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.

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a picture perfect hot spring town nestled in the mountains in the deep countryside of Yamagata Prefecture.

Oishida Festival Matsuri

The small town of Oishida goes all out during their Oishida Matsuri, a summer festival featuring fireworks and exuberant traditional dance.

Visiting Ginzan Onsen in the Winter

Info on access to and lodging in Ginzan Onsen in winter, how to make reservations for the popular Twilight Bus tour, and more!

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

Recenter Your Body & Mind with Shojin Ryori Dinner & Zen Meditation at Sendai’s Zen Temple

Rinnoji Temple, which has one of the best gardens in the Tohoku region, offers a private tour and immersion in Japanese culture as you learn about the history of Rinnoji Temple and Zen culture. After a prayer and zazen experience, enjoy a meal of shojinryori.