Okura Village Tourism Association

Okura Village is a small village with a population of approximately 3,000 people located in the Mogami region in the northern part of Yamagata Prefecture, surrounded by Mt. Gassan, Mt. Hayama, and the mountains connected to them in the south. Okura Village is known for its deep snow and heavy snowfall in winter, but abundant snowmelt water moistens the mountains and fields, and Okura Village is proud of the wild vegetables and crops that grow thanks to the bounty of nature. Okura Village once prospered along with shipping on the Mogami River, and for 138 years from 1476, the Shimizu clan had a castle there and ruled over most of Mogami County. The name of the village of Okura comes from the 7th lord of the castle, Daisuke Shimizu Yoshichika, and the ruins of Shimizu Castle are designated as a prefectural historic site. In addition, there are rice terraces in four villages that have been selected as one of Japan's top 100 rice terraces, and Hijiori Onsen, which boasts a history of more than 1,200 years and continues to be loved as a traditional hot spring spa that heals and heals people. While valuing the scenery and environment, as well as the traditions and culture backed by history, we have declared ourselves the most beautiful village in Japan and live our daily lives with confidence and pride.