract the crowds, and if you only take one thing from this itinerary, we say you must take a dip before leaving. Don't forget to spend a comfortable time resting at any one of the peaceful accommodations available.
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Travel Guide
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Best Events
Top Things to do
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- Shichiemongama Pottery
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- Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Hirashimizu 153
- At the southern foot of Mt. Chitose in Hirashimizu within Yamagata Prefecture's Yamagata City is “Hirashimizuyaki” pottery, which holds history passed down from the Edo period. There are over 300 artisan-made items on display and for sale. There are (paid) ceramics experience classes, and by crafting with a hand-cranked rokuro, or potter's wheel and doing their own painting, guests can create a truly unique piece. It is baked and shipped out after a month or so. Ceramics classes are open from 9 am-3 pm.
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- Zao Ropeway
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- Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Zaouonsen 229-3
- This is a ropeway operating at Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, running from Zao Sanroku Station in Zao Onsen town to Juhyo-Kogen Station, and from Juhyo-Kogen Station to Jizo Sanchou Station in Zao Jizoson. Winter season demand is high from skiers who want transport and visitors to the Juyo Light Up Event, and in summer it is used by many mountain climbers. By using a gondola named “Funitel” one can have a pleasant ride without any harsh humps or bumps. In all four seasons, from autumn leaves to frost-covered trees to new spring ones, a visitor can enjoy all of the splendid nature Zao has to offer.
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- Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo
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![Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo]()
- Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Zaouonsen Arai-ku 853-3
- A famous big open-air bath at the highest point in Zao Onsen town. An open-air bath for men and women made alongside the mountain stream, with capacity for 200 people. An open construction surrounded by Zao’s nature, it is a popular spot for enjoying the hot spring or peaceful walk through the woods. The hot spring water is of the highly acidic sulfur variety, also called the “beauty maker.” It is closed from December to the following March. Take the Yamako Bus to its last stop in the “Zao Onsen” direction.
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- Shinzaemon no Yu
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![Shinzaemon no Yu]()
- Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Zaouonsen Kawamae 905
- A day-trip bathing facility in Kawamae, Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, with four types of baths available for men and women to enjoy including the 100% source water “Mogami Takayu” and “Shiroku (4/6) no Yu” a blend of source water for people with weaker disposition. Both open-air and indoor baths are spacious with an open construction. There is also an attached restaurant where one can enjoy local specialties including Yamagata beef shabu-shabu and soba noodles. There is also a free rest room in which to spend the whole day relaxing.
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- Otochaya
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- Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Zaouonsen 935-24
- A cafe-restaurant in Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, attracting visitors with its warm atmosphere and wood-fire stove. The interior has a home-made feel, the perfect spot for a moment's rest between skiing and hot spring exploring. Enjoy the taste of specialty Chinese tea, organic coffee, local Yamagata Beef cuisine, and original curry. Works and accessories made by Yamagata artists are also on display and for sale.
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- Hagurosan Saikan
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![Hagurosan Saikan]()
- Yamagata Pref. Tsuruokashi Haguromachitouge 7
- This facility offering food and accommodation is located on the grounds of Dewasanzan Shrine, in Haguro Town, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. As a temple originally named “Kezouin,” it is the last remaining building to have been lived in by Haguro mountain priests. One can enjoy the delicate and exquisite taste of seasonal mountain vegetables and mushrooms picked from the foot of Dewasanzan, used in vegetarian cuisine and said to have entertained the poet Matsuo Basho, famous for writing “Oku no Hosomichi” (The Narrow Road to Oku). Accommodation is available but there are few private rooms, most being partitioned rooms amidst a larger one.
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- Chido Museum
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![Chido Museum]()
- Yamagata Pref. Tsuruokashi Kachushinmachi 10-18
- This is a museum in Kachu-Shinmachi Town, Turuoka City, Yamagata Prefecture which stores and displays 5,350 important items that fall under eight varieties of Important Tangible Folk-Cultural Properties relating to the heritage of the Shonai area. The museum takes its name from the Chidokan, the Shonai Clan’s samurai school, and items relating to that school are also on display. Several historical buildings such as the former Nishitagawa District Office and the old Tsurugaoka Police Station which are also important cultural properties were dismantled and rebuilt on the premises, which were the site of the Tsurugaoka Castle’s san-no-maru and the official residence of the Sakai family, the domain lord. The beautiful garden in shoin-zukuri style (a traditional style of Japanese residential architecture) is also worth seeing.
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- Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium
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![Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium]()
- Yamagata Pref. Tsuruokashi Imaizumi Okubo 657-1
- This is an aquarium in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, the prefecture’s only one, with the nickname “Jellyfish Dream Hall.” It is known for displaying over 50 kinds of jellyfish and holds a Guinness World Record in this field. The biggest highlight is about 2,000 moon jellyfish swimming in a large water tank five meters in diameter. An exhibition corner of Shonai’s freshwater and saltwater fish, a sea lion show, and the black-tail gull feeding are all popular. There is also a complete exhibition area for children.
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- Studio Sedic Shonai Open Set
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- Yamagata Pref. Tsuruokashi Haguromachikawadai Higashimasukawayama 102
- This is a photo spot and tourist facility in Haguro Town, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, open to the public mainly as a set for shooting period piece films. It is famous as the location for well-known films including “Departures,” “Zatoichi THE LAST” and “Time Scoop Hunter.” Shooting sets are dotted around the vast 88-hectare (880,000m²) area, and aside from urban areas one can also see various locations including mountain settlements, fishing villages and inn towns. Excursion buses operating in the area cost 500 yen for the day.
Main Area
What is Yamagata?
Although often overlooked, Yamagata prefecture by no means lacks appeal: the Yamadera temple trail through the mountains, deliciously tender Yonezawa wagyu, and over 100 steaming hot springs, most notably Zao Onsen, await visitors. When winter comes, the snowcapped peaks become dotted with skiers by day and onsen-goers by night, while summer brings the celebration of juicy Yamagata cherries.
Yamagata Overviews
Climate
What to Wear
- Jan
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- Warm Cloth
- Feb
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- Warm Cloth
- Mar
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- Warm Cloth
- Apr
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- Jacket
- May
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- Long
- Jun
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- Long
- Jul
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- Short
- Aug
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- Short
- Sep
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- Long
- Oct
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- Jacket
- Nov
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- Warm Cloth
- Dec
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- Warm Cloth
Based on the Meteorological Agency "past weather data", created NAVITIME
Getting Around
There’s no better way to be introduced to the beautiful Yamagata countryside than by arriving by train. The Yamagata Shinkansen, which takes you from Tokyo up to Yamagata Station in two hours and 40 minutes, rewards passengers with endless picturesque views as you speed through the Yamagata mountains, all covered with a mystical blanket of snow in winter.
How to get
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How to get to Shonai Airport