Yamagata Prefecture
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Stunning winter scenes | Access difficult with a car |
| Great skiing locations | Very cold in winter, trains may be cancelled |
Yamagata is a prefecture located in the Tohoku region of Japan, north of Tokyo. While it is known for its winter activities such as skiing, the area also has much to offer during the summer and fall. The best way to reach Yamagata is by taking the Yamagata Shinkansen, which travels directly to the prefecture. However, the service may not be as frequent as other lines, so it is important to check the timetable ahead of time and to use Google Maps to plan your route. A useful resource for planning your trip is the JR pass website, which provides a detailed summary of the line and its stops.
Moving on from Yamagata
The Yamagata Shinkansen goes as far as Shinjo and then converts to local trains. The two destinations north of Shijo would be Akita City or Morioka City, which are both an extra 4 hours by train from Shinjo. It is quicker to travel back south on the Shinkansen and then north again by changing at Fukushima City. To avoid wasting time, an efficient itinerary is a must.
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Moving North
You can take the local Yamagata line trains to Omagari Station. From there you can access Akita City, Kakunodate Samurai Town, and Tazawako Lake. You can also head to Morioka City and connect back to the Shinkansen, which will take you back to Tokyo or further north to Aomori and Hakodake.
Moving West or East
You can take a bus east to Tsuruoka City and onto the Dewasanzan Mountains. West is Sendai City, where you can again link up with the Tohoku Shinkansen which will take you to Aomori and Hokkaido.
Things to do
Yamagata has a wide range of options that can be reached by public transport. Here are some notable examples:
Cultural Attractions:
- Tsuruoka Hachimangu: This Shinto shrine located about 10km from the main station and is one of the most important shrines in the Tohoku region. The main hall of the shrine is a national treasure, and the festival held here during the month of October is one of the most colorful in the prefecture.
- Yonezawa Uesugi Museum: This museum located about 20km from the main station and is dedicated to the Uesugi clan, one of the most powerful feudal lords in Japanese history. The museum features life-size statues of the clan’s warriors, weapons and armor, and many artifacts related to their rule.
- Risshaku-ji Temple, also known as Yamadera, is a Buddhist temple located about 10km from the main station in Yamagata prefecture. It is famous for its beautiful mountain setting and the temple is a popular spot for viewing the fall foliage. It is considered one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.” The temple has a long history and it was founded in the 860s by the priest Ennin (Jikaku-Daishi). The temple is known for its many small temples, pagodas and statues. The main hall of the temple sits at the top of a steep stairway, offering visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Hot Springs
- Ginzan Onsen: Ginzan Onsen is a traditional hot spring town located about 50 km from the main station in Yamagata prefecture. It is known for its picturesque setting, with narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and the crystal-clear waters of the Ginzan River running through the center of the town. It was very popular as a spa resort during Meiji era and it still attracts many visitors today. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves in this area as well.
- Zao Onsen: Zao Onsen is a ski resort and hot spring town located about 80 km from the main station in Yamagata prefecture. The ski resort is known for its heavy snowfall and the beautiful “snow monsters” (icy tree formations) that form on the ski slopes during the winter. The onsen town itself is also quite popular, with a variety of indoor and outdoor hot springs for visitors to enjoy. There are also some hiking trails in this area as well.
- Tendo Onsen: This hot spring resort is located about 15km from the main station and offers a range of indoor and outdoor baths, including several that are open year-round. Many of the baths offer views of the surrounding mountains.
Outdoor Attractions:
- Mogami River Boat Ride: The Mogami River is one of the most scenic rivers in Japan and is known for its clear blue waters. You can take a boat ride on the river to see the beautiful nature and traditional architecture of the area. The boat ride is available around 10km from the main station.
