こんにちは！My name is Miura, and I am a station staff of JR Yamagata Station (山形駅).

E8 Shinkansen Yamagata Station
Greetings from Yamagata Station! | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

Known as the “Fruit Kingdom”, Yamagata Prefecture is well-known for its cherries and La France pears. Yamagata is also famous for its hot spring towns such as Ginzan Onsen, but there are many other tourist destinations to visit. Here are some recommended spots to visit this summer by us crew members and station staff of JR Yamagata Station!

1. Kajo Park

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Kajo Park | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

Kajo Park (霞城公園 Kajō Kōen) is one of Yamagata’s most famous parks, especially for cherry blossoms in April.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Yamagata Station, Kajo Park is an urban park built on the ruins of Yamagata Castle. The original Yamagata Castle is said to have been built in 1357.  A historically valuable castle, it was recognised as one of the “100 Famous Castles in Japan” in 2006.

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Kajo Park | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

In summer time, not only can you admire the historical stone walls, but you can also enjoy beautiful fresh greenery. Why not take a walk around Kajo Park while thinking about the life of a samurai from 600 years ago?

2. Kuki Shrine

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Kuki Shrine’s main shrine is a mirror | ©Yamagata Prefecture

Kuki Shrine (空気神社 Kūkijinjā) is a rare shrine in Japan that has “air” as its deity!

Known as a power spot, the main shrine is not a building, but a mirror. Yamagata has been selected as the city with the cleanest air in Japan, so taking a deep breath here will refresh your mind and body.

From June to mid-September, the shrine is lit up at night, promising a fantastic sight. This shrine is a must-visit for nature lovers.

From Yamagata Station, Kuki Shrine is about an hour’s drive away.

3. Sagae Onsen

Sagae Onsen in spring
Sagae Onsen in spring | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

As you might know, Yamagata is famous for its hot springs, and one of the best is Sagae Onsen (寒河江温泉). Located in Sagae City, this area is rich in nature and is surrounded by the beautiful Ou Mountain Range.


Sagae Onsen has hand baths! | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

In Sagae Onsen, there are various onsen facilities such as ryokan (旅館 traditional Japanese inn) and public foot baths (足湯 ashiyu). Here, there is not only a foot bath, but also a hand bath, which is rare in Japan, and you can use it for free.

Sagae Station is about a 30-minute train ride from Yamagata Station.

 

4. Mount Jubuichi

View from Mount Jubuichi
View from Mount Jubuichi | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

Mount Jubuichi (十分一山 Jūbuichiyama) or Mount Takatsumuji (高ツムジ山) is one of the most famous mountains in Yamagata.

Mount Jubuichi
A panoramic view of the city awaits you. | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

You can drive to the top of this mountain and get a panoramic view of the city. It is about a 45-minute drive from Yamagata Station.

5. Kosugi no Oosugi

Kosugi no Oosugi
Hello Totoro! | ©JR Yamagata Station Crew

Do you know the Japanese animated movie called “My Neighbour Totoro” (となりのトトロ)?

Also known as the “Totoro Tree”, the Kosugi no Ōsugi (小杉の大杉) tree is famous for its resemblance to Totoro from the anime! It is said that the tree is about 1,000 years old.

Not only does it look cute, but it is also popular as a symbol of longevity & marriage, making a popular spot amongst couples.

It is about a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yamagata Station.

Getting to Yamagata

If you are coming from Tokyo, you can take the Yamagata Shinkansen (山形新幹線) to Yamagata Station in about 2 hours 45 minutes.

It is a very convenient trip which is just a bullet train ride away, so my colleagues and I hope to see you soon in Yamagata this summer!

Enjoy Yamagata Snacks by JAPAN RAIL CLUB!

Yummy Yamagata Omiyage Snack Box

In the meantime, why not enjoy some Yamagata snacks? Until 30 June 2024, you can get your hands on the “Yummy Yamagata” Omiyage Snack Box by JAPAN RAIL CLUB!

This Japanese snack box features famous snacks from all over Yamagata such as “Cherry Kirara Jelly” and “Oranda Senbei Grilled Corn Rice Crackers”. Subscribe today to enjoy discounts when you use the promotional code YUMMY12 upon checkout. See you in Yamagata!