THE YAMAGATA
SANCTUARY

ᯓ PEAKS, POETRY, AND PURE SPRINGS ᯓ

JAPAN.GG Insight: Yamagata is a spiritual powerhouse. It is the land of the "Mountain Priests" (Yamabushi) and the most cinematic hot spring towns in Japan.

Yamagata is the Heart of the Mountains. Whether you are climbing the 1,015 steps of Yamadera or soaking in the Taisho-era nostalgia of Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata is built for the adventurous soul.

♨️The Cinematic: Ginzan Onsen

Stepping into Ginzan Onsen is like stepping back in time. This former silver mine town is famous for its wooden ryokan, gas lamps, and winter scenery that inspired world-class animation and film.


📍Yamadera (The Mountain Temple)

🎿The Monsters: Mount Zao

Mount Zao is world-renowned for its "Juhyo" (Snow Monsters)—conifers that become encased in ice to form surreal, giant shapes. It is a top-tier destination for skiing, trekking, and volcanic hot springs.

ᯓ Must-Visit Gems!💎 ᯓ
📍Yamadera
📍Ginzan Onsen
📍Zao Onsen
ᯓ Iconic Sites ᯓ
📍Dewa Sanzan
📍Kamo Aquarium
📍Sankyo Soko


🥩THE YONEZAWA BEEF STANDARD


📍Yonezawa City

Yonezawa Beef is one of Japan's "3+1" Wagyu brands from Tōhoku. High in marbling and rich in flavor, it is the ultimate reward after a day of mountain trekking.

🥩 Wagyu in Japan 🥩

🍒THE CHERRY CAPITAL

Yamagata produces 70% of Japan’s cherries. If you’re visiting in the summer, the "Sato Nishiki" cherry is a seasonal side quest that you cannot skip.


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