Promoting the Scenic Beauty of Yamagata

Enjoying the Sights of Yamagata
There is more to be enjoyed at the views than what can be captured in a photograph.
Learn more about each sight to make the experience all the more breathtaking.

Go, see, feel, and spread the word!
The prefecture of Yamagata is full of strikingly beautiful nature and rustic townscapes. We

Check which Sights to Visit

have selected 33 particularly recommended spots that we think everyone should have theStart by checking which sights were selected as Yamagataʼ s 33 recommended sights.
There are two ways to do this.

pleasure of seeing. In addition to its inherent scenic beauty, each spot can speak volumes
about its history or background. Also note that the sights mentioned here have parking lots

1) Visit the “Scenic Beauty of Yamagata” website from your computer or smartphone.

nearby and are easily accessed by car, making it convenient to visit each and enjoy its

The Scenic Beauty of Yamagata

surrounding areas.

URL：http://yamagata-keikanmonogatari.com“The Scenic Beauty of Yamagata” QR Code2) View this pamphlet
Basic information of each sight can be accessed by scanning the QR codes found by eachsight on pages 3-10 of this pamphlet.

Goal of this Project● The goal of this project is to select and promote Yamagataʼ s particularly beautiful scenic areas with the hopes ofVisit the Sights and Find Information Signs

increasing activity within the prefecture by revitalizing interest and encouraging interaction (restoring tourism) within the area.

Visit the sights that appeal to you.
Each sight has information signs posted in unobtrusive locations.
Look for these signs when youʼ re there to learn more about the sight you
are currently viewing.

Process for How Spots are Chosen
１

1. Scenic spots proposed (137 in total)
Scenic spots from Yamagataʼ s towns, cities, andvillages proposed for possible inclusion

２

Spots surveyed by selection board
Proposed spots are evaluated and rated (based on“Selection Criteria” below)

３

33 “Recommended Sights” selected
The selection board meets to oﬃcially designate
the 33 sights

Selection Criteria

Sample Information Sign

Scan QR Codes【 Selection Board Members 】 ※Yamagata Board of Scenic Evaluation Member (Expertise)

Scan the QR Codes placed on information signs to learn more.
This information will include history or tales about that sight, and will help
you enjoy what you are seeing on a deeper level.

・Prof. Nobuhiro Yamahata
Tōhoku University Of Art and Design *(Architecture/Landscape)・Prof. Ikuko Miyahara
Miyagi University, Concept Promotion Dept *(Tourism)

Picture Sign

Rate Sights

・Sanae Numata
Photographer *(Artistic Beauty)

Sights can be rated on a 5-star system after accessing its QR code.
Information such as visitor ratings will be used to further spread the word about Yamagataʼ sbeautiful scenery and encourage local activity in and around its sights.

・Tsukasa Hatakeyama
Head of Oﬃce at East Nippon Expressway Company Limited, Yamagata Oﬃce (Regional Tourism)
・Shinya Ono
Head of Oﬃce at Yamagata Pref. Dept. of Commerce,industry,Labor,and Tourism department,
Tourism and Economic Exchange Bureau
・Katsumi Uesaka
General Manager at Yamagata for Land Development Department

Help Spread the Word!

【Sights are evaluated based on the following criteria (Max 20 points)】

Ofﬁcial Facebook page for “The Scenic Beauty of Yamagata”① Quality of Sight (Does the sight possess qualities representative of Yamagata?) 5 Pts② Background and History (Does the sight possess historical signiﬁcance?) 5 Pts

In addition to information about the selected sights, the oﬃcial Facebook pagealso provides the latest updates about this project. “Like” and share to help
spread the word about the beautiful sights Yamagata has to oﬀer!
Your participation will help to improve Yamagata’s sights for the future.

③ Surroundings (Is the sight conducive to local tourism?) 5 Pts④ Accessibility (Is there nearby parking? Is the sight easily accessed?) 2 Pts⑤ Facilities (Is there a lookout area, restrooms, and other practicalities? Is it well-maintained?) 3 Pts
Oﬃcial Facebook page for“The Scenic Beauty of
Yamagata” QR CodeProﬁle Picture

The Scenic Beauty of Yamagata
Facebook Top Page

01

02

村山

１

Yamagata is Known for the PoetBashō—But There’s More!

Sights 1 - 6

Sights 7 - 12

７ Rice Fields from the Gods
History Flows

８ from the Heart of the Town

MURAYAMA
View of Hōjusan Risshaku-ji from Yamadera Bashō Museum

２ Look Out for Snow Monsters!

Kunigidaira rice paddies viewed
from Asahi-machi Ipponmatsu Park

Hōjusan Risshaku-ji is an old temple notable for the distinctive rock formations of
Yamadera, as well as its association with famous haiku poet Matsuo Bashō. You canenjoy a spectacular view of Hōjusan Risshaku-ji, the tone of which changes with eachseason, from the Yamadera Bashō Museum.
Location/ Yamadera, Yamagata-shi Contact/ 023-641-1212 Recommended Seasons / Viewable
year-round. Cherry blossoms can be seen during Japanʼ s Golden Week (ﬁrst week of May),and autumn leaves can be seen from the end of October until the beginning November.

The locals refer to this neatly arranged, fan-shaped array of rice paddy ﬁelds as the “fandropped by the gods”. When viewed from Ipponmatsu Park, where lilies bloom, these ricepaddies provide a strikingly beautiful sight in the spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
Location/ Sanchū, Asahi-machi Contact/0237-67-2113 Recommended Seasons/ In the spring, therice ﬁelds shine like a mirror. In June, delicate pink lilies bloom along the parkʼ s slopes. In thesummer, the blue sky strikes a beautiful contrast with the green ﬁelds, highlighting the towering
Asahi Mountains from afar. In the autumn, the picketed rice ears shine gold like the ﬁelds of old-time
Japan.

３ A Canvas that Changes with the Seasons

Beautiful Enough
９ to be a Painting

Mogami Region
Frost-covered trees visible from Jizō Sanchō
Station on Zaō Ropeway

These beautiful, wind-shaped formations emerge in the winter. Too
irregular to have been built by human hands, they are referred to as“snow monsters” due to their peculiar appearance. On descending
from the ropeway, you can enjoy these formations that cover the
inclined mountainside.
Location/ Zaō Onsen, Yamagata-shi Contact/ 023-641-1212
Recommended Seasons/ During the winter season, the snow trees are

illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy them at night, in addition toduring the day. This spot is also recommended during other times ofyear, when you can enjoy fresh green or autumn leaves, dependingon the season.

