'''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