2026 Yamagata Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Ginzan Onsen in winter, with its Taisho-era romantic atmosphere, truly feels like stepping into a Ghibli movie❄️ I visited in February when the snow was heavily piled up. I imagine it would have been even more magical if it had been snowing, but I'll save that experience for my next visit♡ While it's beautiful during the day, the gas lamp lights at night create a fantastical and incredibly charming scene, so you absolutely must see the nighttime view! 📍 Ginzan Onsen Kosekiya Bekkan We stayed in a riverside room at Kosekiya Bekkan💡 The building's Taisho-era romantic vibe was wonderful, and both the dinner and breakfast were delicious…🤍 Plus, they had an all-you-can-drink beverage service, which was a delightful bonus! 📍 Sake Chabo Kurie Relaxing at "Sake Chabo Kurie" in the hot spring town is also highly recommended☕️ Their signature drink is cocoa topped with plenty of marshmallows! (The window-side seats on the first floor are great for taking beautiful photos😘) 🚃 Access to Ginzan Onsen From Tokyo Station, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to JR Oishida Station (3 hours 20 minutes) → Then take a local bus (or the inn's shuttle bus) for about 30–40 minutes 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰 ♡ Save this post so you can look back on it✍🏻 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

I recently dined at a restaurant specialising in Yonezawa beef, and it was a luxurious experience from start to finish. The ambience was elegant, featuring private rooms that added to the exclusivity. The service was exceptional; when I accidentally spilt my sake, they promptly replaced it without hesitation. We had the option of choosing shabu-shabu or grilled beef, and I highly recommend going with the shabu-shabu. The staff expertly handled the preparation, ensuring that the meat was cooked perfectly. Overall, it was a memorable meal, combining top-notch service with high-quality ingredients in a sophisticated setting.

I came here for the roast beef bowl. There is no parking lot at the restaurant, so I parked in a nearby paid parking lot. The interior is stylish, and there is a movie goods sales corner near the entrance. The walls are decorated with movie posters and the original novels, which will get movie fans excited. In the back, they sell imported T-shirts, and there is art on the blackboard, which is really stylish. There is also a loft-like area, which can be used when there are a lot of people. The roast beef bowl I was looking for came in two types: domestic beef (1200 yen) and Yamagata beef (1800 yen). I ordered the Yamagata beef roast beef bowl because it was a special occasion.

SLOW JAM [Yamagata, Yamagata] ~ Easy-to-eat, Japanese-style, caffeinated green curry ~ ◆ Turn it into an outstanding dish Grilled cheese green curry A small mound of rice topped with a melted cheese cap floats in a lake of green curry. The green curry The roux has a sour, creamy flavor with a subtly spicy flavor. The mottled, crunchy texture of the 15-grain rice is delightful. The chewy, tender topping of the premium chicken and the crunchy texture of the mushrooms. The melted texture and charred aroma of the grilled cheese are a gentle harmony.

#adventuremoments 📍Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山), meaning "The Three Mountains of Dewa," refers to the sacred trio of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. These mountains are central to the ancient spiritual practice of Shugendō, a syncretic religion blending Shinto, Buddhism, and mountain worship. Each mountain symbolizes a stage of spiritual transformation: Mt. Haguro – the present world (now), Mt. Gassan – the past or afterlife, Mt. Yudono – the future or rebirth. A pilgrimage across all three is considered a profound journey of death, purification, and rebirth. PS: I explored Japan solo for 60 days, one train, one hostel, one story at a time. Please follow for more. [Japan, Yamagata, Dewa Sanzen, Spiritual, Yamadera, Mountains, Trending, Solo Travel, Tokyo, Bullet Train, Shinkasen] #japan #keepingupwithlife #SoloTravel #tokyo #trending #fyp

