2025 Yonezawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

When visiting Yamagata Prefecture, you simply cannot miss Yonezawa Beef! Alongside Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef, Yonezawa Beef is one of Japan's top three Wagyu brands. This time, we made a special trip to Tokiwabo, the oldest Yonezawa Beef specialty restaurant in Yonezawa City. Established in the 27th year of the Meiji era, the restaurant has been passed down through five generations. The interior is adorned with detailed certifications and breeding information about Yonezawa Beef. Only cows that meet strict standards in terms of fattening days, meat quality, marbling, and fat content can be classified as "Tokiwabo Beef" within the Yonezawa Beef category—truly a premium selection! The best way to enjoy Wagyu is undoubtedly through sukiyaki. Just look at the glistening marbled beef—it's absolutely irresistible! A quick dip in a cast iron pot, followed by a coating of egg yolk, and one bite sends you straight to heaven. This is hands down the most astonishing Wagyu experience ever! It melts in your mouth and leaves a lingering aroma. As for the price, it is understandably steep. The 100-year sukiyaki or hot pot set featuring 120g of specially selected Yonezawa Beef sirloin costs ¥9,900, but it's well worth it—you won't regret it.

NPO Qingkong Yukutakenoko is a kindergarten during the day and a B&B at night. It is located in Yamagata Yonezawa and is a traditional Japanese house. There are many outdoor play facilities for children, such as wooden houses that can be climbed up and down, and a large fire pit in the outdoor area. The teacher even helped us light the fire, so that we can experience the fun of lighting a fire in Japan. There is a huge chestnut tree next to the kindergarten. The children picked fruits under the tree and could see the train passing by in the distance. There is a kitchen and a toilet for children in the kindergarten. There is a kerosene heater in the room. The teacher also told me that if I am afraid of the cold, I can cover myself with two quilts, lay two layers of mats, and use electric blankets. There is also a hot table which is really comfortable. NPO Blue Sky Conservation 1166 Kaminiida, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-0118 Japan #Japan #Tohoku #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Drive #Snowfield #Winter #Kindergarten #Kindergarten #B&B #Fire #Chestnut Tree #One Night in the Countryside of Japan #NPO Blue Sky Conservation #Good Place for Parents and Children #familytravel

Address: 24156-119 Kariyasu, Manseicho, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: Excellent ☆☆☆☆☆/Main building, cottage, barbecue corner Recommended points: Climate, birdsong, nature Average price: 8000 yen Budget per person: 8000 yen Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ #Amazing view #Gourmet

Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is also the hometown of Uesugi Kenshin. There is a bronze statue of Uesugi Kenshin and a shrine associated with him. The retro streets spread out and it was fun to walk around. I had seafood for lunch and it was delicious! #retrotownscape #summertrip

Uesugi Shrine A shrine dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, located in Matsusaki Park at the ruins of Yonezawa Castle. The grounds include Keishoden, a registered tangible cultural property, which houses a wide variety of relics, including paintings, calligraphy, ancient documents, swords, armor, weapons, Buddhist vessels, lacquerware, and clothing from the Heian to Meiji periods, mainly belonging to Uesugi Kenshin. There is a fee to view the shrine. 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, about 20 minutes on foot from Minami Yonezawa Station, about 30 minutes on foot from Yonezawa Station #summer trip #summer trip

Lotus pond Lotus flowers are abundant in the northwest part of the moat around Matsugasaki Park and Uesugi Shrine! I thought that lotuses bloom from mid-June to early August, but depending on the location and climate, they were in full bloom even in late August. I also thought that the best time to see lotus flowers was in the morning, but I was able to see many flowers even during the lunch hour. You can get quite close to see them. The address of Matsugasaki Park and Uesugi Shrine is Marunouchi 1-chome, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is about 23 minutes from Minami Yonezawa Station and 27 minutes from Yonezawa Station. #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Summer trip #Hanami

Matsugasaki Shrine 1-1-38 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture Located on the approach to Uesugi Shrine, there is a bronze statue of Uesugi Yozan on the east side of the shrine grounds, and a stone monument with Uesugi Yozan's words of prophecy inside the shrine grounds. A shrine dedicated to Uesugi Yozan, Uesugi Kagekatsu, Naoe Kanetsugu, Hosoi Heishu, Takemata Totsuna, and Usado Yoshimasa. About a 20-minute walk from Minami-Yonezawa Station, about a 30-minute walk from Yonezawa Station, or a 10-minute bus ride from the Uesugi Shrine bus stop, then a 3-minute walk from there. *Please note that there are few buses. #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Summer trip

