Of all of the questions folks ask me, my least favourite is probably the most cliché. The place is your favourite place to go to in Japan?
Now, I do know that the majority who ask this query have good intentions; I don’t take this stand to assault them. However the extra components of Japan I discover, the extra not possible it turns into to declare that one is above all the remainder, even when there are a number of I preserve coming again to repeatedly (such because the Tohoku area).
Certainly, if you happen to had been to ask me “is Yamagata value visiting?” (whether or not inside or exterior of the context of a visit to Tohoku), we might have a way more fascinating dialogue. Lets?
Why Yamagata Retains Drawing Me Again
As you would possibly collect studying by this put up, I’ve pieced collectively a cohesive Yamagata itinerary solely after a few years of disparate journeys. After my first go to to the prefecture (in winter of 2019, once I noticed the juhyo, or snow monsters, atop Mt. Zao), I’ve approached my Yamagata bucket listing in a gradual, deliberate style, whether or not I used to be mountain climbing at Yamadera or sipping Nihonshu in Sakata.
This, I believe, is a part of why I’ve fallen to deeply in love with Yamagata-ken. The opposite half? Effectively, it’s merely the number of locations as experiences. As you’ll see beneath, eclecticism is the secret right here, from the decidedly agrarian vibe on supply in Sagae, to raucous izakaya in Yamagata Metropolis close to the Shinkansen station, and from the effervescent baths of Ginzan Onsen, to the cool water lapping at Yura Seashore.
My Favourite Locations to Go to in Yamagata Prefecture
Sakata
General, I’d say Sakata is probably the most spectacular vacation spot in Yamagata. It’s received all of it, from structure (the Sankyo Soko Rice Storehouses), to delicacies (the town’s namesake sake; the “Snow Nation” cocktail on the obscure Köln bar), to tradition (Geisha performances at Somaro tea home), to nature (Yura Seashore simply down the coast), all in an enthralling setting on the Sea of Japan.
Zao Onsen
In the case of issues to do in Yamagata in winter, then again, the juhyo (snow monsters) of Mt. Zao close to the new springs city of Zao Onsen undoubtedly win out. It’s also possible to go to this place throughout summer time (which is the one time of 12 months when the Zao Onsen Dairotenburo, pictured in the primary picture, is open).
BONUS: In the event you’re visiting exterior of winter and you’ve got your individual set of wheels, I extremely advocate driving to Okama Crater so as to admire this virtually alien panorama.
Sagae Cherry Village
In contrast, you don’t have to drive so as to attain the village of Sagae, even when having a automobile will make your life lots simpler. You’ll, nonetheless, want to ensure and go to in June, It will assure you’re capable of benefit from the freshest sakuranbo: Sagae, you see, is likely one of the solely locations in Japan the place sakura timber truly produce fruit!
Yamadera Temple
Wish to take a Yamagata journey, however can’t decide to going deep into the prefecture? Not an issue! In the event you plan to be in Sendai, for instance, you possibly can hop onboard the native JR Senzan Line and trip to Yamadera Station. From right here, you possibly can hike as much as the temple of the identical identify, which is a enjoyment of all seasons.
Ginzan Onsen
One other superior Yamagata sizzling spring is Ginzan Onsen, positioned in Obanazawa a lot additional north than the remainder of the locations on this listing. Like Zao Onsen, it’s most well-known throughout winter; nonetheless, it’s additionally pleasant to go to within the summertime, when the encompassing countryside produces a few of Japan’s greatest suica, or watermelons.
The place to Base Your self in Yamagata—and How Lengthy to Keep
Logistically it makes most sense for folks to remain in Yamagata Metropolis, which is accessible each by practice (Shinkansen Tsubasa trains run direct from Tokyo Station a minimum of as soon as per hour) and by aircraft from western Japan. Yamagata-shi can be positioned centrally inside the prefecture, which suggests it’s base for exploring, significantly if you happen to plan to have a automobile.
Alternatively, Yamagata resorts (particularly these within the metropolis, thoughts you) go away one thing to be desired, and are principally enterprise resorts like APA and Resort Washington. Inns in Sakata (reminiscent of Wakaba Ryokan) aren’t essentially higher; within the onsen cities the image is extra blended, with Zao Onsen’s mediocre however fairly simple to order, and Ginzan Onsen’s (a minimum of in winter) reserving out months or perhaps a 12 months upfront.
Different FAQ About Visiting Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture
What number of days ought to I spend in Yamagata?
Yamagata-ken is large and never particularly well-connected by public transportation—which means that whereas it’s simple to get there and not using a automobile, getting round is usually a problem. In consequence, I’d advocate a minimal of 3-5 days, except after all you’re actually you’ll be capable of return sooner or later.
What’s Yamagata, Japan recognized for?
Yamagata is thought for a lot of issues, together with beef, onsen sizzling springs and cherries. Nevertheless, whereas it has a sure (and virtually utterly optimistic) repute amongst Japanese folks, the truth is that it stays fairly obscure amongst overseas guests to Japan.
How do I get to Yamagata?
Te greatest approach to attain Yamagata Metropolis (from which Zao Onsen is accessible by bus and Sagae by native practice) is by way of the Yamagata Shinkansen. Keep on the practice till Obazanawa to achieve Ginzan Onsen, reachable from there by shuttle. To get to Sakata, trip the Joetsu Shinkansen and the Inaho Restricted Categorical from there; to achieve Yamadera, trip the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai and the JR Senzan Line from there. Alternatively, fly from Western Japan to Niigata Airport and lease a automobile there; this can make your life lots simpler.
The Backside Line
Is Yamagata value visiting? Sure, and I’d take it a step additional: It’s certainly one of my favourite components of Japan, and positively among the many most underrated. Some folks will choose a extra tradition journey, be that within the historic port metropolis of Sakata, or at Yamadera, Japan’s authentic “mountain temple.” Others will choose to study extra immediately into nature, be that at sizzling springs resorts like Ginzan Onsen and Zao Onsen, or on the Sagae Cherry Village which, in June, is likely one of the solely locations in Japan the place sakura timber truly produce sakuranbo. Want personalised assist incorporating Yamagata-ken into your Japan journey? Take into account hiring me to plan it!