Yamagata: 15 Best Things to Do, Ginzan Onsen and More

Travel in Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southern part of Japan's Tohoku region and faces the Sea of Japan.

Here are 15 of the best things to see and do when visiting Yamagata!

• Table of Contents
• 1. Ginzan Onsen: Timeless Architecture
• 2. Scenic Zao: Enjoy Onsen and Frost-Covered Trees
• 3. Risshakuji Temple: Hike to a Mountain Temple
• 4. Bunshokan Museum: Historic Western-Style Building
• 5.Kajo Park: Castle Ruins and Cherry Blossoms
• 6. Retro Cafes : Nostalgic Gotenzeki
• 7. Flower Nagai Line: Flower Train
• 8. Mogami River: Experience a Boat Trip
• 9. Sankyo Soko: Rice storehouses
• 10. Homma Museum of Art: Japanese Garden and Art
• 11. Mt. Haguro: Power Spot and National Treasure
• 12. Chido Museum: The History of Japan
• 13. Kamo Aquarium: Thousands of Jellyfish!
• 14. Juroku Rakan Iwa: Images Carved in Stone
• Taste Yamagata Prefecture's Exquisite Cuisine
• Accommodation

1. Ginzan Onsen: Timeless Architecture

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town with a retro-style atmosphere, located in Obanazawa City's mountainous area. Situated along the Ginzan River, its streets are dotted with hot spring ryokans (traditional-style Japanese inns)—some with a history spanning 100 years.

If you go for a walk in the area, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. In particular, gas lanterns cast an orange glow at night, which creates a mystical ambiance.

Picture courtesy of Obanazawa City

In addition to enjoying hot springs at a ryokan, we recommend a day-trip soaking in baths and the complimentary "ashiyu," or warm-water foot baths (see above picture).

2. Scenic Zao: Enjoy Onsen and Frost-Covered Trees

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Mt. Zao sits on the Yamagata-Miyagi Prefecture border and is one of the largest snow resort areas in the Tohoku region.

Here you can do winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding while enjoying the view of the frost-covered trees often called Snow Monsters. At the foot of Mt. Zao, there's an onsen town where visitors can enjoy sulfur hot springs.

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture

The best time for viewing the frosnt covered trees is during the cold months of January and February. The area is illuminated in the evenings during this peak period.

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Outside the winter season is an excellent time to visit the Okama Crater. This breathtaking water-filled crater sits at an elevation of 1,500 meters, and is similar in shape to an okama (a traditional pot used for cooking rice).

It's also sometimes called Goshikinuma (five-colored pond) because its color can change depending on the season and time of day.

Drive along the Zao Echo Line (open around May to November) to reach a parking lot at the summit. You'll get a fantastic view of the Okama Crater* from here.

*As of late October 2019, the viewpoint will be closed from 16:00 to 8:00 the next morning.

Okama

〒989-0916 Togatta Onsen, Zao-cho, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Kurais...

3. Risshakuji Temple: Hike to a Mountain Temple

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Hojusan Risshakuji Temple, commonly known as Yamadera, is a historic mountain temple complex famous for its dramatic setting and natural scenery. In the 17th century, the famous poet Matsuo Basho visited here and composed one of his most celebrated haiku poems.

The mountain itself forms the temple grounds, featuring stone-lined trails, steep cliffs, and historic shrines. The highlight is the view from Godaido Hall, an observation deck perched on a sheer cliff. Walking from the town at the mountain's base to the highest point takes about one hour.

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.

4. Bunshokan Museum: Historic Western-Style Building

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Completed in 1916 as the former prefectural government building, Bunshokan is a National Important Cultural Property showcasing early 20th-century Japanese craftsmanship.

The complex carefully preserves its original interiors, clock tower, and period details. Admission is free, allowing visitors to explore its grand halls and historical exhibits. Movie fans may also recognize its distinctive corridors and courtyards from the live-action Rurouni Kenshin films.

5.Kajo Park: Castle Ruins and Cherry Blossoms

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

One destination to visit in spring is Kajo Park, a site famous for its magnificent cherry blossoms (see picture below). This park is located in the city center and is a ten-minute walk from Yamagata Station.

