Derek Yamashita - Creative Director

The 16 Buddha of Yuza

The Juroku Rakan are depictions of 16 Buddhist disciples carved into wave-beaten rocks along the coast of Yuza, Yamagata.

Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.

Mount Chokai lies on the border of Yamagata and Akita Prefectures. It is home a vast geopark and excellent hiking.

Tamasudare Falls is the tallest waterfall in Yamagata, the prefecture home to the greatest number of waterfalls in all of Japan.

Somaro, located in the historical port town of Sakata, is a welcoming geisha house where visitors can watch maiko geisha dance performances.

Detailed info on the maiko geisha dance performances and meals offered at Somaro, and how to book reservations.

Shoreisai is a religious yamabushi festival which takes place at the top of Mount Haguro in Tsuruoka, Yamagata every New Year’s Eve.

The annual Hassaku Ritual is a great chance to see around 150 yamabushi training in the holy Dewa Sanzan mountain area.

The Dewa Sanzan, located in Yamagata Prefecture, are a triumverate of mountains considered one of the holiest places in all of Japan.

Mount Gassan, one of the Dewa Sanzan holy mountains, is known as the mountain of death where spirits ascend.