Yamagata
Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in Yamagata Prefecture. Famous as a filming location for the movie “Oshin,” the hot spring town has the atmosphere of a time slip back to the Taisho Era (1912-1926). The wooden inns that line both banks of the Ginzan River create a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere at dusk when the gas lamps are lit. It is just like the setting of the movie “Spirited Away. It is also known as the filming location for the national TV drama “Oshin. The most photogenic time to visit is on a snowy night. The snow-covered streets look great against the outside lights.
Ruins of Yamagata Castle, Kasumigajo Park
Yamagata Castle was built by Mogami Yoshimitsu, one of the most famous warring feudal lords in Tohoku. As of 2018, the huge castle gates “Ninomaru Higashi Otemon” and “Honmaru Ichimonji-mon” are being restored, restoring the atmosphere of the old days.
The heroic bronze statue on the grounds is of Lord Yoshimitsu Mogami. Despite the fact that the lord of Yamagata Castle was often replaced, Yoshimitsu Yoshimitsu was chosen for the bronze statue because of the popularity of his rise to the rank of feudal lord in a single generation and his contribution to the development of the town. The statue depicts his heroic figure leading the way into battle.
Ootaki Falls, Mt.
This waterfall cascades down a gorge rich in strange rocks and monstrous stones. It is 10 meters high and 15 meters wide, with a beautiful emerald green waterfall basin.
Sekiyama Otaki Waterfall is located just behind Otaki Drive-in Izumiya on Route 48. The restaurant is a combination of a souvenir shop and a restaurant in the traditional style, with seats by the window overlooking the waterfall.
Dondonden Taira Lily Garden
One of the largest lily gardens in eastern Japan, “Iide Dondendaira Lily Garden” is located in a beautiful natural setting, with 500,000 lilies of various varieties and seasonal flowers blooming and competing on its 7 hectares of land. In addition to lilies, the garden is decorated with hydrangeas, gibboushi, and a variety of other seasonal flowers.
Cherry Picking Experience
Cherries are Yamagata’s representative delicacy. Yamagata boasts the largest production of cherries in Japan, accounting for 70% of the nation’s total. Cherry orchards spread across Higashine City, Tendo City, and Sagae City, with magnificent mountains in the background, and visitors can enjoy the experience of harvesting cherries.
Yonezawa Beef
Yonezawa Beef is a Japanese Black Beef breed, raised for 18 months or more by livestock farmers in three cities and five towns in the Okitama region, with a seal of approval affixed to the carcass.
The fineness of its marbling is so fine that it melts in your mouth and leaves a lasting impression when you eat it.