Minami Yonezawa Station This is a JR East Yonesaka Line station located in Honmachi 1-chome, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is an unmanned station with one platform and one track. The current station building was renovated in 2011. Over 20 trains stop here each day, both up and down. There are neatly lined up bicycle parking areas in front of the station, and when I looked, I noticed that they were divided by high school. #Yamagata #Train Trip #Summer Trip

#JulyGoodPlace2025 #YamagataPrefecture #YonezawaStation #TohokuMustVisit #Japan Yonezawa beef, Matsusaka beef and Kobe beef are known as the three major wagyu beef in Japan. They are must-try delicacies when you come to Yonezawa. Yamagata Prefecture is located in the northeast, with relatively low temperatures, and wagyu fat is thicker. At the same time, the cycle of various plants will be earlier than that of Kyushu. Kakuriki Miso is a special brewery in Yonezawa City. It is very interesting and has a very retro appearance. Friends who are interested must come and see it. Fukushima Station, the production place of apples, has an apple rabbit in the station square, which is very cute. It only takes 30 minutes to travel from Yonezawa to Fukushima. It is worth a walk. #JapaneseApple #Fukushima #ThreeBigWagyu #Brewery

Ramen is a must-try when you visit Yamagata. In fact, soba is also delicious. Depending on the store, you can choose beef, pork, or chicken. This time, I went to "Shogetsu" and had a luxurious meat soba made with Yonezawa beef! It is about a 2-minute walk from Yonezawa Station. I went there at lunchtime, so there were a lot of salarymen there. I ordered the 1,200 yen meat soba. Two large pieces of beef were placed on top of a simple-tasting soup. The meat had a strong beef flavor, so I ate it little by little because I didn't want to waste it... The topping of green onions was crisp, and the soft meat and crunchy green onions were delicious. They also had meat ramen, but it was a little expensive so I gave up. If you go to Yonezawa, please try it! #absolutelyfreetrip #Yamagata #domestictravel #Yonezawa

It was Uesugi Yozan who developed and developed the town of Yonezawa. Matsugamine Park is where he is enshrined and remains as the site of Yonezawa Castle. This park also has Uesugi Shrine, a statue of Uesugi Yozan, and a museum. It is a place where you can see how much Uesugi Yozan is loved and cherished in Yonezawa. The grounds are lush with greenery, with shade and lawns, making it a fun park to visit on the weekends. There are also cafes and restaurants, so it is recommended to spend a relaxing day here! This is a must-visit spot for people who love history or want to learn more about Yonezawa. It is about a 30-minute walk from Yonezawa Station, so I recommend taking the bus! #absolutelyfreetrip #Yamagata #Yamagatatourism

⚔️ [Yamagata・Uesugi Shrine] A power spot where the "Bi" flag flies, worshiping the strongest warlord of the Sengoku period, Uesugi Kenshin✨ Located in Matsugasaki Park (former site of the Yonezawa Castle main citadel) in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, "Uesugi Shrine" enshrines Uesugi Kenshin, the strongest warlord of the Sengoku period. It is said to bring a variety of benefits, such as good luck, academic success, and business prosperity, making it the perfect place for a trip to feel the romance and power of history . ⸻ 🌟 Attractions and experiences • "Bi" and "Ryu" flags on Maizuru Bridge The approach to the shrine, with flags symbolizing Bishamonten, whom Kenshin loved, and Acala flying, is as impressive as if his troops were marching . • Treasure Hall and Keishoden Hall Important cultural properties such as Uesugi family relics and Naoe Kanetsugu's helmet with the character "love" on the front are lined up, making it a must-see for history fans. • Seasonal approach and festivals In spring, about 200 cherry trees bloom in full bloom, and the armor procession at the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival during Golden Week is a spectacular sight. In winter, you can enjoy the fantastic candle lighting at the Snow Lantern Festival. ⸻ 🚉Access and facility information • Location: 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture • Visiting hours: Spring, summer, and fall 6:00–17:00/Winter 7:00–17:00 (Keishoden 9:00–16:00)  • Access: Take the bus from JR Yonezawa Station to the Uesugi Shrine stop/Free parking available (Matsuga Misaki Square, approx. 300 spaces)  ⸻ 🎯Recommended season • Spring (late April onwards): The collaboration with the rows of cherry blossom trees is spectacular. Feel free to visit while enjoying cherry blossom viewing. • Golden Week (April 29th to May 3rd): Experience the gorgeous festival where the Sengoku period picture scrolls decorate the town at the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival. • Winter (2nd Saturday of February): The "Snow Lantern Festival" is a romantic evening with about 1,000 snow lanterns lit up.  . ⸻ 👣Travel Tips • Come visit Matsusaki Shrine (an auxiliary shrine) as well! This shrine enshrines Lord Uesugi Yozan, and is a historical spot with a stone monument bearing the feudal lord's code of conduct, "Denkoku no Ji." . • Enjoy local cuisine at Yonezawa Castle History Garden We recommend taking a historical stroll with a Yonezawa beef croquette in hand, and tasting local cuisine at the museum cafe. • Stop by the Uesugi Museum (Denkoku no Mori). This museum allows you to learn about the entire Uesugi culture, and is packed with cultural assets such as the Rakuchu Rakugaizu byobu folding screen. . ⸻ #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Trip #Uesugi Shrine #Yonezawa #Samurai Power Spot #Sengoku Romance #Cherry Blossom Spot #Snow Lantern Festival #History Exploration #Solo Travel #Couple Travel #Absolutely Free Travel #Domestic Travel

