Getting to Yamagata
Your Yamagata transit guide: how to get there from transportation hubs across Japan, and how to travel around the prefecture.
Featuring Yamagata and Murayama City
Yamagata City
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.
Murayama City
This quaint city sharing the same name as the region has hidden surprises with its traditional soba, spectacular rose garden and the opportunity to have a samurai experience at the birthplace of Iaido.
Immerse yourself in the Murayama region
The Murayama region is a bustling area compared to the rest of the prefecture with many things to do and see. Here are some of our hand-picked recommendations for this area.
Yamadera Guided Experience
Experience the wonders and history of this legendary temple complex with a professional and skilled English guide.
Downtown Yamagata Bar Hopping
Experience the local nightlife scene in Yamgata City with a guided bar-hopping tour exploring the sidestreets around Yamagata Station.
Hirashimizu Sake and Ceramics
In the Hirashimizu artisan village area, learn how to make pottery and the finer points of sake tasting from local masters.
Kaminoyama Onsen Hot Spring City
At the base of Mount Zao just south of Yamagata City, lies Kaminoyama Onsen, a hot springs town with many relaxing and luxurious hot spring inns.
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.