'''Yamagata prefecture''' (_R_`__ ''Yamagata-ken'') is in the northeastern Tohoku region of the main Japanese island Honshu.

Understand

Yamagata prefecture is often described as 'hidden' Japan. Well off any tourist route, Yamagata nevertheless has a wealth of experiences for those with the will to seek them out. Home to amazing unspoilt scenery, ancient temples, world class skiing, wonderful local food, summer festivals and some of the best onsen (hot springs) in Japan, Yamagata is a real change for the visitor who believes that Japan is best understood in the municipal centres of Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto.

Cities

  • Yamagata - the prefectural capital
  • Obanazawa - hot springs and tremendous snowfall
  • Tsuruoka - coastal town, former castle town
  • Other destinations

  • Dewa Sanzan - the Three Mountains of Dewa, holy to the mountain ascetic cult of Shugendo
  • Yamadera - Buddhist temple carved into solid rock
  • Talk

    Get in

    By plane

    By train

    By bus

    Get around

    See

    Do

    Eat

    Yamagata is famous for its cherries and fruits. It also has its own distinctive senbei (rice-crackers).

    Drink

    Get out

  • Akita Prefecture
  • Miyagi Prefecture
  • Fukushima Prefecture
  • Niigata Prefecture