On my first visit to Yamagata, I couldn’t resist stopping by the beloved local soba shop "Soba-dokoro Shojiya" even before heading to the hotel. The exterior and interior exude traditional Japanese charm, and the central hearth seating adds a cozy, homely touch 🫶. 📖 The menu is simple yet incredibly diverse, offering everything from hot soba, cold soba, to tempura set meals, all neatly categorized. 🥚 Tamago Toji Soba (JPY 1020) This dish features fluffy, soft golden egg topping laid over springy soba noodles. The soy sauce-based broth is rich and flavorful, perfectly blending with the egg aroma and green onions for a warm and comforting taste. 🍤 Aimo-ri Ita-ten (JPY 2500) If you want to try two different types of soba noodles in one go, this is a must-order! The lighter-colored soba is delicate and smooth, while the darker soba boasts a robust buckwheat flavor and chewy texture. Pair the dipping sauce with green onions, wasabi, and grated radish for an impeccable combination. You can even finish off by adding hot broth to transform it into a warm soba soup✨. The accompanying tempura platter, featuring shrimp, eggplant, and more, makes for a truly satisfying meal. Soba-dokoro Shojiya 📍 Address: 14-28 Saiwai-cho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture ⏰ Business Hours: 11:00 - 16:00 / 17:00 - 20:30 🚆 Access: About a 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station

Explore Yamagata in the Tohoku region with this two-day itinerary. Day 1: Tour of Yamagata's Retro Architecture Day 2: Visit Risshakuji Temple From Yamagata Station, take the Senzan Line for 20 minutes, then walk 10 minutes from the station. 【Yamagata City Spots】 1. Yamagata City Local Museum (Former Saiseikan Main Building) 2. Yamagata Prefecture Local Museum (Bunshokan) 3. Kajo Park 【Recommended Cuisine】 1. Special Spicy Miso Ramen 2. Imoni (Yamagata-style taro stew) 3. Cherries 🍒 【Additional Tips】 When visiting Risshakuji Temple, be prepared to climb many stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the visit. Sightseeing

Mountain Temple is located in Yamagata, Japan. When I went, the weather was not good, rain and snow, the sky was gray, but I have to thank the weather for me to see a beautiful landscape painting, no blue sky but make this painting more refined. To experience the wonders, you need a number of extreme sports such as climbing, skating, climbing along the rope, and sliding...etc. But just try again when you see Kaishan Hall and then climb the five halls, worth it! A masterpiece appears in front of you. What would the mountain temple look like in other seasons? Transportation to Yamaji Temple: From Yamagata Station Guai JR Sensanji Temple to Yamaji Station If you go in winter remember to have a pair of waterproof and non-slip shoes, slow walking is not in a hurry, the beautiful scenery will not run! Our members have a discount when booking flights using trip.com #Free lounge replacement on Member Day 27th of every month

Located on the summit of Mt. Haguro, this shrine is one of the representative shrines of the Shonai region. You can get there by either climbing the approach to Mt. Haguro or taking the toll road. As one of Japan's most sacred mountains, it has a very solemn atmosphere. Combined with the autumn leaves, it creates a beautiful view. #autumnleaves #mountainclimbing #shrine #Mt.Haguro

Mt. Haguro is one of the Dewa Sanzan mountains. It is known as a mountain of mountain worship, and is the easiest of the three mountains to climb...or rather, you can drive all the way to the summit. However, if you start climbing from the base, you can stroll through the mountains with a very majestic atmosphere. The road is paved with cobblestones, so it's easy to climb. There are shrines here and there, and when combined with the autumn leaves, it creates a fantastic atmosphere. #MountainClimbing #AutumnFoliage #DewaSanzan #Mt.Haguro

This is the romance of the Taisho era! Yamagata Prefecture Bunshokan 📍Yamagata, Japan🇯🇵 . A building filled with the romance of the Taisho era suddenly appears in Yamagata city. This is Bunshokan, a nationally designated important cultural property🕊 . It was built in 1916 and was used as the parliament building until 1975😌 . It is a brick building, and the exterior is beautiful, but the interior is also wonderful, full of dignity and fashion. I saw the governor's room and it was gorgeous. It was so gorgeous that I couldn't concentrate. lol . By the way, Bunshokan was also used as a filming location for the movie Rurouni Kenshin! 😲 . Admission to Bunshokan is free. Anyone can freely visit🌼 #FreeSpot #RetroStreetScenery #SummerShortTrip

