Shonai Sakura
Our top 9 spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture: at parks and temples, along rivers, and more!
outdoors
Yamagata Snow Festival
The Yamagata Snow Festival, held in Sagae City, is one of Yamagata Prefecture’s biggest winter events and boasts a great fireworks display.
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Yaya Festival
Every winter, the young boys of Shonai brave subzero to participate in this intense religious and cultural ritual.
Sakata City
Sakata City is the main port city of Yamagata Prefecture and retains much of the history from its golden days in the Edo Period.
Hiyoriyama Park
Hiyoriyama Park, a seaside park in Sakata, is known for its cherry blossoms, beautiful sunsets, and replica Kitamaebune ship.
Chokai Waterfalls
Mount Chokai has a network of waterfalls at its base. This article introduces a hike to three of the best.
Nakajimadai
Nakajimadai is a beautiful beech forest and wetland area featuring easy nature trails. It is located at the base of Mount Chokai in Akita.
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.
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Mototaki Falls
Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.
Mt. Chokai
Mount Chokai lies on the border of Yamagata and Akita Prefectures. It is home a vast geopark and excellent hiking.