４ Feel a Moment of History

12
10
９

View of urban landscape andZaō mountain peaks from Kaminoyama Castle Tower
Kaminoyama Castle is known as the “Grand Castle of Ushū”. The
castle tower, which was reconstructed in 1982, allows you to
see what castle masters long ago likely would have seen:
verdant greens at the beginning of summer or a blanket of

Location/ Narage, Kaminoyama-shi Contact/ 023-672-1111
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. With a diﬀerent look eachseason, this spot exudes a calm atmosphere reminiscent of days of old.

５ Mountain Range with Buckwheat Flowers

８
７

６

５
１

The ﬂowing Mogami River seen from Massimo Keiji Museum (Mogami River Museum)
Massimo Keiji was a painter who set up an atelier in this spot, which overlooks the elegantly curving Mogami River, andpassionately painted the ﬂowing river up through his ﬁnal years. This precious spot from the Massimo Keiji Memorial
Museum of Art allows you to enjoy the same majestic view while also enjoying his works.
Location/ Ōyodo, Murayama-shi Contact/ 0237-55-2416 Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. In the spring, you canenjoy the museumʼ s cherry blossoms, as well as the Mogami River ﬂowing between cherry blossoms on the lakefront below. In thewinter, the lead-color river strikes an interesting contrast with the snow-white trees.

10 Ride a Boat Straight into Pastoral Japan
The pastoral scene of Ōyachi Swamp and its brasenia ﬂowers

３
４

Okitama Region

２

The brasenia is a rare aquatic plant found incertain areas of Japan, which has been enjoyedsince the Edo Period. Enjoy this picturesque scene
reminiscent of pastoral Japan while picking
brasenia ﬂowers from an old-style boat.

Location/ Tominami, Murayama-shi Contact/ 0237-57-2001
Recommended Seasons/ In springtime, you can enjoy the cherry
blossoms around the swamp in addition to the brasenia. Fromthe beginning of June through the middle of August,brasenia-picking is enjoyed in old-style boats.

11 Soak in Romantic Taishō-era Japan
12 Retracing the Steps of Poet Mokichi

A Panoramic View of Civilization and
６ Nature, Blended Harmoniously

View of Mount Gassan andMount Hayama from Tendō Plateau

03

Contact/ 023-654-1111

Recommended Seasons/ Buckwheat ﬂowers bloom around
September.

Location/ Aterazawa, Ōe-machi Contact/ 0237-62-2118
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. You can enjoy cherry blossoms andvibrant greens in the spring, the snowcapped Asahi Mountains to the West in the11

Murayama Region

Location/ Motojōnai, Kaminoyama-shi Contact/ 023-672-1111
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. Enjoy a view of this hot spring
town with the Zaō mountain peaks from the Kaminoyama castle tower during
any season, with verdant greens in the spring and golden leaves in the autumn.

During the Edo Period of Japan, samurai lords known
as “daimyō” would rest at post stations whentraveling through Japan. “Narage-juku”, located on
the Ushū Kaidō travel route, is one such station.
These precious dwellings formerly used by daimyō
line the town even today and, along with thetownʼ s double-arched stone bridge, produce anauthentic historical atmosphere.

Location/ Tamugino, Tendō -shi

This spot gives visitors a spectacular view of the curving Mogami River, thebeautiful bridge suspended over it, the town of Aterazawa and its rail
terminal, the Murayama basin that expands to the East, and the Asahi
Mountains that tower to the West.

Shōnai Region

Old dwellings and double-arched bridge viewed
from Ushū Kaidō, Narage-juku, & Kanayama River

A majestic natural sight which overlooks the beautiful
mountains of Gassan, Hayama, and, at times Chōkai. Fromthe end of summer through the beginning of autumn,
white buckwheat ﬂowers can be seen blooming along
the streets, but this spot remains an impressive sight
throughout the seasons.

Mogami River and Aterazawa Townscape viewed
from Tateyama (“Nipponichi”) Park

Taishō-era atmosphere of the Ginzan hot spring
town viewed from Shirogane Bridge
An expansive panorama seen from Cherry Park Rainbow Hill,
portraying a harmonious blend of nature and civilization

Strolling through the park lined where multi-colored ﬂowers proudly bloom, and then ascending
Rainbow Hill, treats you to a highway oasis from which you can overlook the beautiful
snow-topped Gassan and Hayama Mountains and majestic Mogami River.

Location/ Sagae, Sagae-shi Contact/ 0237-86-2111
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. The park has a play area, and is particularly popular with parents andkids from spring through autumn.

The 3- and 4-story wooden ryokan lodges that line the sides of Ginzan River
make the hot spring resort town of Ginzan look like a painting. With visitors
wearing summer “yukata” kimonos and the gas-lit lamps that line the town, thisarea retains a romantic Taishō-era atmosphere reminiscent of 1910-1920s Japan.
Location/ Ginzan-Shinbata, Obanazawa-shi Contact/ 0237-22-1111
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. The gas lamps are particularly recommended
for viewing in the spring and early summer evenings. In the winter, the contrast between thesnow-covered wooden lodges and the gas-lit lamps is marvelous.

Nijigaoka Park in Ōishida town,overlooking the Mogami River
Poet Mokichi Saitō, who spent time living in the town of Ōshida, was particularly fondof walks in this hilly area, and some of his works praise the beauty of the Mogami
River. Stand in what is likely the very spot that served as inspiration for these works.
Location/ Imashuku, Ōishida-machi Contact/ 0237-35-2111 Recommended Seasons/ Viewable
year-round. In the evenings, the sun that sets over the westward mountains paints the sky abeautiful pink, which reﬂects oﬀ the surface of the Mogami River to produce a sight of unparalleledbeauty.

04

Sights 19 - 25

Sights 13 - 18
Harmonious View of Mountains
13 and Townscape, 100 Years in the Making

最上This spot oﬀers an broad view of Yonezawa
city and the major mountains of South
Yamagata, including Mount Azuma to thesouth, Mounts Kuriko and Zaō to the east,and the grand peak of Mount Asahi to thenorth. The train that traverses the town
looks almost like a toy model in scale,making for a truly distinguished view.

