Yamagata Prefecture (山形県, Yamagata-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region of Honshu. Yamagata Prefecture has a population of 1,028,055 (1 August 2023) and has a geographic area of 9,325 km2 (3,600 sq mi). Yamagata Prefecture borders Akita Prefecture to the north, Miyagi Prefecture to the east, Fukushima Prefecture to the south, and Niigata Prefecture to the southwest.
Yamagata is the capital and largest city of Yamagata Prefecture, with other major cities including Tsuruoka, Sakata, and Yonezawa. Yamagata Prefecture is located on Japan's western Sea of Japan coast and its borders with neighboring prefectures are formed by various mountain ranges, with 17% of its total land area being designated as Natural Parks. Yamagata Prefecture formed the southern half of the historic Dewa Province with Akita Prefecture and is home to the Three Mountains of Dewa, which includes the Haguro Five-story Pagoda, a recognised National Treasure of Japan.
]] Yamagata is a prefecture of abundant nature.
*Yamadera - founded in 860, over 1,000 years ago, different buildings of the temple are scattered in the mountain. It is an easy hike to the top, taking about 30 minutes. The view from the mountain top is breathtaking. Different seasons also bring interesting changes to the scenery. (Yamagata) *Dewa Sanzan - comprised of the three holy mountains, Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono and Mt. Gassan, Dewa Sanzan is a place where pilgrims have their spiritual trainings. Here, you can also enjoy "Shojin Ryori" (Buddhist cuisine). At the base of Mt. Haguro, there is the Five-story Pagoda, built in the year of 939, without any nails. (Tsuruoka, Shonai) *Snow monsters - in winter on Mt. Zao, visitors can find trees covered by snow forming strange shapes and looking like "snow monsters." (Yamagata) *Sunset at the Sea of Japan Facing the west side, you can catch beautiful sunsets on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Yunohama Onsen (湯野浜温泉) is a sight especially known for its view of the sunset. (Tsuruoka) *Mt. Chokai (鳥海山) a famous mountain located at the border of Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Prefecture. (Yuza)
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Imoni festival (芋煮会) - held on the first Sunday of September every year in Yamagata city, local residents and tourists gather on the banks of Mamigasaki River to enjoy imoni (taro & beef stew) cooked in a giant pot.
Yonezawa Uesugi Samurai Festival (米沢上杉まつり) - a spring festival held on April 29 - May 3 every year in Yonezawa city of Yamagata prefecture. The samurai parade held on the last day of the festival is reenactment of the famous historical battles of Kawanakajima. The battles were fought between the two major generals: Kenshin Uesugi and Shingen Takeda.
Mogami River Boat Ride - the Mogami River is a river in Yamagata Prefecture. It flows from the southern part of the prefecture, and turns into the Sea of Japan. A famous poet Matsuo Basho once traveled along the river and made a famous haiku there. Visitors can enjoy a guided boat tour operated by a company called Mogami River Basho Line Descent. It is an one-way descent, taking about one hour for the cost of approximately ¥2,000. From April to November, there are 5 trips a day, and from December to March, there are 3 trips a day.
Montedio Yamagata games - a professional association football (soccer) club based In Yamagata. You can watch their games in ND Soft Stadium in Tendo-city.
Cherry-picking - there are many cherry farms around the prefecture. The best season for cherry-picking is in early summer from June to July.
Soba-making - Yamagata is famous for its soba (buckwheat noodles), and you can even make your own soba from scratch with the help from professional soba makers.
Skiing There several ski slopes in the prefecture, and visitors can go skiing on a day trip. Zaō Onsen is the most famous one located near Yamagata city. Near Yonezawa city, there is the Tengendai ski resort. Jangle Jungle ski resort is located in Higashine city.
Pottery-making - Hirashimizuyaki (平清水焼) is a traditional form of pottery originated in Yamagata city. At Shichiuemongama (七右エ門窯), located near Mt. Chitose in Yamagata city, you can take part in the pottery class and make your own Hirashimizuyaki for ¥2,000 with 2 kg of clay.
Yamagata is famous for its fruits. Yamagata produces 70% share of Japan's cherry production. The most famous cultivator is called "Satonishiki," known for its red color and sweet taste. La France, a type of European pear, is also famous. Yamagata contributes around 80% Japan's production of La France. Other fruits such as grapes, apples, peaches, melons, persimmons and watermelons are also produced in large quantities.
Imoni is a type of stew made with taro potato, beef, konnyaku, sugar, soy sauce or miso. It is traditionally eaten in the autumn of Tohoku region of Japan. Yamagata hosts the biggest imoni festival in Japan in September.
Soba, buckwheat noodles, is also extremely popular in Yamagata. There are many soba restaurants, each with its own specialties.
Yamagata Prefecture has the highest consumption (in terms of money spent) of ramen in Japan, according to a survey conducted by the Ministry of General Affairs in 2004. Yamagata city ranked the highest, with a record of ¥13,897 spend on ramen per household per year. Beside Yamagata city, other cities in the prefecture including Sakata, Yonezawa, Nanyo (Akayu) also have their own distinctive taste in ramen.
Yonezawa beef is a type of Japanese beef originating from the city of Yonezawa in Yamagata Prefecture. It is one of the three most recognized brands in Japan.
Due to the rich culture of rice-making and clean water carried by Mogami River, Yamagata is known for its delicious Japanaese sake, nihonshu. You can find many brands of locally produced sake in the stores and restaurants.
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Yamagata prefecture is often described as 'hidden' Japan. Well off any tourist route, Yamagata nevertheless has a wealth of experiences for those with the will to seek them out. Home to amazing unspoilt scenery, ancient temples, world class skiing, wonderful local food, summer festivals and some of the best onsen (hot springs) in Japan, Yamagata is a real change for the visitor who believes that Japan is best understood in the municipal centres of Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto.
