Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is a picture perfect hot spring town nestled in the mountains in the deep countryside of Yamagata Prefecture.
Locations
Each prefecture, area, city and town all have their own unique characteristics. Explore each area's hidden wonders by its location here.
Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata City / Murayama Region
As capital of the prefecture and home to Yamagata’s largest metropolitan population, Yamagata City has no shortage of activities, cuisine, nightlife, and lodging accommodations, as well as a variety of sightseeing and historic points of interest to keep visitors busy. The Murayama region includes Yamagata city and other cities and many of this region’s top sightseeing locations are found here.
Sakata, Tsuruoka / Shonai Region
Blessed with towering mountains, vast open plains, and long stretches of rich coastline in Tsuruoka city and a highly influential historic port with delicious seafood and historical, cultural gems in Sakata city, the Shonai Region has an absolute treasure trove of hidden gems to explore.
Okitama Region
The Okitama Region is an area of southern Yamagata, consisting of the municipalities and surrounding agricultural lands of the Okitama Basin, cradled to the south, east, west by vast mountain ranges. Okitama is replete with not only the quintessential scenic and culinary charms of the pastoral Japanese countryside, but also pristine wilderness, as shown in cities in the region like Nagai City.
Mogami Region
The north of Yamagata Prefecture also has stunning gems to be discovered.
Explore, Unwind, Connect: Discover Nature’s Wonders in Mogami
Explore nature’s wonders in the Mogami region of northeastern Japan on this 2-day, 1-night tour, including a riverboat cruise and trekking to an ancient forest.
Oishida Festival Matsuri
The small town of Oishida goes all out during their Oishida Matsuri, a summer festival featuring fireworks and exuberant traditional dance.
Miyagi Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture
Stretching along the Sea of Japan for over three hundred kilometers, Niigata Prefecture feels a world away from the crowds and rush of Tokyo. And yet, it is accessible by bullet train from Tokyo in just a little over an hour. Niigata is probably best known for snow and sake, but is also home to lesser-known attractions that make a visit here a fascinating journey for those seeking deep experiences and memorable moments off the beaten path.
Other prefectures
Crafting Katana: A Behind-the-Scenes Forge Experience
Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At the workshop of Norizane Miyagi, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making, try your hand at some smithing yourself, and view some genuine samurai swords in a private showing.
Highlights of Sendai and Matsushima 1-day Private Tour
A private guided tour that lets you experience the scenic, cultural, and historical highlights of Sendai and Matsushima all in just one day.
Mini Tatami Mat Workshop
Established in 1836, Tadami Kogyosho is a tatami mat maker with a long history.This hands-on experience offers guests the opportunity to use the tools of a tatami craftsman to make their own mini tatami mat. Select from some 10 kinds of tatami mat bases, and over 300 styles of tatami mat borders. After selecting your base and border, make your original mini tatami mat—the only one like it in the world!
Taiyaki Workshop in Kurihara
At old-fashioned sweets shop Kurikomaya in the Muikamachi neighborhood of Kurihara City, learn from the shop owner how to make taiyaki sweets, then try your hand at making one yourself.
Kazenosawa Luxury Accomodation and Museum
History and nature, art and stillness—all interweave at Kazenosawa, a hidden retreat where you can reset your priorities and spend quality time with those precious to you.
Northern Tohoku Adventure Tour
A 5-day, 4-night private adventure tour in Tohoku’s incredible northern prefectures. Trek, hike, cycle, and kayaking through three prefectures, actively enjoying Aomori, Akita, and Iwate’s sights, sounds, and some really excellent cuisine.