View of Kaneyama town from Mount Tateyama,mountains in the distanceHorses Freely Graze

Enjoy a view that was 100 years in the making: the residential town of Kaneyama, with its
ridged roofs and white walled buildings, was designed with the intent of striking aharmonious balance with its natural surroundings. The view from Mount Tateyama oﬀers
a stunning overlook of the town, with Mounts Gassan and Hayama in the distance.

13
16
14

Mogami Region
18

Kamuro mountain peaks viewed
from the highplainsofMaemoriin Mogamivillage
This view of the Kamuro mountains depicts anunobstructed scene of nothing but ﬂoating clouds, thesound of wind blowing across the plains, and, in the springthrough autumn months, herds of horses̶a sight which iscertain to remind you of the beauty of nature.

Location/ Ōaza Mukai-machi, Mogami-machi Contact/ 0233-43-2262
Recommended Seasons/ This spot is best enjoyed during the summer, with theclimate remaining cool even then, when it is ﬁlled with lively families spending
their summer vacations. The Maemori Summer Festival is held on August 15th,
where there is trout catching, among other activities.

16 Mirrored Reﬂection of Mount Chōkai

Lake Hakuryū and the Okitama Basin,
viewed from Nan’ yō Skypark

Mount Nishi and the Flower
Nagai Line as seenfrom Shirousagi Station

Shōnai Region

A Breathtaking

22 SightYou’ll NeverForget

17
Mount Gassan and Mogami River viewed
from the Sabane mountain passThis spot oﬀers an expansive view of the winding Mogami River,backed with lush trees, the snowcapped Mount Gassan, Mount
Hayama, and Mount Chōkai. The beauty and tranquility of thisscene has inspired the works of many historical ﬁgures,
including poets Matsuo Bashō and Mokichi Saitō.

Murayama Region

Location/ Funagata, Funagata-machi Contact/023-332-2111
Recommended Seasons/ This spot is particularly recommended for enjoying
the changing seasons from spring through autumn, when you can see lush
greens and maple autumn leaves. The park facilities are closed in the winterperiod (late November through mid-April).

Location/ Uchi-machi, Mamurogawa-machi Contact/0233-62-2111
Recommended Seasons/Before rice-planting in May, Mount Chōkai can be seen
towering over the clear surface. When rice-planting ends in June, the mountain stands
before a wide ﬁeld of green. In February, swans come to the blue surface.

17 Fields of the Fireﬂies

Standing on the train platform at Shirousagi (meaning “White Rabbit”) Station
gives you a view of ﬁelds in the foreground, with the sprawling Mount Nishi in the
distance. The “white rabbit” trains that go up and down the north/south Flower
Nagai train line make this pastoral scene feel like a painting.
Location/ Shirousagi, Nagai-shi Contact/0238-87-0863
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. The morning sunlight illuminates
the ﬁelds beautifully around the months of September and October, when therice ﬁelds at the base of Mount Nishi mature into a shimmering gold.

One Hundred Years and23 Still Running: A Photogenic Piece of History

This reservoir is sourced from a hot water spring,allowing it to remain unfrozen year-round. Thisdraws swans to the water, making them appear likewhite clouds aﬂoat a still surface. Mount Chōkai(whose name translates to “bird ocean mountain”)
can also be seen, both in the distance, and reﬂected
upon the sky blue water.

The Arato Railway Bridge, still
functional after a century, with the
Mogami River ﬂowing by

23
21
20

24

Okitama Region
22

25River and Palace Combine to

18 Form Scenic Harmony

19

The Arato Railway Bridge was originally built onto the
Tōkaidō Line in 1887, and then relocated to its current
position in 1923. Still functional to this day, the bridge
remains a precious piece of engineering heritage fromthe recent past. The view of the towering Asahi
Mountains in the background, with the gracefully
ﬂowing Mogami River, sewn together by the Flower
Nagai train line, make for a truly picture perfect sight.

Location/ Aratokō, Shirataka-machi Contact/0238-85-6123
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom
around the tracks, allowing you the view the ﬂowers while riding the train. The Asahi
mountains become a deeper green in early summer, with their snowy caps striking abeautiful contrast with the blue sky. In the autumn, Japanese silver grass ﬁlls the
Mogami River plains, and in the winter, the snow-turned ﬁelds with combine withthe steel bridge and Asahi mountains to look like an ink painting.

Scattered Village,
24 Beautifully Aﬂoat in the Fields
Japan’ s greatest view ofscattered villages, viewed from
Dondendaira Lily Garden

The ﬁelds of Shika and Ōkura villages,
home of the ﬁreﬂies

05

OKITAMA

21 Follow the White Rabbits through the Fields

15

Mount Chōkai,viewed
from Nonomura water reservoir at Mamurogawa town

Location/ Minamiyama, Ōkura-mura Contact/ 0233-75-2111
Recommended Seasons/ The view changes with each season. The “Fireﬂy
Concert” is deﬁnitely a sight worth seeing.

置賜

Location/ Tateyama, Yonezawa-shi
Contact/ 0238-22-5111
Recommended Seasons/ In the spring, cherryStanding from the paragliding departure point withinblossoms proudly bloom on the inclined northside. A variety of plants naturally grow here as well, Nanʼ yō Skypark near the top of Mount Jūbuichi, you cansee Lake Hakuryū, the landmark of the city of Nanʼ yō, andmaking the mountain beautifully green in earlysummer. In August, the ﬁreworks festival held in
the city of Akayu, backed by a panoramic view that expands
the city can be viewed from here. Note that carfrom Mount Azuma to Mount Iide and the Okitama Basin.
access is not possible when there is snowfall
Location/ Akayu, Nanʼ yō-shi Contact/ 0238-40-3211
during the winter.
Recommended Seasons/ This is a great spot to come in the summer to avoid
the heat, and in the autumn to enjoy maple-colored leaves and a sky full ofclouds.In wintertime, you can go by snow-mobile (Reservations required)

Location/ Kaneyama, Kaneyama-machi Contact/ 0233-52-2111 Recommended Seasons/ Cherry
blossoms can be seen toward the end of April. The Tateyama hiking trail is open from May throughNovember. Koi ﬁsh are released in Ōzeki from the end of April through the end of November. Ōzeki
and its park are illuminated from the end of April through the end of September.

of Inspiration
15 AforTrove
Poets and Wordsmiths

This precipitous, mountain-surrounded land is home to thesummer “Fireﬂy Concert”, at which time the ﬁelds are
illuminated with candles and enjoyed with live music,
producing an otherworldly spectacle so beautiful that locals
are intent on preserving it for future generations.

