Top 10 popular tourist spots in Yamagata Prefecture [Definitive Edition]

28 mars 2025

Yamagata Prefecture is full of natural beauty, history, and delicious food.

From spectacular seasonal views to power spots and delicious food, we have carefully selected the most popular spots worth visiting!

This lineup is sure to satisfy both first-time travelers and repeat travelers.

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1. Risshakuji Temple

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A spectacular view spreads out at the top of the 1,015 stone steps!

Yamadera, famous for Matsuo Basho's poem "Quiet, the cicadas' voices penetrate the rocks," is a spiritually cleansing power spot.

- Access
About 20 minutes from Yamagata Station on the JR Senzan Line → 5 minutes on foot from Yamadera Station

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2. Ginzan Onsen

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A hot spring town lined with beautiful wooden inns exuding the romance of the Taisho era.

The gas lamps and snowy scenery at night are photogenic, and it is very popular with foreign tourists.

- Access
About 40 minutes by bus from Oishida Station

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3. Zao Onsen & Zao Rime Trees

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In winter, the rime trees known as "snow monsters" are seen, and in summer, Zao is a popular highland resort.

In the hot spring town, you can enjoy a tour of the hot springs with the scent of sulfur.

- Access
About 40 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station

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4. Haguro Mountain Five-Story Pagoda

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The symbol of Mt. Haguro, one of the three mountains of Dewa.
The moss-covered approach to the mountain and the majestic five-story pagoda are enveloped in a quiet and mysterious atmosphere.

- Access
About 50 minutes by bus from Tsuruoka Station

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5. Mogami River Boat Trip

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Experience a leisurely boat ride down the Mogami River, where Basho also traveled.
Enjoy the beauty of the valley in each season and the boatman's song.

- Access
A short walk from Furukuchi Station (to the boarding point)

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6. Kasuga Castle Park

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A park in the center of Yamagata city, famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
History buffs can stroll around the castle ruins, and in spring and autumn you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and autumn leaves.

- Access
About 10 minutes walk from Yamagata Station

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7. Uesugi Shrine

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A shrine dedicated to the Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin.
A famous spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, it's a spot you'll want to visit along with Yonezawa beef gourmet.

- Access
About 10 minutes by bus from Yonezawa Station

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8. Shirakawa Lake

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A spot that appears only during the spring snow melt, where trees submerged in the lake create a fantastic landscape.

- Access

About 1 hour by car from Yonezawa Station

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9. Sakata Sankyo Warehouse

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A retro group of warehouses that symbolize the rice-producing Shonai region.
Along with the rows of zelkova trees, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the historic port town of Sakata.

- Access
About 10 minutes by bus from Sakata Station

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10. Kaminoyama Onsen

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A hot spring resort with excellent access close to Yamagata city.
The atmosphere of a castle town remains, and you can enjoy a stroll while visiting the hot springs.

- Access
Within walking distance from Kaminoyama Onsen Station

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[Summary]

The classic spots in Yamagata Prefecture are the magnificent scenery of the four seasons, historic buildings, and a treasure trove of hot springs and food.
Yamagata shows a new side of itself every time you visit, and is full of charms that will appeal to both beginners and repeat visitors.
On your next trip, be sure to experience the depth of Yamagata.

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