Discover Yamagata: Mountains, Hot Springs, and Fruits!

Yamagata is a place where the four seasons are distinct, offering a different charm no matter when you visit. In spring, enjoy cherry blossoms; in summer, savor cherries; in autumn, admire the fall foliage; and in winter, relax in snow-viewing hot springs. It's a destination where you can experience the blessings of nature and the warmth of its people. 🛤️ 🏞️ Top 3 Recommended Spots 🏯 Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple) • Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture • Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Yamadera Station • Highlights: Climb over 1,000 stone steps to be rewarded with breathtaking views! This historic temple, even praised in haiku by Matsuo Basho, offers a serene space to calm your mind. It's especially recommended during the autumn foliage season. 🍁 🍒 Cherry Picking Experience (June–July) • Area: Tendō City, Higashine City, and more • Access: Accessible by car or shuttle from JR Tendō Station or Sakuranbo-Higashine Station • Highlights: This is Yamagata's signature experience! Many farms offer all-you-can-eat Sato Nishiki cherries, which are sweet and juicy—a quintessential early summer activity. Reservations make it hassle-free, and it's a hit with families too! ♨️ Ginzan Onsen • Address: Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture • Access: About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Ōishida Station • Highlights: The Taisho-era romantic townscape is a hit on social media. At night, gas lamps light up, creating a nostalgic atmosphere as if you've stepped back in time. Staying at a hot spring inn and strolling in a yukata adds to the charm. 🩵