20 Skyline Before You

Azuma Mountains andYonezawa Basin viewed
from Onariyama Park

MOGAMI
14 on the Plains of Kamuro

An Inviting

19 Yonezawa: A Sight that Truly Captivates

Koraikan and Mogami River seen from Tozawa Station

In this sight, the Mogami River ﬂows before the Koraikan, a building complex designed like a royal
Korean palace. The scene is further complemented with sprawling ﬁelds on the other side of theriver that change appearance with the seasons. Also of note is the Mogami Music & Fireworks
summer festival, which combines ﬁreworks and music with a breathtaking view of the night sky.
Location/ Kuraoka, Tozawa-mura Contact/ 0233-72-2111 Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round.
Beautiful ﬂowers bloom in May - June; in winter, you can enjoy a snow-topped Mogami River.

This view of dwellings, scattered across a ﬁeld 1200ha in size, islauded as being the most beautiful scattered village complex ofits kind in Japan. This sight treats visitors to a wide variety of
appearances depending on the season, weather, and time of day.
Location/ Hagyū, Iide-machi Contact/ 0238-87-0523
Recommended Seasons/ Enjoy a variety of completely diﬀerent views depending on the season and weather.
The site contains an east-facing lookout, so coming at dawn is also recommended.

Grand panorama of the Iide
mountain peaks from Oguni-machi
Taruguchi Mountain Pass
From the lookout near the top of the Taruguchi
mountain pass in south Oguni-machi, you canenjoy a majestic view of the Iide mountain
range. On sunny days, the snow on themountains appears like a beautiful white line
running across the sky. This familiar sight isoften seen in photos and paintings, and draws
many visitors each year.

Location/ Tamagawa, Oguni-machi
Contact/ 0238-62-2416
Recommended Seasons/ The forest trail is passable fromspring through autumn. The view itself can be enjoyedeach season.

25 A Diﬀerent View with Each Season
Lakeside view of
Shirakawa-gō
andIide mountainrange
The Iide mountain range
straddles the three prefecturesof Fukushima, Yamagata, andNiigata, and its grandioseheight of 4000ha results in it
also being referred to as the“Tōhoku Alps”. This lakesideview changes appearance witheach season, but provides aspectacular view any time ofyear.

Location/ Sugō, Iide-machi Contact/ 0238-87-0523
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. From April through mid-May, thelake is full and the newly budding plants appear yellow-green. The snow-topped
Iide Mountains have a diﬀerent appearance each season, and can be enjoyedanytime throughout the year.

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Sights 26 - 31

庄内

Sights 32 - 33

26 A Spiritual Calm Emanates from this Pagoda

32 Standing at the Center of the Shōnai Plains
History, Romantically

SHONAI

33 Silhouetted against the Sunset

A Port Experienced Through27 All Five Senses

National Treasure “Mount Haguro Five-Story Pagoda”
and its sugi trees

Mount Haguro, one of the Three Mountains of Dewa, has long been a sanctuary for monks of the
Shugendō religion. The mountainʼ s ﬁve-story pagoda, designated a national treasure andconsidered to be the oldest pagoda in Tōhoku, along with the 350-500 year-old sugi trees that line
the pathway leading up to it, invoke a spiritual clarity within all those who visit.

Location/ Tōge, Haguro-machi, Tsuruoka-shi Contact/ 0235-62-2111
Recommended Seasons/ Disciples are welcome year-round, but protection from the cold is a must during the wintertime.

Spectacular Sight
28 Afrom
this Seaport Lighthouse

Shōnai Plains, Mogami River,and Mount Chōkai viewed from Chōkai Forest

Standing from this hilly region at an altitude 200-300 meters gives you
a spectacular view of Mount Chōkai to the north, Mount Gassan to thesouth, and a horizon that divides the sky and the Sea of Japan, with the
Mogami River majestically weaving through the Shōnai plains.

Location/ Tsuchibuchi, Sakata-shi Contact/0234-26-5746
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. Enjoy a variety of colors throughout
the year, including fresh greens, autumn leaves, and winter snow. The Shōnai
Plains and Mogami River have a completely diﬀerent appearance between rice
planting season and harvest season. The addition of the setting sun completes thisfantastic view.

Tobishima

30

Location/ Nezugaseki, Tsuruoka-shi

Contact/ 0235-43-4617

Recommended Seasons/ During the summer, the setting sun shows more shades ofred, and the climate is typically moderate, making for the best time to enjoy thisbeautiful view of the sun setting into the Sea of Japan.

Historic Rice Storehouses,

29 Still Part of the Present

The view of the Sea of Japan
from Hiyoriyama Park in the port town of Sakata

tourist season, producing a beautifully ethereal spectacle.

32

Sakata is a port town that ﬂourished as an embarkation dock for shipping rice. The port of
Sakata, as well as the mouth of the Mogami River, can be viewed from the portʼ s hexagonal
wooden lighthouse, which is among the oldest in Japan. The dazzling view of the sun setting
over the Sea of Japan was selected as one of the 100 Greatest Sunsets in Japan.

Mogami Region

Location/ Minamishin-machi, Sakata-shi Contact/0234-26-5746 Recommended Seasons/Viewable
year-round. In the spring, you can view the parkʼ s cherry blossoms from the lookout. The sunset over the Sea ofJapan is a spectacular sight. Sunset time varies with each season from March through December.

Even over 120 years after their construction, the Sankyo warehouses still remain in
use today, bringing the townʼ s history of rice storage into the present. The zelkova
trees, known as “keyaki” in Japanese, planted behind the warehouses over 150 years
ago to control temperatures in the summer, give the sight even more character, anddisplay a rich range of colors as the seasons change throughout the year.

Location/ Sankyo-machi, Sakata-shi Contact/ 0234-26-5746
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. A fantastic sight to see in any season,
the area shifts from fresh green, to autumn brown, to snowy white throughout theyear. The storehouses are lit up at night, which is also a recommended sight to see.

