Go Yamagata - Japan Travel Guide MATCHA

About Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku Region in Japan and is divided into two areas - the inland area and the area along the Japanese Sea coast. It takes between 2 hours and 10 minutes to 3 hours and 40 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo to reach the inland area. Major stations include Yonezawa Station, Yamagata Station, Tendo Station, and Shinjo Station. It will take around 4 hours by Shinkansen and limited express train to get to the Shonai Area close to the Japanese Sea coast. The main stations here stations are Tsuruoka Station and Sakata Station.

The charm of Yamagata

Enjoying the Scenery
Tourism

Yamagata Prefecture is surrounded by the beauty of nature. To the east, it's home to the Ou Mountains, the longest mountain range in Japan. To the west stand the Dewa Sanzan, three mountains that are considered holy sites. Inland, you'll find Mt. Zao, famous for its winter scenery. Near the town of Shonai, Mt. Haguro has been awarded 3 Michelin Green Guide stars. Yamagata is also known for the Kamo Aquarium, which has the largest number of jellyfish exhibits in the world. Finally, you can relax at Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring famous in Japan and abroad

Enjoying the Regional Specialty
Food

The mountains surrounding Yamagata cause temperatures to shift dramatically with the changing of the seasons. This creates the perfect environment for cultivating fruit! The region is particularly well known for its cherries, grapes, and pears. Yamagata's "Sato Nishiki" cherries are famous all across Japan.

Visit Yamagata for a life-changing trip

Topics

Yamagata Cycling Tour: Fruit Farms, Hot Springs, and Fabulous Views!

We introduce a cycling course through Yamagata's inland area featuring Mt. Zao and hot springs, the fruit growing areas of Tendo and Sagae, and the Mogami River cruise. Michael Rice, a professional cyclist, will also comment on some of these fantastic destinations!

Yamagata: A Cycling Tour of Mt. Haguro, Sakata, and Tsuruoka

We introduce a coastal cycling route in Yamagata, with comments by American cyclist Michael Rice on highlights such as Mt. Haguro, a training ground for ascetics, Sakata, a historical port, and Yura Beach, where the visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Yamagata Travel Guide: Top 3 Onsen Hotels For Local Food And Sake

If you're looking to soak in hot springs and savor delicious local food, Yamagata is the place to go. This article introduces three famous hot spring resorts in this nature-rich region. Enjoy fresh seafood and sake in stylishly designed Japanese inns!

Yamagata Prefecture Breweries And Wineries - Three Must Visit Spots!

If you love sake you need to visit Yamagata! Famous as a rice production and grape growing region, Yamagata prefecture has many breweries and wineries. On your next trip there, be sure to sample tasty sake and wine made with fresh, local ingredients.

Eye-Catching Desserts From Yamagata! Top 3 Sweets Shops In The Fruit Kingdom

Rightfully known as the "Fruit Kingdom," Yamagata is a region where cherries, grapes, and many other fruits are produced. You'll find a variety of shops selling pudding, tarts, and sweets made using Yamagata-grown fruit. Deciding on which dessert to eat will be the hard part!

About JR EAST PASS

If you're in the mood for sightseeing around Yamagata and Niigata at a slower pace, we recommend the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) and JR EAST PASS (Nagano and Niigata Area)! These tickets will get you on the Shinkansen, limited express trains, rapid-transit trains, local trains, and on JR buses, for as often and as much as you'd like.

For more information on how to purchase the ticket, and tips, take a look at the following links:

A Detailed Look

** Please note that the JR EAST PASS service is intended for the visitors to Japan only. The offer does not apply to Japanese citizens and foreign residents in Japan.