Sightseeing in Yamagata

Yamagata is often described as the other side of the mountain, or the hidden part of Japan. There is a lot to see and do within the prefecture, so this list is a starting point for suggested domestic travel. You can read more about Yamagata here.

Popular local foods include: Yonezawa beef, imoni soup (miso/pork in Shonai & soysauce/beef in Yamagata city). Yamagata has many delicious local fruits, such as cherries, La France pears, watermelon, melon, persimmons, and so on. No wonder Yamagata is sometimes called the Kingdom of Fruit. Any fruit-themed souvenirs are sure to be a hit with your coworkeres.

Yamagata also has popular professional sports teams. These are: the Montedio Yamagata soccer team, the Pioneer Red Wings volleyball team, and the Passlab Yamagata Wyverns basketball team. You should try attending a game!

## Popular Tourist Attractions

* **Cherryland in Sagae.** You can enjoy cherry picking! Yamagata is Japan's largest producer of cherries.
* **Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山), the Three Mountains of Dewa.** These 3 mountains are said to be sacred, as they were clustered around the ancient province of Dewa (the modern day Shonai region). Many famous poets would make visits to the mountains. The 3 mountains are Mt. Gassan, Mt. Haguro, and Mt. Yudono. In particular, Mt. Haguru has a 5 story pagoda that is recognized as a national treasure of Japan.
* **Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉).** This a hot spring resort in Obanazawa that was featured in the drama Oshin. While it is one of the more famous hot springs in Yamagata, there are many beautiful onsen to be explored!
* **Kaminoyama Castle.** This is a small castle built by the Kaminoyama clan in 1535. The castle was demolished in the mid-19th century, and then reconstructed in the late 20th century.
* **Kamo Aquarium** (鶴岡市立加茂水族館). This is a modest aquarium that holds the Guinness World Record for housing more than 35 different species of Jellyfish. You can also see fresh and saltwater fish, seals, and much more. The giant Moon Jellyfish tank is a popular attraction. The aquarium is open 9:00 - 17:00 year-round, with a closing time of 18:00 during the summer (7/18~8/31).
* **Mogami River.** You can take a river cruise. In the winter, the boats have kotatsu.
* **Mt. Chokai.** This is sometimes called Dewa Fuji, as it is the second tallest peak in Tohoku. It is on the border between Akita & Yamagata, with the peak in Yuza town.
* **Sankyo Soko Storehouse.** See the old rice storehouse that has been converted into a local tourist spot, full of Sakata's foods & local handicrafts.
* **Tobishima Island** (飛島). The island is accessible from the ferry in Sakata. There are usually only a few ferries per day (1~3), so check the schedule ahead and plan accordingly. A ticket will cost about ¥4,080 (round trip).
* **Yamadera** (山寺). Yamadera is a small temple nestled on a mountaintop. You can reach the temple in a couple of hours of hiking.
* **Zao Mountain**. The mountain has an outdoor onsen and an amazing ski resort. In the winter, you can go hiking and see the snow monsters. You can also visit the Okama Crater Lake.

## Popular Festivals

Read more about these festivals at the Events/Festivals page.