Unique View
30 Afrom
this Treasured Island

View of the Sea of Japanand Mount Chōkai from the “mystical” island of Tobishima

Tobishima, Yamagataʼ s only separated island, is an attraction in itself. Standing from the
Hanatozaki Observation Deck, you get an exceptional view of Mount Chōkai in the
distance to the left, with contrastingly sized islands in the foreground. This is the only spotthat gives you a view of the majestic Mount Chōkai as a backdrop to the Sea of Japan.
Contact/ 0234-26-5746

Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. There is also a lot to enjoy when viewing this sight from07 a boat. Dolphin roam the waters in groups in the April ‒ June months. In May and June, you can enjoy
feeding the sea gulls. In June and July, you can see ﬂying ﬁsh leaping out of the water.

while feeling the ocean breeze on a sunny day. The area is illuminated with lights during the summer

31
28
29

26

Shōnai Region
Learn more about each sight27

by scanning the QR codes in this pamphlet!

Murayama Region

31 Messenger of the Kami

Tamasudare Falls: Yamagata’ s highest waterfall

Legend tells that 1200 years ago, celebrated Buddhist monk Kūkai, lead by the wordof the kami, discovered and named this waterfall, which̶at 63 meters̶is thehighest in Yamagata. Watching the falling water surrounded by the tall, mossy sugi
trees is an awesome sight enjoyed by visitors in any season throughout the year.
Location/ Masuda, Sakata-shi Contact/ 0234-26-5746
Recommended Seasons/ Viewable year-round. Enjoy a variety of colors throughout the year,
including fresh greens, autumn leaves, and winter snow. From mid-January until earlyFebruary, you can enjoy the waterfall in a frozen state. You can also come just when it starts towarm up, and you may even be lucky enough to see the moment the frozen ice thaws andshatters.

Contact/0234-72-5886

Recommended Seasons/ Spring through autumn. The setting sun is most impressive when viewed

33

The Sankyo rice storehouses
and zelkova trees of Sakata, the seaport of rice

Location/ Tobishima, Sakata-shi

The Jūroku-rakan stones are Buddhist carvings made in volcanic rock,
ﬂowing in the Sea of Japan as a result of eruptions from Mount Chōkai.
The contrasting view of the tranquil stones against the Sea of Japan
under the blue sky and silhouetted against the setting sun is stunning
enough to make you lose track of time.

Location/ Fukura, Yuza-machi

View of Bentenjima and the setting
sun over the Sea of Japan, viewed
from Nezugaseki Marine Park

Enjoy this relaxing area which allows you to enjoy nature through all ﬁve
senses: feel the brisk ocean breeze, while gazing at the distinguishedisland of Bentenjima and the setting sun over the expansive Sea of Japan,
all while enjoying the taste of delicious seafood and hearing the cries ofthe seagulls at this history-entrenched port.

Jūroku-rakan stones and Sea of Japanas seen from the Yuza-machi Fukura coast※P3 - P8

Details of each sight,
including photos, access
info, and event info, can beaccessed by scanning the QR
codes found to the right ofeach sight in this pamphlet.

Check ourwebsite too!

Okitama Region“The Scenic Beauty of Yamagata”Official Website
http://yamagata-keikanmonogatari.com
The Scenic Beauty of Yamagata

08Sourced from Mount Nishiazuma at the border of Yamagata prefecture, the Mogami River is regarded as one of the three most rapid
Spots forrivers in Japan. Throughout its length of 229 km, it penetrates through the entire prefecture, at times narrowing, and at times ﬂowing
basins, before reaching its mouth. “Mogami-gawa” is also the anthem of Yamagata Prefecture. Designated on March 31st, 1982,
Enjoying the into
this anthem, whose lyrics describe the river as it ﬂows into the ocean, were written by Emperor Hirohito after he visited the prefecture
1925; inspired by the river, he composed it as a “waka” poem to read at the following yearʼ s “Utakai Hajime”, an annual poetry
Mogami River inreading
held on the January 1st at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Also Recommended!

More Sights, Organized by ThemeThe 33 recommended sights introduced in this pamphlet were selected from among of total of 137
candidates̶but there are still many more spectacular sights weʼ d love for you to see. This section
introduces more of our recommendations, with sights grouped by theme. Be sure to also explore
these spots when visiting the other recommended sights.

This section introduces some ﬁelds and parks that have spectacular views, andthat allow you to experience the distinctive traits of Yamagata. Each of thesesights possesses its own unique charm, and is remarkable in its own respect.

Fields and Parks with
Spectacular Views

Tendō Park (Maizuru Mountain)

Shiroyama, Tendō-aza,Tendō-shi

Maizuru Mountain (also known as Shiroyama, or “Castle
Mountain”) is said to be the grandest of Yamagataʼ s
Middle Ages castle mountains. The lookout provides an
expansive view of the city of Tendō, Mount Gassan, theAsahi Mountain Range, and the Mogami River. On a clear
day, you can see as far Mount Chōkai.

Tateoka, Murayama-shi

Higashizawa Rose ParkIn April, roughly 1000 delicate mizubasho (“skunk cabbage”)
ﬂowers bloom, and around 300 cherry blossoms are lit up
at night, producing a fantastic sight. This spot is also
known as being a popular spot for lovers, and ringing the“rose bell of happiness” is said to promise eternal love.

Sannodai Park (Jion Temple)

This park gives you a full view of the Jion temple complex
and town. Being situated on a steppe, this spot serves as
the perfect location to take a moment to breath in the richnature that the Sagae area has to oﬀer, with a spectacular
view of the Sagae River and Mount Nagaoka.

Sagae Park (Mount Nagaoka)

Sagae Park is situated in the Nagaoka mountain range,
located in the center of the city of Sagae. This spot has
an amazing lookout, allowing you to view the Yamagata
Basin, along with Mounts Gassan, Zaō, and Asahi. In
mid-May, you can view what is proudly oﬀered as thegreatest showing of rhododendron ﬂowers in the Tōhoku
region, which brings vibrant colors through the city.

Tōka-machi, Shinjō-shi

Gensan no MoriThis spot provides a diﬀerent view with each season, fromlush greens, to autumn leaves, to snow. This area is also
home to the “Mayu no Sato” market, where you canpurchase goods directly from local producers andmanufacturers.

Sumomoyama,
Yonezawa-shi

With a strong resemblance to the beloved anime character“Totoro”, and its surroundings that change appearance withthe seasons, Totoro Forest in Sumomoyama remains a
popular spot for locals to bring those visiting the area.

Windome Tachikawa

Karikawakasayama,
Shōnai-machi

The lookout from the Windome Center, which was established
as a pioneer of wind-generated power, provides a great view
overlooking Mount Gassan to the southeast, Mount Chōkai tothe north, and the Shōnai Plains.