📍Address: Yonezawa, Japan Enjoy the winter atmosphere in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture. A small town perfect for road trips, surrounded by mountains and covered in pure white snow during winter. Not only is the air fresh and cool, but it is also famous for its delicious Wagyu beef. The beautiful snow scenery contrasts with the traditional Japanese architecture. It is perfect for relaxing and truly immersing yourself in Tohoku culture. #TravelJapan #Yonezawa #DiscountWithoutLuck

Dongguang's sake brewery I tasted sake that has a 2,000-year history of brewing, and it was really smooth and delicious!

#0yentravel "◆Overview Koshi Daikokuten Honzan is a historic temple in Fukushima Prefecture that is said to bring good luck in matchmaking and business prosperity. This temple, located in the quiet mountains, gives peace of mind to those who come to worship. ◆Impressions I was able to spend a relaxing time at this temple in the quiet mountains. In particular, the main hall dedicated to Daikokuten is majestic, and I felt that it is a popular power spot⛩️After worshiping, I felt refreshed and I felt like I had received good energy. ◆Access/Tips - Accessible on foot from the nearest bus stop - You can also enjoy nature walks around the temple, so it is recommended to take a walk after worshiping - Weekdays are recommended as it tends to get crowded on weekends

#0 yen trip "◆ Overview In Onogawa Onsen town, there are many spots where you can go for a snack after enjoying the hot springs. You can stroll around the hot spring town while enjoying local specialties and handmade souvenirs. The dumplings and side dishes that line the hot spring town are especially popular. ◆ Impressions If you get hungry after soaking in the hot springs, it's great to enjoy some delicious local snacks while walking around the town! The hot spring manju and handmade dumplings were especially chewy and delicious 🍡 I was able to enjoy the hot spring atmosphere even more. ◆ Access / Tips - Located in the center of the hot spring town, it's easy to stroll around on foot - It can get crowded depending on the time of day, so if you visit early, you can eat your way around smoothly - Check out the souvenirs as well! There are plenty of local specialties"

#0yentravel "◆Overview Amayu in Onogawa Onsen is a traditional public bath located in the center of the hot spring town. You can enjoy a relaxing hot spring in a quiet place surrounded by nature. ◆Comments This hot spring is popular with locals, and the calm atmosphere was very nice. The water is gentle on the skin, and I didn't get tired even after soaking for a long time ♨️ Another attraction is that you can spend some relaxing time after the hot spring. ◆Access/Tips - Within walking distance of the center of Onogawa Onsen - Aim for a weekday when it's not crowded! - If you want to buy local souvenirs, you can enjoy shopping while walking around the hot spring town"

Yonezawa Beef - Nokiba Today we took the Jr. car to Yamadera. The mountain temple is still covered with snow in early March I didn't have any equipment, so I had to walk slowly and carefully. After going down the mountain, I remembered that my friend told me that there is a huge Montbell outlet in Yamagata. Now that you're here, let's go check it out! On the way to the outlet, I accidentally discovered this highly-respected Yonezawa beef shop After the product is sold, I can only say that it lives up to its reputation. The quality and service are worthy of its price. Friends who have been there can go and try it☺️