It was constructed on the ruins of the restored grounds of the Yamagata Castle, which flourished during the Edo Period (1603 to 1867).

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

The castle's entrance (Ninomaru East Gate) and the impressive stone walls were restored during the renovation. The moat encircles the complex and allows visitors to imagine how the scenery looked during that time in history.

Every year during mid-April, more than 1,500 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, attracting many visitors from both within and outside the region.

Kajo Park

1-7 Kajocho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0826

A park that maintains Yamagata Castle, a nationally designated historic site. There are about 1,500 cherry blossom trees in the park, some of which are over 600 years old, making it one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Yamagata City. In addition, there are facilities in the park where you can experience history, such as the Old Saiseikan, which is a Meiji-era building that was relocated from the former city hospital, and the Yamagata Prefectural Museum. and the Yamagata Museum of Art.

6. Retro Cafes : Nostalgic Gotenzeki

Photo by Pixta

Located a 15-minute walk from Yamagata Station in the Nanokamachi district, Gotenzeki is a restored section of a historic stone canal original built in the 1600s. Today, traditional machiya (merchant-style townhouses) line the clear water channel, creating a charming waterfront shopping complex.

For food, we recommend the Classic Cafe (Site is only in Japanese), which sits inside a renovated warehouse built about 80 years ago. Within the cafe's grand space, diners can sample a menu based on local ingredients, including Yamagata beef.

7. Flower Nagai Line: Flower Train

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Railway Co., Ltd.

Yamagata Railway's Flower Nagai Line is both fun to ride and watch pass by. The train got its name because this railway route passes many famous flower viewing spots.

Though this privately owned railway is only 30 kilometers in length, it boasts a history exceeding 100 years and has been loved by local passengers and railway enthusiasts for a long time.

The train's exteriors are decorated with floral illustrations, creating a peaceful and calm atmosphere when passing through this pastoral landscape.

8. Mogami River: Experience a Boat Trip

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

In Yamagata Prefecture's northern region of Mogami, visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride down a river.

Two different boat rides are available. The first course, the Mogami Valley Basho Line Boat Ride, is an hour-long excursion that goes from the port of Furukuchi to Kusanagi Hot Spring. On the return trip, a bus will shuttle passengers back to the original starting point.

The second course, the Mogami River Yoshitsune Adventure Boat Ride, does a return loop from the Takaya boat launching area (near JR Takaya Station) to Sennnindo—thought to be a lucky spot for matchmaking.

The cost of both courses is 2,500 yen. If you make a prior reservation, a meal is also included (soba, bento lunch box, etc.). So while listening to the boatman's charming river song, enjoy the sights along the way, including waterfalls, fall foliage, and other seasonal views.

Mogami River

9. Sankyo Soko: Rice storehouses

Photo by Pixta

Sakata City's Sankyo Soko Storehouses is a vast storehouse for rice. The Shonai region is famous for its high-quality rice production, and it's here that the rice is stored.

The complex consists of 12 mud-walled storehouses. The row of keyaki trees were planted to protect the rice from sunlight and wind—adding a touch of elegance to the area.

On the storehouse grounds, there's a museum depicting the culture of farming villages and a sightseeing facility called Sakata Yume no Kura. At Sakata Yume no Kura, visitors can enjoy a meal made with local ingredients, and purchase souvenirs unique to the Shonai region.

10. Homma Museum of Art: Japanese Garden and Art

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Located near the Sankyo Rice Storehouses, the Homma Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of ceramics, paintings, and fine crafts once owned by the influential Homma merchant family.

Outside, visitors can stroll through Tsurumai Garden, a classic Japanese garden offering seasonal views.

Adjoining the grounds is Seienkaku, a historic villa that once hosted royal guests and government officials. Today, its first-floor cafe allows guests to enjoy matcha and traditional sweets while taking in peaceful garden vistas.

