Yamagata

Sitting on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, Mount Zao is a complex volcano that forms part of the Ou Mountain Range. The Yamagata side is a popular destination dotted with ski resorts, ropeways and hot springs endowed with rich nature. Various activities can be enjoyed all year round such as observing alpine flora in spring, trekking in lush greenery in summer and colorful leaves in autumn, as well as skiing and viewing frost-covered trees known as "snow monsters" in winter...

Hirata Farm's Sangenton and Kinkaton are pork brands from the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. Pigs are grown feeding on Japanese rice and often referred to as "mythical pork" for their rarity in the market. Sangenton and Kinkaton are among the highest-quality pork brands in the world, in which pigs are grown healthily in an open pigpen and the pork characterized by its delicate texture and refined sweet flavor. Hirata Farm's directly managed restaurant can be found in Shonai Airport,...

Ginzan Onsen is a secluded hot spring town nestled in the mountains of Obanazawa City in the northeast of Yamagata Prefecture. The city is known as a major producer of watermelons in Japan as well as the birthplace of a traditional dance called Hanagasa odori, but its main claim to fame is the Ginzan Onsen, one of the most popular hot spring towns in Yamagata. As the name Ginzan Onsen that literally means "silver mountain hot spring" indicates, the area flourished as a giant silver mining...

The Homma Museum of Art in Sakata City in Yamagata Prefecture is famed for its stunning Japanese gardens. The museum exhibits various objects, collected by the Homma Family, wealthy landowners in the Shonai area, including artworks, crafts and historical materials. Visitors can also explore Seienkaku, the main building which was used as the family's villa, and Kakubuen, a Japanese garden constructed for the villa.

Officially known as Hojuzan Risshaku-ji, Yamadera was founded in 860. At the base of the mountain sits the main Konpon Chudo Hall, a designated important cultural property of Japan, followed by the 1,015 stone steps that lead to the summit. It is a form of ascetic training that leaves your worldly desires behind as you ascend each step. The views of the mountains and surrounding villages from the mountaintop are truly captivating.

Straddling both Yamagata and Akita prefectures, Mount Chokai is a uniquely beautiful mountain that rises from zero elevation at the Sea of Japan straight to the mountain top. At a height of 2,236 meters, it is the highest independent summit in the Tohoku region. The famous waters of Dohara Falls is the subsoil waters that spring from the rock face on the mountainside of Mount Chokai.