Autumn Foliage in Yamagata: 5 Scenic Temples, Parks, and Boat Rides

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

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 and 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.

Momiji park

2-16-7 Higashiharacho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0034

Momiji Park is a strolling pond garden in Yamagata city where you can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons. In particular, the dark colored autumn leaves are very beautiful and attract visitors. There is a tea room called “Houkouan” in the park, and a tea ceremony called “Higama” is held where you can casually enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

2. Yamadera: Risshakuji Temple

Risshakuji Temple (famously known as Yamadera) is a magnificent mountain retreat in Yamagata, reachable via a 25-minute trip on the JR Senzan Line from Yamagata Station. 

For a 300 yen admission fee, visitors can climb the 1,015 stone steps to see historic wooden training halls built into the rocks, which were once used by monks for spiritual training. Legend says the long hike clears your mind of daily troubles.

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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 Yamagata's specialty, konjac skewers, here!

Hojusan mountain Risshaku-ji Temple

4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3301

Hojuzan Risshakuji, which was founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin in 860, is famous as a sacred place in Tohoku and was visited by the haiku master Basho. On the way up the 1,015 stone steps that continue through the dense cedar grove, there are stone pagodas and stone Buddhas, creating a sacred space. Also, on the top of Hyakujo Rock, there are Nokyodo Hall and Kaisando Hall, and the view from Godaido Hall, which is built like a stage, is particularly spectacular.

3. Nan'yo City Eboshiyama Park

Located in southern Yamagata, Eboshiyama Park has been a beloved community treasure since 1877, when locals first began planting cherry blossom trees for future generations to enjoy. 

Recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in 1900, this spacious, free-admission park is just as stunning during the autumn foliage season. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding Yonezawa Basin and discover rare, historic Meiji-era stone monuments scattered throughout the grounds. 

For the best photo opportunity, head to the iconic Koju Bridge—an elegant arch bridge framed by stone entrance steps and vibrant fall leaves.

Eboshiyama Park

1415 Akayu, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-2211

Eboshiyama Park is a park located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is the southern starting point of the Okitama Sakura Corridor, and was selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in March 1990. It is known as "Eboshiyama Senbonzakura" (Eboshiyama Thousand Cherry Blossoms) because it is home to roughly 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom. It is also one of Japan's leading areas for Edo higan cherry blossoms.

4. Yonezawa Shirabu Onsen and Azuma Mountain Road

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Mount Nishi-Azuma (2,035m)—the mountain source of Yamagata’s famous Mogami River—is a premier seasonal destination. Straddling Yamagata and Fukushima, its Tengendai Highlands offer ropeway and chairlift rides with spectacular views of autumn maple leaves, marking the grand finale of the fall hiking season. 

Afterward, head to the base of the mountain to unwind at Shirabu Onsen, where you can experience the ultimate luxury: soaking in a secluded, forest-bound hot spring surrounded by fall colors.

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Drivers can take the historic Bandai-Azuma Road, a 28.7-kilometer (17.8-mile) route connecting Yamagata and Fukushima along a high-altitude ridge at 1,350 meters (4,429 feet). 

Once a crucial Warring States military highway, it now offers some of the region's best autumn sightseeing. Stop at Shirabu Pass to capture stunning photo opportunities overlooking the lakes of Bandai alongside the towering Iide and Asahi mountain ranges, all framed by vibrant fall foliage.

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Shirabu Hot Spring

Seki, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-1472

Shirabu Onsen x Shintakayu Onsen x Tengendai (Mt. Nishiazuma) The three areas are located in Bandai-Asahi National Park and are surrounded by magnificent nature. Approximately 5 minutes by car from Shirabu Onsen to the Tengendai Ropeway entrance. Shintakayu Onsen is approximately 4 minutes by car. Find excitement and excitement through hot springs, nature, and people.

5. Mogami River: Enjoy a Sightseeing Boat Ride

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The Mogami River is Yamagata’s "mother river." Spanning 229 kilometers (142 miles), it ranks as Japan's seventh-longest river and the only major river contained within a single prefecture. Once a busy trade route used to transport local safflowers toward Kyoto, it today offers scenic tours aboard the Mogami River Sightseeing Boat.

Mogami River

The Ultimate Peaceful Autumn Getaway

Yamagata offers a refreshingly peaceful autumn experience, allowing you to take in the vibrant fall foliage without the overwhelming crowds. Thanks to convenient transportation options and a wide variety of local attractions, exploring the region's finest maple-viewing spots is both seamless and incredibly rewarding.

Main image by Pixta