09

Yozō Mountain Pass

Nakawatari,
Sakegawa-mura

The Yozō Mountain Pass oﬀers a spectacular panoramicview of the village of Sakegawa. The sunset over the Ōu
Mountain Range is a fantastic sight that can be viewed
from this spot, so itʼ s best to come here right aroundsundown.

Takahata Post Station

Akutsu,Takahata-machi

Karikawa,
Shōnai-machi

As an early adopter of wind-generated power in Japan,
the windmills here made use of the “Kiyogawa Dashi”̶anotorious local wind. The ﬁeld grounds alone boast 8
windmills. Although the ﬁeld changes faces with eachseason, the majestic windmills continue to spin
year-round.

Ōtani, Asahi-machi

JR Aterazawa Line Railway Bridge, with Mogami River andMount Gassan
Enjoy three of Yamagataʼ s proudest sights at once: Mogami(Yamagataʼ s “mother river”), Mount Gassan (one of thethree “Dewa Mountains”), and the JR Aterazawa Line Railway
Bridge (the oldest railway in Japan that is still in use). The JR
Aterazawa Lineʼ s blue cars, combined with a clear sky andsnow-topped Mount Gassan in the background, is a
powerfully inspiring sight that certainly worth seeing.

Mogami River Walking Path and Kyūmeikyō Bridge

Shimizu, Ōkura-muraThis spot provides a westerly view of the city ofHigashine, which contains a variety of sights including thecityscape, fruit groves, ﬁelds, and more.

Yachibo, Kahoku-chō

The Benihana Archives (Hakkei Gardens)

The Hakkei Gardens, located within the Benihana
Archives at Benihana no Sato in the town of Kahoku,
allow you to walk through ﬁelds of saﬄowers(“benihana”) when they bloom in July.

Ume Park

Kinoshita,
Mamurogawa-machi

At the end of April, roughly 400 plum (“ume”) trees and100 cherry blossoms all bloom together, producing
vibrant pinks and purples and the fragrance of plum. Theview from the parkʼ s trail allows you to see Mamuro
River and central Mamuro town, which combines with the
distant snow-capped Kamuro Mountains to make for atruly awesome sight.

“Scenic Heritage Spots”
that Uphold Yamagata’s
Scenic Regulations

Mogami River and Mount Gassan, viewed from ShimizudaiThis rotary club-established rest area is on a highpromontory, allowing you to view both Mogami River and thesettlement of Akamatsu at once in a view that changes witheach season. A fantastic view point found right upon enteringŌkura village from the neighboring Funagata.

Shōbu, Shirataka-machi

Walking Path over Remains of Kurotaki Waterfall

This area, whose shallow bedrock impeded boats, wasfamously carved out by Kyūzaemon Nishimura, a
tradesman from the Ōmi province (present-day Shiga
Prefecture) in the age when boat transport was prominent.
Now, there is a walking path by the river, allowing you tohike along the water while feeling the river breeze.

This beautiful, steel-reinforced concrete arch bridge thatcrosses the Mogami River, with its open base and towering
reverse arch, excels in design, and produces a striking view
with the river below it.

Motoaikai, Shinjō -shi

Mogami River with Yamukidate

The sight of Yamukidate appears diﬀerent with each season,covered in lush greens in early summer, and maple-turned
leaves in the autumn. At twilight, the setting sun reﬂects
vividly oﬀ the river surface, creating one of the mostimpressive sights in the area.

The Great Fountain of Gassan Lake
The Great Fountain of Gassan Lakeerupts water every hour, with each
eruption lasting around 15 minutes. Not
only does this fountain serve as a symbolof Gassan lake, it also has the honor ofbeing the tallest-spouting fountain in
Japan.

Haguro-machi,
Tsuruoka-shi

The terrace from the Forest of Creation Interaction Building
in Tsuruoka city presents a panoramic view of the Shōnai
Plains extending toward the Sea of Japan, with Mount
Chōkai, a symbol of Yamagata, in the distance. This fantastic
view can be experienced diﬀerently with each season.
(Designated on March 10th, 2010)“Scenic Heritage Spots” are spots
designated by the Board of Scenic
Evaluation as being representative of thearea, and of upholding article 26 of
Yamagataʼ s Scenic Regulations, with spots
being selected for the purpose ofpreservation for future generations.
Selections are proposed by the prefectureʼ scities, towns, villages, and groups that arecommitted to investing in local development.
To help bring as many people to these spots
as possible, signs have been posted at allsites that have received this designation.

Furukuchi, Tozawa-mura

Mogami River Pass viewed from Furukuchi

The lookout positioned here along the Mogami River allows
you a quiet, undisturbed view of the waters ﬂowing by.
Descend the steps to get close up to this spot where boats
are seen passing by.

Kawai, Nagai-shi

Merging of Mogami and Shirakawa Rivers

Designated by the prefecture in 1998, this is the inaugural“Mogami River View Spot”, and the point where the Mogami
and Shirakawa rivers join together. The gracefully ﬂowing
Mogami River merges with the lively Shirakawa River, and on
certain days, the two rivers even have diﬀerent colors.

Spots for Enjoying the
Sea of Japan and its
Waterfront

There is more to Yamagata thanmountains; the prefecture is ﬁlled witha diverse range of nature, withfantastic views of the ocean, rivers,
canals, and more.

Tamamushi-numa Reservoir

Ōwarabi,
Yamanobe-machi

Selected as one of Japanʼ s “100 Reservoirs”,
Tamamushi-numaʼ s surroundings are kept clean thanks toCentral Tourism Associationʼ s eﬀorts in ensuring that all
trash is removed. The waters are also a popular ﬁshing spot.

Gassanzawa, Nishikawa-machi[Scenic Heritage Spot 1] View of Shōnai Plains from
Forest of Creation

With each season, the varying colors of its surroundings
bring out a color gradation with this stationʼ s three-level
pagoda. In addition to its history, this area is enjoyed for
leisure even today as a park, and welcomes a lively crowd for
hatsumōde (ﬁrst temple visit on the Japanese New Year) on
the 1st of each January.

Fūsha Shijō ‒ “Windmill Field”

Izumi, Nakayama-machi

Higashine, Higashine-shi

Ōmoriyama Park

Nagaoka, Sagae-shi

Jion-ji, Sagae-shi

Totoro Forest, Sumomoyama※Scan the QR codes to bringup a point of view map.

