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Autumn Foliage in Yamagata: 5 Scenic Temples, Parks, and Boat Rides
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Yamagata, located in northern Japan, boasts splendid autumn foliage locations such as Yamadera Temple, Mogami River, and Momiji Park. We introduce five places that shouldn't be missed on an autumn trip to Yamagata.
The autumn foliage season in late November is one of the best times of the year to visit Japan. Yamagata, located in the north of Japan, boasts some of the most beautiful autumn foliage locations.
The following five autumn foliage spots can be easily accessed by train, bus, or car so why not embark on a relaxing autumn trip in Yamagata?
1. Yamagata's Little Kyoto: Momiji Park, Near Yamagata Station
Located in a residential area of Yamagata City, this Japanese-style park is about a 30-minute walk from Yamagata Station. Tracing back its history, it was originally a temple known as Hotoji, which was acquired by Yamagata City to be transformed into an urban park.
After restoration, part of the park also serves as a community center, which includes a tea room called Hokoan. Every autumn during the maple season, community tea gatherings are held here.
Although the park may not be large, it stands out as a charming spot within Yamagata City, earning it the nickname Little Kyoto of Yamagata.
Hotels near Momiji park
2. Yamadera Temple
Readers familiar with Yamagata will know Yamadera, officially called Risshakuji Temple.
This temple is an important spiritual site in Yamagata, and the clear autumn weather makes it a perfect time to hike up to Yamadera.
From Yamagata Station, take the Senzan Line train for about 25 minutes to reach your destination. After arriving, visitors can first admire the unique cliff faces of Yamadera, where you can even spot wooden buildings that were used by monks for spiritual training—it’s quite spectacular!
Visiting Yamadera requires an admission fee of 300 yen. You will need to climb 1,015 steps; it is said that by the time you reach the top, your worries will fade away.
The greatest reward for your efforts is the breathtaking view overlooking the valley from the Godaido Hall. This scenery offers a different atmosphere in autumn or under various weather conditions.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Nakagoin Hall, a photogenic spot with vibrant autumn leaves, is designated as a tangible cultural property of Yamagata Prefecture.
Photography enthusiasts should not miss the chance to capture the maple leaf scenery at Yamadera! We suggest allocating plenty of time to this destination because the surrounding district is also fascinating to explore. You can try here Yamagata's specialty, konjac skewers!
3. Nan'yo City Eboshiyama Park
Eboshiyama Park is located in the southern part of Yamagata. The history of this park dates back to 1877 when local residents began planting hundreds of flowers and trees. The tradition of planting trees for future generations to enjoy is evident in Eboshiyama.
By 1900, it was selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, making it a popular location for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Of course, you shouldn't miss the stunning autumn colors of Eboshiyama Park!
In addition to free admission, the park is spacious. One of the biggest highlights of Eboshiyama Park is the breathtaking view of the entire Chishima Basin. Within the park, you can also find several rare stone monuments built during the Meiji period.
We particularly recommend visiting the Koju Bridge in the fall, which is an excellent photo spot. This arch bridge, combined with the steps at the entrance and the vibrant autumn colors, make this park a charming autumn spot.
Hotels near Eboshiyama Park
4. Yonezawa Shirabu Onsen and the Azuma Mountain Road
Picture courtesy of pixta
Did you know that the source of the Mogami River, known as the mother river of Yamagata, comes from Nishi Azuma Mountain in Yonezawa?
Nishi Azuma is one of Japan's Top 100 Mountains, straddling Yamagata and Fukushima. The Tengendai Highland in the Shirabu Onsen area serves as the trailhead for hiking.
In winter, it’s a treasure for skiers, while in autumn, it's famous for its stunning maple leaf viewing. You can take a cable car to the summit, enjoying the autumn colors along the way.
For hiking enthusiasts, there’s also a two-person chairlift option. With a height of 2,035 meters, it’s a great opportunity to catch the tail end of the hiking season.
If you want to relax and enjoy the seasonal beauty of Yamagata, don’t miss Shirabu Onsen at the foot of the mountain. Yonezawa is home to Yonezawa's eight famous hot springs, and this area has a significant portion of those, including several hidden hot springs. Soaking in hot springs surrounded by autumn leaves in the deep mountains is truly a luxurious experience.
Picture courtesy of pixta
Additionally, self-driving travelers can opt for the Ban'ei Azuma Road, which is approximately 28.7 kilometers long with an average elevation of about 1,350 meters, spanning across Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures.
Historically, this road has served as an important connection from southern Yamagata to Fukushima. During the Warring States period, it was a crucial route for carriages and armies in the battles between Yonezawa and Aizu.
At Shirabu Pass, you can overlook the lakes scattered across the Bandai area in Fukushima. On clear days, you might also catch views of other famous mountains in the prefecture, such as the Iide Mountain Range and the Asahi Mountain Range. This road is popular among photographers due to its beautiful mountain and lake scenery, especially during autumn when it bursts with vibrant colors.
Picture courtesy of pixta
5. Mogami River: Enjoy a Sightseeing Boat Ride
Picture courtesy of pixta
The Mogami River is known as the mother river of Yamagata, stretching 229 kilometers long, making it the seventh longest river in Japan. This river flows entirely within Yamagata Prefecture, covering nearly 80% of the land in the area. Its source is located at Nishi Azuma Mountain in Yonezawa, ultimately flowing into the Sea of Japan at Sakata City.
Since ancient times, the Mogami River has played an indispensable role in Yamagata's culture, being used for agricultural water supply and transportation trade. The Mogami safflower, which had high economic value in the past, was known for being transported via the river to Sakata and then resold in Kyoto.
Today, the Mogami River is widely utilized for domestic water consumption, and the downstream Mogami area is famous for its Mogami River Sightseeing Boat experiences.
During autumn, the wide river, alongside the colorful foliage on both sides, creates a picturesque scene. While enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery along the river, you can also listen to the boatman singing the famous Yamagata folk song, Mogami River Boat Song, adding cultural significance to the experience.
Hotels near Mogami River
Yamagata in Autumn: Perfect for Both Beginners and Experienced Travelers
Compared to larger cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, Yamagata offers a relatively smaller crowd for maple viewing, making it easier to capture the perfect autumn foliage!
Additionally, whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned traveler to Yamagata, the convenient transportation and diverse activities ensure you can easily enjoy the beautiful maple viewing spots.
Main image by Pixta
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