A relaxing drive along Yamagata’s Mogami River following in the footsteps of the great poet Matsuo Basho

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.

NAVITIME

Update 2023.08.07

DAY1

2018-07-24
- Mountain Temple Tateishi-ji
  
  10:00
- Shoseido
  
  11:15
- Arakisoba
  
  12:15
- Mogami River Yoshitsune Adventure Boat Ride
  
  14:10
- Mogami River Senbon Dango
  
  16:30

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DAY1

- Mountain Temple Tateishi-ji
  
  10:00
  
  60min
  
  Immortalized by Matsuo Basho’s famous phrase “oku no hosomichi," Yamagata’s most famous scenic place is the mountain temple of Tateishi-ji. Climb the 1,015 stone steps to the top and you’ll find Godaido, a platform-like temple building from where you can admire the spectacular views. On your return, enjoy a stroll through the old town that connects the temple with the railway station.
  
  Address
  
  Discover Yamadera (Risshakuji) with the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)
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  - Mountain Temple Tateishi-ji
  - Mountain Temple Tateishi-ji
- Car
  
  0min
- Shoseido
  
  11:15
  
  15min
  
  This well-known, old-fashioned confectionary store can be found on the road leading to the temple. Here, you can buy morokoshi, a style of confectionary branded with “yamadera” characters. They make excellent souvenirs. Each morokoshi is handmade and crumbles in the mouth with freshness.
  
  Address
  - Shoseido
- Car
  
  42min
- Arakisoba
  
  12:15
  
  40min
  
  Soba / Udon
  
  For lunch, drop by Arakisoba, which has been in business since 1920 and is steeped in tradition. The building itself is a family house from the late Edo era (1603-1868) complete with thatched roof and open hearth. Arakisoba offers only one dish—the Yamagata specialty of “itasoba.” The thick, firm soba noodles simmered in herring miso soup and served with seasonal vegetables are not to be missed.
  
  Address
  
  Yamagata Pref. Murayamashi Okubo Instep 65
  - Arakisoba
  - Arakisoba
  - Arakisoba
- Car
  
  71min
- Mogami River Yoshitsune Adventure Boat Ride
  
  14:10
  
  80min
  
  Pleasure Boat / Water Cruise
  
  Take a break from driving and board a sightseeing boat for a trip down Mogami River. From the deck of the boat, you can enjoy the scenery whatever the season while listening to the boatman’s many interesting stories. He may even sing for you. Togawa Shrine, or Sennindo, at the end of the cruise is a place of interest as there is an account of Basho’s “oku no hosomichi.”
  
  Address
  
  Yamagata Pref. Mogamiguntozawamura Furukuchi Takaya JR Takaya station parking lot
  - Mogami River Yoshitsune Adventure Boat Ride
  - Mogami River Yoshitsune Adventure Boat Ride
- Car
  
  51min
- Mogami River Senbon Dango
  
  16:30
  
  30min
  
  Back in the car, your next destination is a tofu maker halfway up the river. It’s here that the famous Senbon dango rice dumplings are sold. The old woman who runs the place insists on using no additives in her dumplings, which are all made on the day. Be sure to taste at least one.
  
  Address
  - Mogami River Senbon Dango
- FINISH
  
  17:00