Get away from everyday life,
To soothe and heal the soul
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, including Mount Zao, Yamagata Prefecture is full of magnificent nature.
Step back in time in this nostalgic hot spring town.
Seafood and mountain delicacies that have received abundant blessings from Yamagata's nature.
A cluster of frost-covered trees stands tall in a silvery world, as if you were in another realm.
A winter trip to Yamagata offers a peaceful escape from everyday life, bringing comfort and peace to the soul.
Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen, one of Yamagata's most representative hot springs, is a nostalgic hot spring town nestled quietly on the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. The sight of old buildings lining the river is as if time has stood still. The illuminated hot spring town, with steam rising and snow gently falling, is a truly spectacular sight that can only be seen in winter.
There are many other recommended hot spring inns in Yamagata.
This long-established inn boasts a 300-year history. Nestled amidst the deep natural beauty of Zao, guests can enjoy a luxurious bath in one of nine charming baths, each filled with free-flowing hot spring water from the inn's own source.
This natural hot spring is known as one of the "three best hot springs for beauty," and offers stunning panoramic views of the Zao mountain range from the observation bath. Enjoy the refreshing scenery and the soothing hot spring experience.
A historic hot spring resort visited by Matsuo Basho and Yosano Akiko, who celebrated it in their works. Relax in the garden open-air bath, enjoy local cuisine at "Rakuzan Rakusui," and soothe your soul with heartfelt hospitality.
Zao, known as one of Tohoku's largest snow resorts, is popular for its powder snow. The symbol of Zao in winter, "Juhyo" (frost-covered trees), is a rare natural work of art created by the unique weather conditions of this region. The sight of trees covered in pure white ice and snow makes them look like monsters, hence the name "snow monsters," and the sheer number of Juhyo covering the mountainside is breathtaking! With snow trekking, you can enjoy playing in the snow while experiencing the awe-inspiring power of Juhyo up close. Don't forget to pay your respects to the "Disaster-Proof Jizo Statue" that protects Zao.
Enjoying Zao isn't limited to the daytime. At night, you can encounter the "Juhyo" (frost-covered trees) illuminated in a multitude of colors. In the pitch-black darkness, shrouded in silence, the Juhyo, illuminated by vibrant lights, transforms from its daytime silvery-white appearance, revealing an enchanting and mysterious sight. Be captivated by this fantastical world that can only be seen in Zao on a winter night. Its beauty is so remarkable that it has been recognized as a Japanese Night View Heritage site. Tours aboard the Night Cruiser allow you to enjoy the illuminated Juhyo up close.
The Mogami River is considered one of Japan's three fastest-flowing rivers. At 229 km, it is the longest river in Japan that flows through a prefecture. On the Mogami Gorge Basho Line boat trip, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons from the comfort of a boat for about an hour, riding the clear waters of the Mogami River. In winter, boats with heated tables are also available. With the boatman's songs as background music, feel the magnificent nature of the Mogami River covered in a world of white snow. Onboard, you can enjoy a colorful bento box packed with delicious local ingredients, along with a superb imoni soup.
This is the only aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture. The "Jellyfish Aquarium," where brightly lit, colorful jellyfish float gently in the water, is a fantastical and relaxing space. In 2019, it was also certified as a romantic spot for couples. The collagen-rich jellyfish ice cream is very popular! You can also see fish from the Shonai region and cute seals.
Yamagata's local cuisine
Yamagata beef, nurtured by the vast natural environment of Yamagata with its large temperature fluctuations and high-quality water, boasts the finest marbling and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Enjoy the true flavor of the meat in shabu-shabu.
This simple dish features taro as the main ingredient, simmered in a pot with meat, konjac, green onions, mushrooms, and other vegetables. The ingredients and seasonings vary from region to region and family to family.
These chewy rice dumplings, named for the fact that they sold a thousand in one day, are so popular that people line up to buy them. Enjoy them the same day you buy them, from classic fillings like edamame, red bean paste, and sesame to seasonal flavors.
