Yamagata

About Yamagata

Yamagata has been called 'hidden' Japan and is definitely not on the regular tourist routes. It is Japan's largest prefecture and you can find it along the Sea of Japan coast in southern Tohoku. In Yamagata, you can visit ancient temples, enjoy amazing skiing in the winter, try delicious local food and experience colorful summer festivals. Especially interesting for foodies, Yamagata is famous for cherries, in fact, 70% of Japan’s cherries are grown here! Imoni is a local stew made with taro, beef, konnyaku, sugar, soy sauce and miso. And for ramen lovers, Yamagata is quite serious about their ramen and boasts the highest consumption rate in all of Japan. Yamagata city and the cities of Sakata, Yonezawa, and Nanyo each have their own special types of ramen for you to enjoy.

Places to visit in Yamagata

We have information on many shops, attractions and events in that we'd love to share with you. Please click the button below to view the most popular ones on a map.

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Popular Sights in Yamagata

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Sight in Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town that consists of only one street with shops and ryokan (Japanese inns) lining each side of it, and a small stream flowing down

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Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera Temple)

A Buddhist temple that was built in 860 at the order of Emperor Seiwa, this temple is Japan's oldest building made of beechwood. The buildings are situated on a

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Three Mountains of Dewa

Dewa Sanzan are three sacred mountains in Yamagata called Gassan, Haguro-san and Yudono-san, each topped with a shrine.

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Zao Onsen Hot Spring

Located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, this hot spring is renown for its sulfurous spring waters—which are said to ameliorate skin conditions—and many

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Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a popular area for winter sports and is located close to the hot spring resort of Zao. The area is known for its juhyo (frozen trees, al

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Honma Museum of Art

This museum displays nationally designated important cultural books, paintings and dolls. The collection was started by the Honma family, who owned much of the

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Recently Added Sights in Yamagata

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Hakusan Island

Located by the beautiful seaside town of Tsuruoka, Hakusan Jima (White Mountain Island) is home to an impressive shrine and fisherman activity. With a spectacular red bridge allowing anyone to visit freely, be sure to visit next time you are in Yamagata!

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Juroku Rakan Iwa (16 Rakan Rocks)

These rock sculptures were created as a monument to the local fishermen. Carved between 1864 and 1868 by a Buddhist monk, the site features a total of 22 rocks.

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Dewa Sanzan Jinja Shrine

This shrine's title is a generic term for three famous mountains in Iwate: Mount Gassan, Haguro, and Yudono. Dewa Sanzan's main shrine is on the summit of Mount

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Uesugi Jinja Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, a military commander during the Warring Periods. The Uesugi Jinja Shrine is located in Matsugasaki Park, and visitor

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Yamagata Kokusai Hotel

Conveniently located near Yamagata station, this hotel features a wedding hall, banquet rooms, conference halls and various restaurants. One of its breakfast sp

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Kumano Taisha Shrine

Founded over 1200 years ago, this shrine is colloquially known as the "Ise of Tohoku" because of its resemblance to Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture. The shrine is a

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Recent Articles

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Article by Tokyo Creative

Yamagata Food Guide

Yamagata DashiYamagata Dashi, while at first may sound like a type of soup, is actually a series of finely chopped vegetables and condiments, seasoned with soy

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Article by Tokyo Creative

Yamagata Access Guide

Yamagata prefecture is relatively accessible by train, plane and bus. The prefecture has its own dedicated airport, as well as a station connected by Shinkansen

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Yamagata 1-day-tour Itinerary

Most of Yamagata tourist destinations, aside from some that are incredibly far off or require cars like the Ginzan Onsen, are within easy train distance from th

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Hotels in Yamagata

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Hotel in Yamagata

Hotel Inn Tsuruoka

Set in Tsuruoka, 22 km from Atsumi Onsen, Hotel Inn Tsuruoka boasts a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available on sit

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Hotel in Yamagata

Hotel Tetora Resort Kairokuen

Set in Yunohama, 49 km from Shinjo, Hotel Tetora Resort Kairokuen boasts a restaurant and free WiFi. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at t

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Hotel in Yamagata

Hotel Koyo

Offering a hot spring bath and sauna, Hotel Koyo is situated in Kaminoyama in the Yamagata Region, 47 km from Fukushima. Free private parking is available on si

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Takamiya Bettei Kuon

Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Takamiya Bettei Kuon offers accommodation in Atsumi. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at this ryokan

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Sakaeya Hotel

Sakaeya Hotel is set in Tendo, 45 km from Sendai and 12 km from Yamagata. Free private parking is available on site. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen T

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Yamagata Grand Hotel

Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Yamagata Grand Hotel offers accommodation in Yamagata. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Private parking is available on s

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Neighborhoods

Nearby Locations

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Aomori

Aomori prefecture is surrounded by the sea and boasts amazing natural beauty and opportunity for outdoor adventures. It is the home of Lake Towada, the Hakkoda

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Akita

In Akita, on the Sea of Japan coast in the northern Tohoku region, visitors can revel in Japan’s natural beauty. You can climb mountains, look over beautiful lakes, and visit coastal towns.

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Iwate

Iwate is the prefecture with the largest landmass in Japan. It is on the Pacific coast in the northern Tohoku region. The capital city Morioka is famous for its

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