There are many new redevelopment projects in Cheung Sha Wan. While injecting vitality into the community, it also brings demand for mid- to high-end food, attracting many good restaurants to move in. Today, I went to eat at one of the boutique teppanyaki restaurants with my newly moved friends. Teppanyaki restaurants are becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong. Many people have begun to appreciate the art of teppanyaki cuisine. In Cantonese cuisine, we often mention the concept of wok-fried food. In Japanese cuisine, teppanyaki is also used to convey this fiery sensory enjoyment. The woodcarving of the sign has a strong Japanese atmosphere. The murals and woodcarving menus in the store give off an izakaya feel. There are about 10 bar seats, a teppanyaki stove and a sushi and sashimi cooking area, so that diners can appreciate the entire cooking process. There are also some scattered tables for some guests who want to focus on chatting. 📓When you open the menu, you can see several two-person meals. In addition, there are also à la carte teppanyaki dishes, sushi and sashimi, etc. It is a very comprehensive Japanese restaurant. Today I chose a Teppanyaki King Prawn Set for Two ($598), which features specially prepared Teppanyaki dishes. Other sets include the day’s sashimi and Teppanyaki cooked food. When I saw other customers ordering lobster meals, the sushi chef prepared the sashimi platter very carefully, with delicious ingredients such as sea urchin and deep-sea pond fish, which was not ordinary stuff at all 😍 I will try it next time. 🥗Appetizer salad The romaine lettuce is fresh and sweet, and the sauce is sour and appetizing. 🐟 Silver Cod | 8.5/10 The first dish was silver cod. The chef lightly grilled both sides to force out the fish oil hidden in the fish body. The fish meat on both sides was grilled crispy. Before serving, it was seasoned with butter, soy sauce and wine to make it more layered. The fish meat is tender and white, and tastes oily but not greasy. 🦐 Prawns | 7.5/10 The second dish is to appreciate the chef's smooth processing of the prawns. First, separate the prawn head from the prawn body, then use two iron plate forks to pull out the white and smooth shrimp meat from the prawn body and put it back on the preparation plate, because the prawn head needs to be roasted first to lock in the shrimp paste and oil. The prawn meat is divided into the left side, right side and tail, and the pleasure of biting into the prawn meat is still retained, with a bit of chewiness. The delicious and fragrant shrimp head makes you want to suck the essence inside 😙 🥩Angus Beef Tenderloin | 8.5/10 I was quite surprised when I saw the beef tenderloin because it was very thick, almost 2 inches thick. Watching the chef cut it into ten pieces with a knife, and simply adding some salt to cook it makes it taste great. It is soft and tender in the mouth, the flame is controlled just right, the beef tenderloin is rich and juicy, and it really tastes sweet. Garlic slices are served on the side, but I think the original flavor is enough to satisfy me😋 🍛Teppanyaki fried rice | 7/10 It was fried very dry, and the rice was made with eggs, fried garlic, onions and sakura shrimp. Just the smell was appetizing, and the rice grains had a bit of a bite. 🫕Miso soup The miso is rich in flavor and the tofu is tender and smooth. 🥬 Stir-fried bean sprouts The stir-fried bean sprouts absorbed more oil, which made me feel even more guilty, but the crispy taste was so addictive. #LocalTours #foodie #HongKongGoodDestination #SummerFoodRecommendations #SummerGoodDestination

Semi Onsen "Kansyokan" is located close to Shinjo Station, the last stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen line. Known for its beauty baths, this is a genuine "royal hot spring inn" where the Emperor and Empress stay when they visit Yamagata, and the one-room VIP room is available for general guests (during normal times). Japan's rice-producing region has delicious food and alcohol. After relaxing in an open-air bath with free-flowing spring water and the sound of the babbling Mogami River, you'll want to savor to your heart's content the delicacies of Yamagata, a region blessed with a rich natural environment. #hotspringtrip#greatviews#gourmettrip

Yamagata Prefecture is said to have the highest ramen consumption in Japan! Yamagata, especially in its hot summers, is famous for its cold ramen! This is a ramen restaurant in Yamagata City.

