Yamagata Hidden Gems
9 spots
Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple) — 1,000 Steps to Enlightenment
Yamadera, formally known as Risshakuji Temple, is a sacred mountain temple founded in 860 CE by the monk Ennin. The temp…
Kajo Park — Yamagata Castle Ruins and Cherry Blossoms
Kajo Park occupies the site of Yamagata Castle, once one of the largest feudal castles in the Tohoku region. Built in th…
Dewa Sanzan — Three Sacred Mountains Pilgrimage
Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山, 'Three Mountains of Dewa') comprises Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono — three sacred peaks that…
Tendo Shogi Pieces — Hand-Carved Chess Tradition
Tendo City produces over 90% of Japan's shogi pieces (将棋, Japanese chess), a craft tradition dating to the Edo period wh…
Sakata Somaro — Historic Geisha House Cultural Experience
Somaro (相馬樓) is a beautifully preserved Edo-period geisha house in the port city of Sakata, converted into a cultural mu…
Mt. Haguro Five-Story Pagoda — National Treasure in Cedar Forest
The Mt. Haguro Five-Story Pagoda is a 29-meter tall wooden pagoda standing in a primeval cedar forest, considered one of…
Yamagata Hina Dolls — Historic March Doll Festival
The Hina Matsuri (雛祭り, Girls' Day or Doll Festival) on March 3rd is celebrated throughout Japan, but Yamagata takes spec…
Kumano Taisha Shrine — Giant Thatch Roof and Rabbit Deity
Kumano Taisha is a Shinto shrine founded over 1,200 years ago, famous for its massive thatched roof (茅葺屋根, kayabuki-yane…
Bunshokan — Taisho-Era Red Brick Cultural Hall
The Bunshokan (文翔館) is a Western-style brick building constructed in 1916 to serve as the Yamagata Prefectural Office an…