Nagasawa,
Funagata-machi[Scenic Heritage Spot 4] View of Mountain River andVillage from Funagata Wakaayu Hot Springs
The terrace at Wakaayu, a hot springs resort at
Funagata-machi, provides a panoramic view of the Oguni
River and village, which peacefully blend into the mountains.
(Designated on March 19th, 2013)

Yunohama,
Tsuruoka-shi

Yunohama Hot Spring (Nagaiwa Square)

Nagaiwa Square neighbors Yamagataʼ s largest ocean-waterbathing spot, which is sprawled along the coastline at
Yunohama Hot Springs. The beautiful sunset at the
Yunohama coastline was selected as of the “100 Sunsets ofJapan”.

Shimokomatsu,
Kawanishi-mac

Misaki Park

Fukura,Yuza-machi

This cliﬀ, which was shaped from corrosion caused by Mount
Chōkaiʼ s volcanic activity and rough waves from the Sea ofJapan, provides for an amazing view, and oﬀers the closest
view of the island of Tobishima. It is also a historical spot,
known for being mentioned in Matsuo Bashōʼ s great literary
work, “Oku no Hosomichi”.

Kisawa,Yamagata-shi[Scenic Heritage Spot 2] View of Yonezawa Basinfrom Shimokomatsu Kofun Grounds[Scenic Heritage Spot 3] Overlook of Yamagata
Cityscape Surrounded by Mountains

Hayama,Kaminoyama-shi

Ōyama,
Tsuruoka-shi

The Shimokomatsu Kofun grounds is a large grouping ofancient tombs called “kofun”, built from the 4th ‒ 6th
centuries. From the observation spot built along the walk
path (Kofun T41), you can enjoy a view of the dwellings in
the Yonezawa Basin and the scattered the homesteadwoodlands and ﬁelds, contrasting against the Ōu Mountain
Range. (Designated on March 17th, 2011)[Scenic Heritage Spot 5] Kaminoyama Cityscapeand its Surrounding Mountains, Viewed from
Mount Hanasaki Lookout

This lookout spot was set up by locals in the belly of
Mount Hanasaki, just behind Kaminoyamaʼ s Hayama Hot
Springs resort. The spectacular view of Mount Zaō andthe ﬁelds at the mountain base, combined with the
Kaminoyama cityscape, is truly representative of
Yamagata prefecture.

Heading west on prefectural route 17 from Yamagata City
leads to an overlook that was built by the local community.
From here, you can get an excellent view of the city and its
mountains. (Designated on March 16th, 2012)[Scenic Heritage Spot 6] Eights Views of Nature,
Cityscape, and Shōnai Plains Surrounded byMountains from Oura View Spots in Ōyama ParkŌyama Park in Ōyama, Tsuruoka city has 8 “Oura” view
spots set up around the park, from which you can view
Ramsar-designated wetlands, the ﬁelds of the Shōnai
Plains, and Gassan, Chōkai, and other mountains.
(Designated on March 17th, 2016)10

Check these out too!

Additional Recommended / Seasonal Event Info for the Sights※Numbers refer to the sight ID numbers used in this pamphlet.

3

Kaminoyama Castle Festival [Kaminoyama-shi, Murayama Region]春

A stage is set up in front of Kaminoyama Castle where
various local arts are performed.

634 Matsu Gathering [Tendō-shi, Murayama Region]

childrenʼ s event for enjoying nature (Hiking, Paper
５ AAirplane
Competition).

Otama Kawakuma Festival [Oguni-machi, Okitama Region]

Nezugaseki Fishing Festival [Tsuruoka-shi, Shōnai Region]

is known as being a ﬁshing town. Join local ﬁsherman at
27 Nezugaseki
this market for freshly caught ﬁsh brought straight from the water!
Fish-related events held all day.

28

Hiyoriyama Cherry Blossom Festival [Sakata-shi, Shōnai Region]
During the festival, Edo-era boats and the lighthouse are lit up. The
park is ﬁlled with lanterns and street vendors, making this a popular
event for locals.

Illuminated Tamasudare Waterfall [Sakata-shi, Shōnai Region]

mock bear hunting performance performed by traditional - Spring a height of 63 m and width of 5 m, Tamasudare is the largest
22 A“Matagi”
31 Withwinter hunters, which includes callers seeing whowaterfall in Yamagata. The main drop is lit up at this event, producing
can shout the loudest.

a beautiful, otherworldly feel.

Tendō Plains Festival [Tendō-shi, Murayama Region]

Mogami Music and Fireworks Festival [Tozawa-mura, Mogami Region]
The latest computer technology is used to perfectly
synchronize music and ﬁreworks in this spectacular show!

５ A BBQ party featuring local Tendō beef.

18

Buckwheat Flower Festival [Tendō-shi, Murayama Region]

Sky Festival [Nanʼ yō-shi, Okitama Region]

５ Walk through the buckwheat ﬂower ﬁelds and experience

20 A nationwide festival featuring hang gliding and paragliding at

making your own soba noodles

Nanʼ yō Skypark. The enjoyment continues with a party at night.

Yume Tane @ Sagae [Sagae-shi, Murayama Region]

６ Enjoy a wide range of entertainment, including food, games, and relaxation.
Himesayuri Festival [Asahi-machi, Murayama Region]

７ Local goods are sold at the Ipponmatsu Park parking lot, surrounded bydelicate “himesayuri” lilies that only bloom in the Asahi/Iide Mountain area.

Ōe Fireworks and Water Lights Festival [Ōe-machi, Murayama Region]oldest ﬁreworks festival in Yamagata. Enjoy the magniﬁcent sight of ﬁreworks
８ The
being launched from 3 locations, with 2000 light towers reﬂecting on the river surface.

Old-Style Boat Race [Murayama-shi, Murayama Region]

10 Event for enjoying racing in old-style boats surrounded by brasenia ﬂowers
Mountain Vegetable Festival [Obanazawa-shi, Murayama Region]

11 Enjoy local song and dance at the heart of this hot spring town, withmountain vegetable soup and locally brewed sake.

Watermelon Festival [Obanazawa-shi, Murayama Region]

夏Hayama Shrine Annual Festival [Nagai-shi, Okitama Region]

21 Enjoy an audacious lion dance as it puriﬁes the city in this ancient
yearly festival that pays respect to the areaʼ s mountain spirits.