Zao Ski Resort is one of Japan’s most distinctive winter destinations, located in the Tohoku region and accessible via Yamagata Station with a direct bus connection. From my experience, skiing here feels atmospheric and memorable, especially in mid-winter when the famous “snow monsters” (ice-covered trees) transform the mountain into a surreal landscape. The ski area offers a good mix of wide groomed runs and gentle slopes, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. Snow conditions are reliable, with frequent snowfall and solid grooming. The nearby Zao Onsen village adds strong appeal, allowing skiers to relax in traditional hot springs after a day on the slopes. I recommend Zao for travelers seeking unique scenery, dependable snow, and authentic Japanese mountain culture.

#japantrip Location & Definition: Sakata Lighthouse is located at Sakata North Port Green Area in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Serving both as a lighthouse and an observation tower, it offers sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, Sakata Port, and surrounding coastal scenery. The site is popular for relaxed walks, sea views, and watching ships come and go. Rough Budget: Entry to the surrounding park is free. Budget around ¥1,000–2,000 for transportation and refreshments. Travel Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful ocean light and sunset views. Bring a light jacket, as coastal winds can be strong, and enjoy a slow stroll around the green space

Deep in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture lies Ginzan Onsen, arguably Japan's most picturesque hot spring town. With its secluded river setting and beautifully preserved Taisho-era architecture, a stroll through this village feels like traveling back in time to early 20th-century Japan. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking a romantic, serene, and culturally immersive winter escape. A Living Taisho-Era Masterpiece Ginzan Onsen is world-famous for its distinct aesthetic, which many travelers compare to the magical world of Ghibli’s Spirited Away. • Wooden Ryokans: The Ginzan River is lined with four-story wooden inns, some nearly a century old, featuring exposed timber frames and intricate plasterwork. • Gas-Lit Streets: As dusk falls, the town is illuminated by traditional gas lanterns, casting a soft, golden glow over the snowy banks and wooden bridges. • Winter Wonderland: While beautiful year-round, the town is at its most magical in winter, when thick blankets of snow cover the rooftops and the river mist rises between the buildings. The Onsen Experience: Healing and Heritage The name "Ginzan" means "Silver Mountain," referring to the historic silver mines that once flourished here. Today, the "silver" of the region is its high-quality hot spring water. • Riverside Relaxation: You can enjoy the waters at larger ryokans like Ginzan-so, which offers stunning mountain views from its open-air baths. • Public Bathing: For day-trippers, the Ginzan Onsen Public Bath Shiroganeyu offers a unique bathing experience in a striking building designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma. • Wara-ashi Footbath: Located right along the river, this free footbath allows you to soak your feet in the warm mineral water while taking in the views of the historic townscape. 📍 Plan Your Visit • Location: Located in Obanazawa, Yamagata. Take the Shinkansen to Oishida Station, followed by a 40-minute bus ride to the town. • Booking Ahead: Because the town is small and highly sought after, ryokan rooms for the winter season often book out 6 to 12 months in advance. • Day Trips: If you aren't staying overnight, arrive in the late afternoon to see the transition from daylight to the iconic evening illumination. 💰 The Verdict Ginzan Onsen is a bucket-list destination for anyone visiting Northern Japan. It captures a specific, nostalgic beauty that is increasingly rare, making it the perfect place to disconnect from the modern world and soak in the timeless soul of the Tohoku region. ✨ Insider Tip: Try the famous local curry bread (Curry-pan) while you wander! It’s a favorite snack for visitors exploring the snowy streets. #GinzanOnsen #YamagataTravel #VisitJapan #WinterInJapan #JapanOnsen #WinterWonderland #OnsenExperience #Yamagata #travelfreak 📍Address: Ginzan Shinhatachiuchi, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