#Domestic Travel Strategy Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is located in the Okitama region. It flourished as a castle town for the Date and Uesugi clans, and many famous places and historical sites related to the Uesugi family remain. Yonezawa beef, a local specialty, is one of the three major Japanese beefs, and it is said that the high-quality marbled meat is produced due to the large temperature difference in Yonezawa's climate and delicious water. If you are planning a trip to Yamagata, I hope you will read this article to the end and find it useful. 🔸Area: Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture ───────────────── 🔸Time required: About 5 hours ───────────────── 🔸Transportation method: Car ───────────────── This time we visited 4 spots. ❶ 11:30 Bikki Stone Start after lunch. ↓ ↓ 🚗About 4.5km About 20 minutes ↓ ❷ 12:50 Uesugi Shrine ↓ ↓ 🚗About 4km, about 10 minutes ↓ ❸ 14:00 Yotte Caffe ↓ ↓ 🚗About 5km, about 15 minutes ↓ ❹ 15:15 Sake Brewery Museum Toko Brewery 16:00 🚗Head home Restaurant Bikkiishi 📍1490-8 Manseicho, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-1123 Uesugi Shrine 📍1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0052 Yote Caffe 📍694-7 Tateyama, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0072 Sake Brewery Museum Toko Brewery 📍992-0031 2-3-22 Omachi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Yamagata #Yonezawa #cafe #shrines and temples

#SeasonalPlacesInJapan This is one of the largest sake brewing museums in the Tohoku region, located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Toko is a sake brewed by Kojima Sohonten, which was founded in 1597 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and later became the official sake brewery of the Uesugi family. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ① Old sake brewer's residence and brewing storehouse The brewing storehouse is a renovated large earthen storehouse with a floor area of ​​450 tsubo, where sake brewing was actually carried out. ② Sake sales area You can shop and sample Toko brands. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• Access 📍〒992-0031 2-3-22 Omachi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 📍About 2.5km from Yonezawa Station, about 10 minutes by bus or taxi 📍About 5km from Yonezawa Kita IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway, about 15 minutes #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Domestic travel #Solo travel

#HotPlacesInJapan A park located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture It was opened in 1956 on the site of the Yonezawa Castle main citadel, where moats and stone walls remain The park is home to the Uesugi family's historical remains °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ①Uesugi Shrine Located almost in the center of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Uesugi Shrine was built on the site of the Yonezawa Castle main citadel, with Uesugi Kenshin as its deity In honor of Uesugi Kenshin, the shrine is dedicated to bringing good luck, fulfilling wishes, It is said to bring good luck in academic success and business prosperity. In a fire in 1919, the temple grounds were completely burned down, and in 1923, the current main hall and treasure hall "Keishoden" were rebuilt with a design by Dr. Chuta Ito, a native of Yonezawa City. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ② Fukutoku Inari Shrine Founded in 1725 inside the Zao Hall of a temple in Ninomaru. When Uesugi Shrine was built on the site of the main citadel of Yonezawa Castle in 1876, it became a subordinate shrine and was moved to the grounds of Uesugi Shrine, and at the same time, Sannomaru Inari, which Uesugi Yozan had a deep faith in, was enshrined there. Uesugi Shrine was completely burned down in a fire in 1919, but Fukutoku Inari was the only one that escaped the fire. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• ③ Approach There is a military flag with the characters "Bi" and "Ryu" written on Maizuru Bridge. °•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°• Access 📍1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0052 📍About 2.5km from Yonezawa Station, about 10 minutes by bus or taxi 📍About 5km from Yonezawa Kita IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway, about 15 minutes #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Temples and shrines #Domestic travel #Solo travel

Takatsuki Castle Ruins Park is a fantastic cherry blossom destination that combines historical charm with scenic beauty. Located in Takatsuki City, this park sits on the former site of Takatsuki Castle, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past while enjoying the breathtaking sakura blooms. The cherry trees are scattered across the park, with some lining the stone pathways and others framing the remnants of the old castle walls. The elevated position of the park provides stunning views of the city, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for a peaceful hanami (flower viewing) picnic. Additionally, there are benches and open spaces where visitors can sit and take in the beautiful surroundings. If you love history and nature, Takatsuki Castle Ruins Park is a wonderful place to experience Osaka’s cherry blossoms in a unique and picturesque setting.

