Yamagata Prefecture

A Tohoku land of mountain worship and hot springs, known for the Three Mountains of Dewa, Ginzan Onsen and Zao's snow monsters.

Yamagata Prefecture lies in the southwest of Honshu's Tohoku region, facing the Sea of Japan to the west, with mountains throughout. The Three Mountains of Dewa are sacred to Shugendo, and the stone-stepped approach and five-story pagoda on Mt. Haguro are quiet and rustic. Ginzan Onsen preserves wooden inns in Taisho-romance style, and its snowy nights are especially moving. Zao is known for its winter "snow monsters" (juhyo) and ski resorts, while Yamadera's Risshakuji Temple can be climbed for far-reaching views. Yamagata is also known for cherries and Yonezawa beef. Both snowy winter scenery and autumn leaves are excellent. The Yamagata Shinkansen runs directly from Tokyo to Yamagata City, and Shonai Airport and Yamagata Airport have flights.

Destinations

• Yamagata & Ginzan Onsen
• Tsuruoka

Itineraries

• Oku no Hosomichi: Matsushima to Sakata – Follow the Tohoku section of Matsuo Basho's journey, from Matsushima through Hiraizumi and Yamadera to the Dewa Sanzan…
• Grand Tohoku Six-Prefecture Rail Loop – Depart from Tokyo and loop through all six prefectures of Tohoku, exploring both the Pacific and Sea of Japan coasts.
• Tohoku Winter Snow, Juhyo & Onsen Rail Journey – A winter rail journey connecting Ginzan's snowy nights, Zao's snow monsters, Nyuto's rustic hot springs, and Hirosaki's…