Witness one of nature’s most surreal winter phenomena at the Zao Ropeway in Yamagata Prefecture. High atop Mount Zao, the famous Juhyo (Snow Monsters) transform the landscape into a frozen army of giants, offering a winter experience unlike any other. The Legend of the "Snow Monsters" These world-famous formations are a rare occurrence found in only a few places in Japan. • Frozen Giants: High-speed winds blast Siberian pine trees with water droplets that freeze instantly into layers of ice and snow. • Peak Season: Visit between late January and early March to see the monsters at their largest. The Ropeway Experience The Zao Ropeway offers a bird's-eye view of this frozen kingdom for skiers and sightseers alike. • Two-Stage Ascent: Glide from Zao Onsen to the summit at Jizo Sancho Station. • 360-Degree Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the "Monster Forest" and the white-capped peaks of the Tohoku region. • The Summit Jizo: At the top, visit the Zao Jizo-son, a massive stone statue often buried up to its neck in snow. The Atmosphere: Lights & Luxury • Night Illuminations: On select winter weekends, the monsters are lit in vibrant colors, creating an otherworldly, glowing landscape. • Ski & Soak: Carve through the monsters at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, then recover in the acidic, skin-healing waters of Zao Onsen at the mountain base. 📍 Plan Your Visit • Location: Zao Onsen, Yamagata. Take a 40-minute bus from JR Yamagata Station. • Pro-Tip: It is extremely windy and cold (often below -10°C). Bring heavy winter gear and heat packs (kairo). 💰 The Verdict The Zao Ropeway is a must-visit for its rare natural art gallery. It perfectly combines the thrill of the extreme outdoors with the classic Japanese comfort of hot springs. ✨ Insider Tip: Check the live summit camera at the base before you buy your ticket—visibility can change in minutes, and you'll want clear skies for the best "monster" photos! #ZaoRopeway #SnowMonsters #Juhyo #Yamagata #ZaoSnowMonsters #WinterWonderland #JapanTravel #MagicalMoments #ZaoOnsen #travelfreak

1-Day Trip: Yamagata to Sendai (Relaxed) Morning Depart Yamagata Station → Yamadera (JR Senzan Line, ~20 min) Explore Yamadera Temple at a relaxed pace, enjoying mountain views and forest paths. Midday Continue by train to Sendai Station (~1 hour). Lunch Visit Sendai Morning Market for local bites and fresh seafood atmosphere. Enjoy a buffet-style oyster meal (seasonal) for a hearty, indulgent lunch. Afternoon / Evening Have an early dinner or late lunch featuring Sendai gyutan (grilled beef tongue) near the station. Light stroll around central Sendai before ending the day. #hellonewyear #sendai #japan #yamadera #japantrips #slowday #relaxed

📍Route Inn Hotel is located right in front of Yamagata Station. It takes less than five minutes to walk from the station, making it very convenient. There are also supermarkets and department stores nearby for shopping. This hotel offers both smoking and non-smoking rooms. We were assigned a smoking room, which had a strong smell. If you mind this, you can request a room change at the front desk. The room types include single rooms and double rooms (with options for twin beds or one large bed). The hotel also provides luggage storage services, and the staff are very friendly. 📍The highlight is the large public bath where you can enjoy a relaxing soak. The water temperature is very comfortable. The rooms are equipped with heating and a dehumidifier (our clothes dried quickly after washing them on January 18th). ✏️Breakfast 🍳 starts at 6:30 AM. Breakfast coupons are placed in a basket, and staff will collect them. There is a wide variety of breakfast options, including eggs, natto, ham, fresh salad 🥗, rice 🍚, bread 🥯, juice 🍹, coffee ☕️, miso soup, and more. Everything is quite delicious ❤️. However, seating is limited, so during busy times, you may need to queue, but the wait is not long. Next to the hotel, there is a large supermarket that sells almost everything. If you need anything, you can buy it there. In the afternoon, there are discounts, which is fantastic 🎉. Location: 1 Chome-3-1 Futabacho, Yamagata, 990-0828 〒990-0828 Yamagata Prefecture, Yamagata City, Futabacho 1-3-1