Lily Festival [Iide-machi, Okitama Region]

24 The largest celebration of lilies in Tōhoku.
Snow Egg Festival [Iide-machi, Okitama Region]

festival that lets you play in the snow in the middle of summer!
25 AEnjoy
this cool event under the hot summer sun with snow ﬁghts,

26
26

11 Enjoy free watermelon and locally brewed sake at this hot spring town
27
renowned for having the greatest watermelon produce in Japan.
- Summer Ōshida Mogami Fireworks Festival [Ōshida-machi, Murayama Region]

12 Enjoy competing mikoshi shrines and lights along the river underneath a
massive spectacle of ﬁreworks.

Kaneyama Festival [Kaneyama-machi, Mogami Region]

summer festival, held annually on August 14th ‒ 16th, features dazzling mikoshi
13 Thisshrines dancing through town. On the ﬁnal day, enjoy an evening ﬁreworks festival thatlasts till late at night.

Maemori Plains Summer Festival [Mogami-machi, Mogami Region]

14 This event allows you to enjoy summer on the high plains of Maemori.
Enjoy trout catching and other activities.

Sabane Sumo Competition [Funagata-machi, Mogami Region]

traditional competition dedicated to the Sabane shrine for lasting relationships,
15 Achildren,and long life, said to have originally started 250 years ago by men wanting toshow oﬀ their might in a bout of sumo.

snow treasure hunts, watermelon splitting, and more.
Flower Festival [Tsuruoka-shi, Shōnai Region]
At this festival, mikoshi shrines for the Three Mountains of Dewa
parade around Kagami Pond in a procession joined by Buddhist
statues adorned with metaphoric ﬂowers.
August 1st Festival [Tsuruoka-shi, Shōnai Region]
In this participatory event, Buddhist homa are lit at the garden of
Hachiko Shrine on Mount Haguro to pray for good crops andhousehold safety.
Squid Festival [Tsuruoka-shi, Shōnai Region]
Enjoy this world-class event that pays homage to the squid, withsquid mouth (to eat), a squid ping pong competition, and calligraphyusing squid ink and squid brushes.

Sakata Port Cruise [Sakata-shi, Shōnai Region]

30 A cruise that goes around Sakata Port. Takes place every
Saturday evening from July through August.

Tobishima Fishing Experience & Tour [Sakata-shi, Shōnai Region]

30 A 1-night, 2-day tour that allows you to experience gillnet ﬁshingﬁrsthand. Participants get to keep all ﬁsh that are caught.

Illuminated Tamasudare Waterfall [Sakata-shi, Shōnai Region]a height of 63 m and width of 5 m, Tamasudare is the largest
31 Withwaterfall in Yamagata. The main drop is lit up at this event, producing
a beautiful, otherworldly feel.

Chōkai no Mori Musical Festival [Sakata-shi, Shōnai Region]

32 An annual music festival and concert held at Chōkai no Mori.
Jūroku-rakan Festival & Illumination [Yuza-machi, Shōnai Region]

Mamurogawa Festival [Mamurogawa-machi, Mogami Region]

prayer for ocean safety takes place in front of the Jūroku-rakan
Bon dancing takes place at the station on the night of the 16th. The following
33 Astones.
16 Traditional
The stones are illuminated at this time, producing a
day features live song and dance performances and a parade through the town.
beautifully ethereal spectacle.

The Shika Fireﬂy Concert [Ōkura-mura, Mogami Region]a display of roughly 1200 ﬁreﬂies in the Shika rice ﬁeld, which was selected as one
17 Enjoyof the “100 rice ﬁelds of Japan”, accompanied by colorful piano and ocarina music.

4

Tour de France Festival [Kaminoyama-shi, Murayama Region]

5

Fresh Soba Festival [Tendō-shi, Murayama Region]

9

Enjoy this biking event through Narage-juku.

秋

Enjoy the taste of fresh soba while surrounded by nature.

Ōyodo Potato Festival [Murayama-shi, Murayama Region]
Eat boiled potatoes while enjoying the majestic view ofthe Massimo Keiji Museum (Mogami River Museum).

Mushroom Festival [Obanazawa-shi, Murayama Region]

11 Enjoy song and dance at the Ginzan hot springs resort town
13

while being served mushroom soup and locally brewed sake.
Kaneyama Town Produce Festival [Kaneyama-machi, Mogami Region]
A major autumn event held at Kaneyama town where you canenjoy everything from local ﬂavors to traditional cultural arts.

Grand Panorama of Iide Peaks & Autumn Beech Trees- Autumn - 22 [Oguni-machi, Okitama Region]

Enjoy viewing beech (“buna”) trees while trekking throughthe Taruguchi mountain trail, listening to tales from local“Matagi” hunters, and bathing in hot springs.

Buckwheat Flower Festival [Murayama-shi, Murayama Region]

10 Enjoy the view of the seasonally planted buckwheat ﬂowers
while eating soba (buckwheat) noodles by the Mogami

冬1

Hina no Michi Tea Ceremony [Yamagata-shi, Murayama Region]

2

Zaō Frosted Tree Festival [Yamagata-shi, Murayama Region]2

Daytime & Nighttime Frosted Trees [Yamagata-shi, Murayama Region]

3

Candlelit Night at Kaminoyama Castle [Kaminoyama-shi, Murayama Region]

A tea ceremony event is held here.

Various activities take place at the Zaō hot spring and ski resort.

- Winter -Seeing the frosted trees both during the day and at night is a must. At
night, they are illuminated in various colors against the pitch black night,
producing an otherworldly sight completely unlike the sight during the day.

Enjoy otherworldly scenery at this candlelit spectacle event.

3
5
8
19

Kaminoyama Castle New Yearʼ s Event[Kaminoyama-shi, Murayama Region]

Watch the ﬁrst sunrise of the year over Mount Sankichi,
standing from this view point.

Snow Park Festival [Tendō-shi, Murayama Region]

A tube sliding event aimed at allowing children to experience nature.
*Ski resort open from mid-December through end of March.

Hina Dollʼ s Festival at Ōe [Ōe-machi, Murayama Region]

Enjoy viewing hina dolls that have been passed down throughgenerations in an old home that contributes to the areaʼ s cultural
heritage.
Uesugi Light Festival [Yonezawa-shi, Okitama Region]
This winter festival serves as the symbol of Yonezawa, a region
known for snow. The grounds are illuminated by 300 light towers and3000 lanterns.

Contact: Head of Tourism & Regional Development, Usage & Policies Section, Yamagata Department for Prefectural Development
2-8-1 Matsunami, Yamagata-shi 〒990-8570
TEL：023-630-2581 FAX：023-630-2582