Yamagata Prefecture: Snowy Onsen, Winter Sports and Tradition - Pocket Guide
Presentation
Yamagata Prefecture is located north of Tokyo in the Tohoku region, about two hours by train. Famous for its snowy winter landscapes and hot springs (onsen) in all seasons, Yamagata can be an ideal destination for nature and winter sports lovers.
Places not to miss
Zao Onsen, Japan's famous ski resort, the city of Zao also offers beautiful natural hot springs in the middle of the mountains. In winter, the springs are surrounded by snow and offer the unforgettable experience of swimming while observing the snowy landscapes.
Ginzan Onsen, this small town offers a unique experience in Japan of throughout a year. With its traditional inns lined up along the river that runs through the village and its hot springs, Ginzan is the ideal destination to relax in a typical Japanese atmosphere.
Yamadera Temple, located in the middle of the mountains, northeast of the city of Yamagata, was founded more than a thousand years ago. With more than a thousand steps, it will take visitors at least 30 minutes to go from the entrance to the highest points of the place, making it a great destination for hikers.
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Zao Onsen Ginzan Onsen Yamadera Temple
The cold ramen, yes, it is astonishing for a prefecture famous for its winter sports, but the cities of the latter being mainly built in basins, it can be very hot in summertime. Thus was born the cold ramen, identical and just as good as the classic but much more refreshing.
Yonezawa beef, refined dish of a small town known among others for its various festivals, the majority of Japanese remembers especially the name for the beef fondant associated with it. A little expensive, but what a pleasure!
Yamagata cherries, the prefecture is known to be one of the richest in cherry trees. Indeed, it alone produces nearly 70% of the production of cherries from Japan. The month of June is the ideal time to go picking on a sunny afternoon.
The cold ramen, a real refreshment
Yonezawa beef is tasted in many different ways, here in the fondue
Cherries from the beginning of summerThe Hanagasa festival, in the city of Yamagata, capital of the prefecture, is held every year in August. This festival celebrates dance and music. At the rhythm of Taiko (traditional Japanese percussion), participants parade in with typical costumes.
The Uesugi Ice Lantern Festival, the second weekend of February, Yonezawa City turns the area around the main temple of the city into a snow sanctuary. Hundreds of ice lanterns are built in which candles are lit, creating a surreal atmosphere. It is also an opportunity to taste different local foods, including the Yonezawa beef mentioned above.
The ice lantern festival gives rise to the creation of several ephemeral monuments
One of the dances of Hanagasa festivalClick here to discover our self-guided tours!
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