Best Nissei soft ice cream

⛄ Get chill in Barooga with a flavor of Yamagata’s epic snow! Saw a snow block up close (yes, hand in photo!) right by the roadside—unreal moment you don’t get in your average Aussie town. Must-See Spots in Barooga: 1. Barooga Botanic Gardens (Golf Course Rd, Open daily) 🌳 – Super serene for a cold morning stroll, especially when you want to thaw out after the snow. 2. Cobram Barooga Golf Club (Golf Course Rd, 7am–8pm) ⛳ – Warm up post-snow with a hit on the greens! 3. Barooga Bridge – Snap a riverside pic and enjoy Murray River views, just a short walk from the snow viewing spot. Snow Tip from Yamagata: If you’re lucky enough to catch a snow patch in Barooga, leave the gloves behind! Touch the snow—yes, hands-on makes it way more magical (just be quick before it melts). Getting Around: Rent a bike in town for easy hops between spots—roads are decent and usually quiet outside holiday periods. If you drive, note: Some country roads ice up after cold fronts. Check local weather updates before you set off. Food Fix: Pop into Barooga Sporties Club (Berrigan Rd) for classic Aussie pub grub—chicken parmigiana + chips is the move after exploring the chilly outdoors. Quick Tips: – Bring layers! Aussie country towns get surprisingly cold, especially if you’re snow hunting. – No visa drama for Aussies; international travelers check the latest before heading to NSW. – Cash is handy in some local spots, but most take cards. #ChillInBarooga #AussieSnowFinds #YamagataMoments #TravelHacks #TripDotCom

YAMAGATA JAPAN

#TravelPlan Here's my Tohoku and Tokyo itinerary! Traveling from March 7th-11th (5 days, 4 nights) (Aizu-Wakamatsu / Yamagata / Nyuto Onsen) 🚃Transportation: JR East Pass Tohoku and rental car. It's a rather packed plan because of the limited number of days.🤣 Most of the plan was followed, except for Tazawako, which was rainy the day I went, so I didn't see much. After enjoying the onsen, I went straight back to Tokyo. The photos in the plan are beautiful pictures from travel groups, pages I was inspired by, and some saved from Instagram. I planned it before the trip, so there were some disappointments and some successes, but overall it turned out okay.😊 I'll start with Day 2 because Day 1 was in Taiwan and Day 6 was in Tokyo. I got lazy and didn't include that part.😅

Stepping into Yamadera feels like entering a real-life Studio Ghibli scene—clouds wrap the mountain peaks in a mystical hug, while dense forests hide secret shrines and epic views. 🌲💭 Just northeast of Yamagata City, Yamadera’s Risshaku-ji Temple is the ultimate spot for those who love a good leg workout and jaw-dropping scenery. You’ll need to crush 1,015 steps (yup, get your sneakers ready!) to reach the top, where you score those foggy mountain vibes and dreamy temple shots. Entrance is just 500¥, so it’s totally worth the climb for those next-level IG pics! 📸✨ Don’t skip the Yamadera Senju-in Temple nearby; the zen energy here goes hard. You can wander its grounds between 08:00-17:00, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and ancient architecture. A quick pit stop at the Yamadera Station Observation Deck (4273 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301) delivers a panoramic view that’s straight-up magical, especially when the clouds and fog roll through. 🤯 Essentials: Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera) 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301, Japan Open 08:00-16:00 all year Yamadera Senju-in Temple 4753 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301, Japan Open 08:00-17:00 all year Yamadera Station Observation Deck 4273 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301, Japan Whether you’re chasing that cloudy, moody mountain aesthetic or just vibing with some legendary Japanese culture, Yamadera brings the magic. Add it to your bucket list and thank me later! ✨🗻 #yamadera ##travel ##hiking ##japan