11. Mt. Haguro: Power Spot and National Treasure

Tsuruoka City's Mt. Haguro is one of the three mountains of Dewa Sanzan—in which "Dewa" is the old name for Yamagata. For many years, this has been a hub for mountain worship in the Tohoku region. Many worshippers have made a pilgrimage here since ancient times.

From the Zuishinmon Gate at the entrance to the mountain trail to the summit, this is an hour-long excursion that takes visitors along paths and stairways made from stone.

While heading to our destination, let's stop at a rest area and enjoy matcha and Chikara-mochi (rice cakes that provide strength for hikers).

A journey up Mount Haguro leads hikers through the breathtaking Hagurosan Suginamiki path lined with cedar trees—awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Standing along the stone path is the Mount Haguro Five-Story Pagoda, a National Treasure amid 300-year-old trees.

At the summit sits Sanjin Gosaiden, the main shrine of Dewa Sanzan, which enshrines the deities of all three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono.

12. Chido Museum: The History of Japan

Photo by Pixta

The Chido Museum showcases the private residences of the Sakai Clan—the Shonai region's feudal lord around the time of the 17th century.

On the museum grounds, you can see historical buildings that have are important cultural properties, including the former Tsuruoka Police Station with its distinctive blue exterior. There's also a private home with a thatched roof known as the Former Shibuya Family Residence.

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

The museum houses many precious artifacts from the past, including old agricultural equipment, tools, and household goods.

A recent exhibit featuring a collaboration with the popular animation "Touken Ranbu" has received a lot of publicity.

13. Kamo Aquarium: Thousands of Jellyfish!

Kamo Aquarium is located in Tsuruoka City and houses the world's most diverse collection of jellyfish.

The aquarium's main attraction is the Jellyfish (Kurage) Dream Theater: a water tank bathed in mystical blue light and filled with thousands of moon jellyfish.

In addition to jellyfish, there are also sea lions, seals, and squid that all inhabit the Sea of Japan.

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium

997-1206 657-1 Imaizumi Okubo, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture

Closed for renovation from November 2013 to March 2014

14. Juroku Rakan Iwa: Images Carved in Stone

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Located on the shoreline of Yuza Town, Juroku Rakan Iwa features 22 Buddhist figures carved directly into massive volcanic rocks along the Sea of Japan. A local priest commissioned the sculptures in the 19th century to honor lost sailors and pray for safety at sea.

Considered one of Japan's most impressive coastal stone monuments, the site offers an observation deck with panoramic ocean views—especially striking at sunset. During summer, special evening light-ups illuminate the rock carvings against the crashing waves.

Taste Yamagata Prefecture's Exquisite Cuisine

Photo by Pixta

Yamagata Prefecture is renowned for its vibrant sake culture, boasting dozens of historic breweries producing exceptional regional varieties. Across local izakayas, diners can pair these refined brews with hearty regional specialties.

Must-try dishes include imoni, a comforting stew made with taro root, meat, and seasonal vegetables, and dongarajiru, a rich winter hotpot utilizing every part of the Pacific cod. Local menus also feature fresh wild mountain vegetables (sansai) and crisp regional pickles, offering a true taste of Yamagata's culinary heritage.

Fruit

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

A variety of fruit is grown in Yamagata Prefecture, including cherries and La France western pears.

At Hatake Cafe, located just in front of Yamagata Station, you can order out parfaits filled with fresh fruit and cherry-flavored soft-serve ice cream.

There's also Fruits Plaza (Yamagata City), where you can sample fresh juice; Road Station Sagae Cherry Land, known for its gelato ice cream; and the popular Aomoriya (Tsuruoka City), which sells delicious fruit tarts.

Fruit Shop Aomoriya

997-0015 7-24 Suehirocho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture

In addition to the shop selling carefully selected fruits, there is also a cafe and cake shop (take-out only) that uses seasonal fruits. *One drink per child over 4 years old

Yonezawa Beef

Yonezawa beef is one variety of wagyu beef that comes from cattle raised in Yamagata Prefecture. Along with Matsusaka beef and Kobe beef, it's said to be one of the top three wagyu beef brands in Japan.

