shonai Archives - Page 2 of 6

Farmer Homestay Programs in Yamagata Prefecture

Experience rural Japan life with a farmstay experience in Yamagata. Harvest or plant crops, and learn to cook traditional dishes.

Dine on Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori, sleep at a pilgrim’s lodge. Wake the next morning to harvest vegetables and learn to cook this cuisine.

Venture into the nature of Yamagata with yamabushi mountain monks along their ancient training paths on Mount Kinbo.

Forage for sansai (wild mountain vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms) in the pristine nature of Mount Gassan, Yamagata with a veteran guide.

Forage wild sansai vegetables on the slopes of Mount Haguro alongside yamabushi mountain monks, then use them to cook shojin ryori dishes.

The Gyo Experience: Join yamabushi monks for traditional spiritual training at a waterfall on Mount Yudono of the Dewa Sanzan.

Zenpoji, a temple in Tsuruoka offering visitors zazen meditation sessions, shojin ryori lunches, shakyo experiences, lodging, and more!

Maruike is a pond with beautifully clear waters that gleam emerald in summer and sapphire in winter. It is part of the Mount Chokai Geopark.

Our top 9 spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture: at parks and temples, along rivers, and more!

Held annually since 1609, the Sakata Matsuri is Sakata City’s biggest event. It boasts parades, performances, and hundreds of street vendors.