Kumano Taisha Shrine, located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is known as one of the "Three Kumano Shrines of Japan" and is so prestigious that it is sometimes referred to as the Ise Shrine of Tohoku. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as the god of "rebirth" and "matchmaking," and in recent years has become a popular power spot for women and couples. Five Charms of Kumano Taisha Shrine 1. Make Your Wish Come True by Searching for the Three Rabbits Hidden among the carvings in the worship hall are three rabbits. Legend has it that anyone who finds them all will have their wish granted. While it may seem easy at first glance, it's actually quite difficult to find them! The time spent searching for them while walking through the grounds is like a soothing ritual. 2. A Shrine of Matchmaking Enshrining One of Japan's Oldest Married Deities The enshrined deities are Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. These two gods are said to represent the "origin of husband and wife" in Japanese mythology, and are said to grant blessings for love, marriage, and marital harmony. Many worshippers come to pray for fulfilled love, and many couples come to celebrate their weddings. 3. A sacred place where mysticism and nature blend for over a thousand years Kumano Taisha Shrine was founded over 1,200 years ago. Since the Heian period, it has been revered as a base for mountain worship and Shugendo, and its mystical atmosphere still remains strong today. Walking along the approach lined with cedar trees, you will be enveloped in a silence where time seems to stand still. 4. Beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons Cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves, and a blanket of snow in winter. No matter what season you visit, the shrine is picturesque. In particular, in autumn, the contrast between the vermilion torii gate and the autumn leaves makes it a popular photo spot. 5. Enjoy a stroll around Miyauchi The Miyauchi area of ​​Nanyo City, where Kumano Taisha Shrine is located, is dotted with retro shopping streets and local gourmet restaurants. After your visit, we recommend relaxing at a traditional Japanese cafe or local sake brewery. Fun facts about Kumano Taisha that will surprise you: Kumano Taisha Shrine is a historic shrine that enshrined spirits from the Kumano Sanzan (Honmiya, Nachi, and Hayatama) in Wakayama Prefecture. In other words, it's a place where you can make a "Kumano pilgrimage in Tohoku." Behind the worship hall, there's a special prayer spot called "Gohonden no Ura Mairi," where people always quietly join their hands in prayer. Access Information * Address: 3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture * Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Akayu Station / Approximately 1.5 hours from Yamagata Station * Parking: Free Summary Kumano Taisha is a spiritual spot recommended for: * Those seeking blessings in love and matchmaking * Those seeking peace of mind in a quiet forest * Those seeking a immersive experience of history and mythology. Enjoy a healing journey through the Tohoku region's nature and the energy of its gods. We encourage you to entrust your wishes to the Three Rabbits. "Kumano Taisha Yamagata," "Nanyo City Kumano Shrine," "The Three Rabbits at Kumano Taisha," "Tohoku Matchmaking Shrines," "Access to Kumano Taisha" #0YenTravel2025Autumn #Yamagata #DomesticTravel

❄️🚗 Driving from Tokyo all the way to Yamagata and diving head-first into some serious onsen magic! So if you're craving offbeat relaxation and a slice of real Japan, read on. My Self-Drive Tips: - Renting a car in Tokyo? Book advance and pick up at the airport for max convenience, make sure you have your driving license on hand! - Worry free about the directions, you can ask for English Navigation System in your car. - Winter roads = snow tires essential. Plan extra time for slow, scenic drives. - Highway rest stops in Japan are next-level: clean bathrooms, local snacks, warm vending drinks for the win! Top Spots to Visit in Yamagata (Winter Edition): 1. Ginzan Onsen – Endless Insta-worthy snow scenes and traditional ryokan baths (Address: Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa City, Yamagata; open year-round, best visited mid-afternoon for snow views). 2. Zao Onsen Ski Resort – Hit the slopes or just marvel at ‘Snow Monster’ frost-covered trees (Address: Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata; lifts usually operate 8am–5pm). 3. Yamadera – Climb 1,000 stone steps lined with ancient temples—pro tip: bring grippy shoes! (Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata; open sunrise to sunset). 4. Local eateries in Yamagata Station area – Try Yamagata beef, soba, and kiritanpo hotpot; most restaurants open till 9pm. Getting Around: Self-drive is king in snowy Yamagata, but trains run from Tokyo to Yamagata City if you’d rather kick back. Local buses connect major onsen towns but are less frequent in winter. Eat Like a Local: Don’t miss: Yamagata beef bowls at Gyūtei or steaming soba at nearby noodle shops. Onsen towns also dish up sweet ‘onsen manju’ buns! #mytraveldiary #itinerary #japan #travel #yamagata #selfdrive #tohoku

#SummerTravel Description: Yamagata's most famous attraction is Yamadera (山寺, Risshakuji). Climbing the thousand steps reveals a temple nestled in the mountains and breathtaking views. The scenery changes with each season, making it a truly special experience no matter when you visit. Furthermore, the tranquil atmosphere of the river and mountains offers a relaxing stroll, truly rejuvenating.