Yamagata is located in the Tohoku region on Honshu Island in Japan.  The city has a population of about 255,000.  Yamagata is famous throughout Japan for its ski-fields and hot springs.  Situated in a basin, the climate of Yamagata is ideal for fruit, with various types of fruit grown in the region.  Yamagata celebrates several major festivals throughout the year.

Yamadera temple was built in 860 and extends from the base of the mountain to its peak, with structures dotting the side of the rocky mountain along the 1015 stone steps to the highest building.  The view from the mountain top is stunning.  Another option is to visit “Yamadera Fuga no Kuni”, which is situated opposite Yamadera.  From here you can view all the buildings on the hillside that make up Yamadera.  Yamadera is approximately 20 minutes by train from Yamagata city center (take the Senzan Line).

Bunshokan is a Renaissance style building that was the former home of the Yamagata Prefectural Offices and Assembly Hall.  It is now open to the public and contains displays on the culture and history of Yamagata Prefecture. Lina World is the largest amusement park in the Tohoku region and features various rides including a ferris wheel, roller coaster, merry-go-round and petting zoo.

Flower Park Come Come is a floral themed park situated on a hill above Yamagata with magnificent views of the city.  The park contains approximately one million flowers and also has various rides and a restaurant. Kajo Park is located amid the remains of Yamagata Castle and is a favorite cherry-blossom viewing place for locals.  The Castle itself was demolished around 130 years ago but visitors are able to see the moat and stone walls in their original state, as well as the restored Otemon gate.  The Castle is currently being rebuilt.

Cherry Land in Sagae City is famous for its ice-cream made from locally-grown fruits.  There are over 107 flavors to choose from including rose and cherry-blossom.  Take the train from Yamagata Station to Sagae (about 30 minutes). Tourist orchards are popular tourist destinations in Yamagata.  Offering a variety of fruit and year-round fruit-picking opportunities, many tourists visit the orchards in winter to experience strawberry-picking in the snow. Omoshiroyama is a breathtaking view of mountains and gorges.  Perfect in winter for snowboarding and skiing, and ideal in srping, summer and fall for hiking.  Omoshiroyama is approximately 20 minutes by train from Yamagata city center (take the Senzan Line).

Yonezawa has a strong Samurai history and every year a famous battle is reenacted during the Uesugi Festival (April 29 - May 3).  Situated on the former site of Yonezawa Castle is Matsugasaki Park, with the Uesugi Shinto Shrine in the center.  Take the train from Yamagata Station to Yonezawa (about 50 minutes).

Kaminoyama is a hot spring region with over thirty accommodation facilities with hot springs.  Many of these also offer attractive deals for day-trippers.  Kaminoyama is also home to Kaminoyama Castle, which was originally built in 1535 and rebuilt in 1982.  Inside the Castle is a museum containing various historical artifacts and visitors can enjoy a free foot spa just outside the castle.  Take the train from Yamagata Station to Kaminoyama-onsen (about 10 minutes).

Zao is a mountainous range bordering Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.  At the top of Zao lies Okama Crater Lake, a breathtaking view that draws visitors from around the world.  Next to the crater is a restaurant, rest area and souvenir shop.  Fantastic area for hiking in the warmer months and viewing the Snow Monsters in winter.

Dewa-Sanzan is the collective term for the three sacred mountains in Yamagata prefecture: Mt Haguro, Mt Yudono and Mt Gassan.  Each mountain has a shrine.  Mt Haguro features a 5-story Pagoda and 2,446 stone steps that lead to the top of the mountain. Kajo Central is one of the tallest buildings in Yamagata at 24-stories.  It boasts a restaurant on the 24th floor that offers magnificent views of the city, as well as a hotel and the Yamagata Museum of Science and Industry.  There is a Tourist Information Center that provides English-speaking staff and tourist brochures in foreign languages.  This building is connected to Yamagata Station.