#SeasonalPlacesInJapan This is a cafe where you can enjoy special sweets and meals made with fruits grown at Nakayama Fruit Farm in Tateyama, Yonezawa City All sweets are handmade and served. The fruits are deliciously prepared with the knowledge and experience of the farmers. Some sweets can only be enjoyed at that time of year, so you can enjoy them by visiting each season. The candy apples are popular, and many locals come to the store to take them out. 🔹During the harvest season, you can also experience cherry picking. 🔹When the fruit is harvested, it is also sold at the direct sales store. 📍694-7 Tateyama, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0072

#SeasonalPlacesInJapan This restaurant is directly managed by a butcher shop along National Route 13 in Yonezawa City, located in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture. The frog chef on the signboard is very impressive. The restaurant name "Bikki" means "frog" in the Yamagata dialect. The Bikki Stone is also said to be derived from the scenic spot "Bikki Stone Mountain" in the Mansei district of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. This restaurant has been famous locally for a long time, and has a wide variety of menu items, from delicious meat set meals to large portions. The butcher's pride and joy, Yonezawa beef fillet steak 130g is 5500 yen Yonezawa beef roast bowl (regular size) is 1400 yen Very reasonably priced Lunchtime was crowded with locals The "Kabukimono Curry" is also popular, named after the eccentric "Keiji Maeda" who is associated with Yonezawa, and there is also a smaller "Hime Kabukimono Curry" that is popular with women and small children 📍1490-8 Manseicho, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture #Yamagata #Yonezawa #Yonezawabeef #Yonezawagourmet #Domestictravel

🚄 Arrival in Yonezawa: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen I took the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" from Tokyo Station and arrived in Yonezawa in about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Along the way, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from a bustling city to vast fields and mountains, making people relax and look forward to the upcoming journey. When the Shinkansen slowly stops at JR Yonezawa Station, the exterior of the station is low-key and elegant, with a strong local flavor. Although the station is not large, it is clean and tidy. Without the hustle and bustle of a big city, it has a sense of tranquility and history. 🚉 Features of Yonezawa Station 1️⃣ Yonezawa Beef Bento Special Zone 🍱 As soon as I entered the station, the thing that attracted me the most was the Yonezawa Beef Bento Specialty Store. Yonezawa is famous for its high-quality wagyu beef, and they have a variety of beef bento boxes to choose from, such as Yonezawa beef charcoal grilled bento, Yonezawa beef sukiyaki bento, and even beef hamburger bento! For travelers who want to try something new quickly, this is a great choice. 2️⃣ Souvenir shop & Kenshin Uesugi souvenirs 🎁 The small shop in the station sells many souvenirs related to Kenshin Uesugi, such as cloth towels with the word "righteousness" printed on them, mini figures of military commanders, and even miniature wine glasses with the Uesugi family crest. There is also the local specialty dessert "Sasamaki" (glutinous rice dessert wrapped in bamboo leaves), which is very suitable as a souvenir. 3️⃣ The atmosphere of the Warring States Period in front of the station 🏯 When you walk out of the station, there is a statue of "Uesugi Takayama" standing in the square. He was the lord of Yonezawa Domain during the Edo period. He was known for his reforms and frugal governance, and had a profound influence on the development of Yonezawa. The explanatory sign in front of the statue details his deeds, making people more interested in the history of the city. 🗺 Explore the historical castle town starting from Yonezawa Station 🎌 Trip summary Although JR Yonezawa Station is not as busy as stations in Tokyo or Sendai, it has a strong historical atmosphere. It is not only the gateway to Uesugi Shrine and Yonezawa Castle Ruins, but also a station where you can easily experience local characteristics. Here, I felt the tranquility of a castle town, tasted delicious Yonezawa beef, and gained an in-depth understanding of the history of the city and the Uesugi family. 📍 JR Yonezawa Station • Address: Yonezawa Station, Yamagata Prefecture • Transportation: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" to reach #January Good Places 2025 #JapanTohoku Travel #JapanTohoku #Yamagata