Surrounded by steep mountains, there are drastic differences between day/night time and summer/winter temperatures in the Yonezawa area. This results in the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of this finely marbled beef.

If you'd like to enjoy the exquisite taste of Yonezawa beef in a relaxing setting, we recommend Uesugi Hakushakutei. In a traditional Japanese-style building, you can savor the taste of filet steaks, roast beef, and other cuts of Yonezawa beef while gazing out at an elegant Japanese garden.

There's also Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa—Yonezawa City's oldest specialty restaurant that was once visited by the Showa Era royal family, featuring sukiyaki.

Uesugi Count House

1-3-60 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0052

Chilled Ramen Noodles

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Despite being situated in the Tohoku region, Yamagata Prefecture has had some record high temperatures during the summertime. To combat this summer heat, local chefs invented cold ramen noodles, which have become a prefectural specialty.

These noodles were first cooked up at Sakaeya Honten, a shop near the Gotenzeki and Yamagata Local Museum Bunshokan.

These noodles are called hiyashi ramen (chilled noodles). It took a lot of trial and error to create a cold noodle dish where the soup's fat doesn't solidify and harden. This dish has a deep yet refreshing flavor, which explains the long lines outside the shop in the summer.

There are other noteworthy shops within the Yamagata City area, including Shironishi Kinchan Ramen, where diners can taste homemade noodles, and Shuchan Ramen, which specializes in miso ramen.

Accommodation

The largest löyly Sauna and book lounge in Yamagata

photo by PR Times
While still functioning as an accommodation facility, Ofuro café yusa is fully equipped with the prefecture’s largest löyly sauna and sauna garden, as well as a book lounge with over 8000 books. There is also a co-working space where you can focus on business, and areas for children such as a ball pit and a picture book corner.

Price: The adults (above 12 years old): 1,408 yen on weekdays, 1,738 yen on weekends. The children (below 11 years old): 704 yen on weekdays, 869 yen on weekends. *A bathing tax of 75 yen will be collected separately according to the Yamagata City Ordinance.

Opening hours: 10:00〜22:00（Last entry 21:00）
Address: Yamagata, Yamagata-shi, Ooaza, Kurosawa 319-2
Access: 5 minutes by taxi from Yonezawa station on JR line

Yonezawa Excel Hotel Tokyu in The Center of Yonezawa City

photo by PR Times

Yonezawa Excel Hotel Tokyu is located in the center of Yonezawa City, nearby the Yonezawa Castle ruins and Uesgui Shrine. 

 You can enjoy the nearby hot springs as well as the food culture such as Yonezawa beef. The area is also abundant in various tourist spots including “the land of the Uesugi samurai clan” which is a must for lovers of history. It is a hotel that can serve as a base for sightseeing areas.

Address: Yamagata, Yonezawa-shi, Chuou, 1-13-3 (Ex Daiichi Hotel Yonezawa)
Access: 5 minutes by taxi from Yonezawa station on JR line

Honkan Kosekiya: Enjoy Japanese Architecture in Ginzan Onsen

photo by PR Times
Built over a century ago, Honkan Kosekiya is a historic ryokan (Japanese inn) lovingly restored by master craftsmen to blend Japanese woodworking with early 20th-century Art Deco influences. Its 14 guest rooms face either the river or the surrounding mountains, offering a choice between traditional Japanese tatami layouts and modern Japanese-Western designs with twin beds.

Inside, guests can unwind in two distinctive hot spring baths: one crafted from dark inkstone marble and another designed in a nostalgic Taisho-era style. Stays include an all-inclusive dining plan, allowing guests to enjoy meals at affiliated restaurants throughout the hot spring town.

Address: Yamagata, Obanasawa-shi, Ooaza, Ginzan-Shinbata, 412
Access: Reserve the bus beforehand from Ooishida station on JR line to Ginzan Onsen

Experience Yamagata's Nature and History

From historic hot spring towns and cliffside temples to exceptional wagyu and fresh fruit, Yamagata Prefecture offers an unforgettable getaway in Japan's Tohoku region. Use this guide to discover the very best sights and flavors across all four distinct regions.