📍 Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa (Yonezawa-gyu Tokiwa) 🚄 Transportation: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Walking takes about 20 minutes. When you come to Yamagata Prefecture, you can't miss one of Japan's top three wagyu, 'Yonezawa Beef (Yonezawa-gyu).' This time, I visited the century-old local restaurant 'Tokiwa' to taste the legendary exquisite Yonezawa beef sukiyaki and enjoy a luxurious feast for the taste buds. 🍽️ Tokiwa: A Century-old Yonezawa Beef Restaurant Founded in the 27th year of the Meiji era (1894), Tokiwa has a history of 130 years and is one of the most representative Yonezawa beef restaurants in the area. The interior is full of traditional Japanese charm, with a warm wooden environment and attentive service from kimono-clad waitresses, giving a strong Japanese atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of Yonezawa beef dishes, including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, steak, and charcoal-grilled yakiniku. Since I was here, I chose the classic sukiyaki set to savor the unique delicate marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Yonezawa beef. 🥢 Sukiyaki: A Rich and Sweet Ultimate Enjoyment When the sukiyaki pot was brought to the table, the staff skillfully poured the special sauce into the pot and then gently placed a paper-thin slice of marbled Yonezawa beef. As the steam rose, the beef slowly turned pink, and the rich aroma instantly filled the air. The first bite is enjoyed without dipping in egg yolk, to taste the original flavor of the beef. The meat is tender, the fat is delicate and not greasy, and the sweetness of the sauce perfectly blends with the freshness of the beef, leaving a stunning impression. Next, dip the meat slice in smooth raw egg yolk, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture reaches a new level, making you crave another piece! The set also includes fresh local vegetables and Yamagata rice, which add more layers of richness when eaten with the beef. 🥩 Yonezawa Beef Steak: The Ultimate Experience of Original Flavor In addition to sukiyaki, I also ordered the Yonezawa beef steak (fillet steak), using thick-cut fillet, charcoal-grilled to medium-rare, locking in the juices. Cutting into the steak reveals a beautiful pink interior, and a gentle bite reveals tender meat with a rich beef aroma, delicious even without additional seasoning! 💡 Travel Tips: The Best Way to Enjoy Yonezawa Beef ✔ Reservations are a must! Tokiwa is very popular, so it is recommended to book at least 2-3 days in advance, and even earlier on holidays. ✔ Price Range: Sukiyaki set starts at around ¥10,000, and steak set starts at around ¥15,000. The price is high, but definitely worth it! ✔ Transportation: After taking the Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, you can take a bus, taxi, or walk for 20 minutes to reach the restaurant. If you have a group, consider sharing a taxi for convenience. ✔ Best Pairing: If you have time, it is recommended to pair with Zao Onsen or Yamagata Castle (Kajo Park) to enjoy both gourmet food and natural beauty. 📌 Conclusion: The Ultimate Emotion of Yonezawa Beef The Yonezawa beef sukiyaki experience at Tokiwa is definitely one of the must-eat delicacies in a lifetime. Whether it's the melt-in-your-mouth beef, the rich sauce, or the traditional Japanese dining atmosphere, it's an ultimate enjoyment. If you love wagyu, you must come here to experience the century-old craftsmanship and deliciousness!

📍Uesugi Shrine 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 《Access》 About 22 minutes on foot from Minami Yonezawa Station exit About 29 minutes on foot from Yonezawa Station exit About 32 minutes on foot from Nishi Yonezawa Station exit Opening hours 6:00-17:00 ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ ▶️A shrine built on the site of the Yonezawa Castle Honmaru, with Uesugi Kenshin, who is said to be the strongest in the Sengoku period, as its deity. It is a power spot that is said to bring good luck, fulfillment of wishes, academic success, and business prosperity in honor of Uesugi Kenshin. A military flag with the characters "Bi" and "Ryu" was hung on Maizuru Bridge on the approach to the shrine. It is also famous for its cherry blossoms and the fantastic Snow Lantern Festival. The "Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival" features over 300 snow lanterns and 1,000 candle-lit snow lanterns, creating a fantastic beauty. It was after the festival, so there were still remnants of the lanterns left. I wish I had seen them. #Yamagata #WinterTravel #YamagataTourism #UesugiShrine #Shrine #0YenTravelJanuary2025

📍Yonezawa Beef Dining Bekoya 3-2-34 Higashi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 《Access》 2 minutes on foot from Yonezawa Station exit 37 minutes on foot from Minami Yonezawa Station exit 50 minutes on foot from Nishi Yonezawa Station exit Business hours 11:15-14:00/17:00-20:30 ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ Yonezawa is a place I've only passed by a few times but never stopped by This time I got off the train on the way to eat Yonezawa beef. A restaurant that serves Yonezawa beef in a charming interior that uses beams relocated from an old house. The defining feature of Yonezawa beef is, above all, its fine marbling and high quality fat! It gets expensive at night, so I went for lunch. There was a wide selection, and I ordered the Yonezawa beef rib lunch and the stone-grilled bibimbap lunch. The meat had a melt-in-the-mouth texture and was delicious. After the meal, you can buy souvenirs such as Yonezawa beef meat and processed products at the adjacent sales corner. #Yamagata #Yamagata gourmet #Yonezawa beef #Yonezawa #Beef #Lunch #Winter trip #0 yen trip January 2025