Best Things to do in Yamagata | Bucket List Ideas | Attractions & Activities

Last Updated: 04/05/2023

The list of awesome things to do in Yamagata knows no limits, with the prefecture offering many holiday ideas that are as just as massive as the region itself. Natural landmarks like the Mogami river, Yura coast, and the revered trio mountains of Dewa Sanzan, with each representing the past, present, and future, usually spearhead the wishes of many who journey here, continually turning heads with impressive nature, intriguing legends, and rich histories.

For lovers of Japanese martial arts, there are also plenty of things to do in Yamagata. Home to samurai establishments honed in the image of Hayashizaki Shigenobu, the pioneer of Iaido, you’re guaranteed a peek in to well-preserved samurai swordsmanship. Pottery enthusiasts, meanwhile, will have their hands full with classes while winter sports lovers will have great fun across famous ski resorts such as Zao that ensure your winter is anything but cold!

More wonderful things to do in Yamagata also entail a night out dining under the stars, diving with pelagic fish off Yura coast, and hot spring baths across famous onsens. Please fasten your seat belts as we take you on a rollercoaster of the Yamagata’s best offerings!

1. Meander across fairytales in a Mogami River boat tour

Heralded by many as the mother river of the Yamagata prefecture, Mogami river breathes beautiful life and color into the plant life wherever it flows. It makes for the perfect cruises!

2. Master the ways of the soil with ceramic pottery

Pottery may be a forgotten art to some, but Yamagata’s Tendo city and Shirataka town treasure this heritage that has been passed down centuries. Join classes for the ultimate courses in molding and more!

山寺焼  ながせ陶房
Enjoy Ceramics Pottery Experience on Your Way to the Famous Sightseeing Spot in Yamadera!
Yamadera, Yamagata

3. Explore your martial arts fantasies in Murayama

Murayama city is treasured as the cradle of Iaido and authentic samurai and martial arts experiences in general. Be part of private training sessions and amazing sword displays at the Hayashizaki shrine!

村山市観光物産協会
Practice the Japanese Martial Arts Iaido in a Real Samurai Experience at Hayasizaki Iai Shrine
Murayama, Yamagata
村山市観光物産協会
Authentic Samurai Experiences Including Iaido Performance Demonstration and Sword Practice in Murayama City, Yamagata!
Murayama, Yamagata

4. Learn to make art with Yamagata Cloisonné classes

Experience the elegance of Cloisonné, a traditional art form that adds a touch of beauty to metalwork and everyday accessories. Create exquisite ornaments for your family, unique souvenirs from your trip, and more during a delightful, family-friendly day spent mastering the craft of Cloisonné.

荘内屋工房くじゃく
Cloisonne Making Workshop in Yamagata!
Hatagomachi, Yamagata

5. Paragliding in Yamagata: Endless beauty from the sky

A paragliding experience in Nanyo shows you the world of green plains and wonderful architecture shadowed by clouds that are almost at your fingertips. Shirataka’s beautiful landscapes are also on the menu!

ソアリングシステム パラグライダースクール
Enjoy the Superb Views of Nanyo Sky Park on a Tandem Paragliding Flight Experience!
Nanyo, Yamagata
ソアリングシステム パラグライダースクール
Paragliding experience tandem (two seater) flight
Akayu, Nanyō, Yamagata

6. Zao onsen ski resort: Family fun awaits

Zao Onsen Ski Resort, a hot spring resort village, is an enticing destination to visit in the winter season. This seasonal offering boasts enjoyable gondola rides, snow-covered skiing slopes, and thrilling racecourses adorned with the famous "ice monsters" that come to life during the winter months.

DONTEN SNOW
Have fun on a Snowboarding adventure at Zao Onsen ski resort! Recommended for families, couples, and solo travelers
Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata

7. Winter fun at Dondendaira Snow Park

A snow park with something for the whole family! Dondendaira is a hidden gem for snow park enthusiasts, with banana boat rides, snowmobile tours, and gigantic slides for all ages!

Note that this is a seasonal offering and these activities will be available for booking only during the winter months in Japan.

8. Get cozy with comfort at the Ginzan onsen

As the cold season gradually sweeps its way across Japan, Ginzan Onsen grows more appealing by the day. It is famous for hot spring baths and picture-perfect hiking trails in extraordinary scenery!

9. A Tendo trip for your taste buds

Hitting the headlines for its special beef and seafood, Yamagata’s Tendo is another exquisite location for a tasty tour. You’ll be wowed by special sukiyaki and wagyu tempura, not forgetting two very popular brands of native sake!

10. Enjoy priceless mornings at Yamadera temple

Watch as the sun greets the landscapes with gentle rays that glitter across the wet leaves at sunrise from a wooden promenade that provides a beautiful screen in nature’s living room. Yamadera temple promises magical mornings!

11. Spring Water Tour by E-Bike

Spring Water Tour in Yuza town of Yamagata prefecture

Discover the enchanting landscapes of Yuza town on a Satoyama spring water tour by e-bike, allowing you to effortlessly traverse the picturesque countryside. Ride through charming villages, verdant fields, and uncover the region's hidden gems, including the pristine spring waters that define this idyllic location.

株式会社フーデライト庄内(Japan E-Bike Tours)
Yuza Town: Satoyama Spring Water Tour by E-Bike
Yuza, Akumi District, Yamagata

12. A magical foodie tour in Yamagata

Savor the authentic flavors of Yamagata by indulging in local delicacies such as sasamaki, boiled potatoes, and natto soup. This culinary journey will introduce you to the region's rich gastronomic heritage, offering a true taste of its unique culture and traditions.

だいちゃん農園 Guest House
Local cuisine experience - Sasamaki, boiled potatoes, natto soup etc.
Asahi, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata
だいちゃん農園 Guest House
Yamagata authentic local cuisine cooking experience
Asahi, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata

13. Discover the secret to great wasabi in Okura

Nurtured by pristine spring water and highly fertile soil, the wasabi from Okura Village delivers a burst of freshness and rich flavor. Beyond just savoring this delightful treat, you can also participate in the hands-on experience of harvesting and processing the wasabi yourself!

14. Rafting on the Asahi-machi Mogami River

Rafting on the Asahi-machi Mogami Rive

Embark on an exhilarating rafting adventure down the Asahi-machi Mogami river, where you'll experience the captivating beauty of Yamagata's natural landscapes. This thrilling outdoor activity offers a unique opportunity to bond with family and friends while navigating the river's gentle rapids and serene stretches.

ラスティカ(Rustica)
Enjoy Rafting on the Asahi-machi Mogami River
Okurihashi, Asahi, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata

15. Dewasanzan tour for a spiritual awakening

Two women in traditional kimono attire visiting Mt. Haguro spiritual spot in Yamagata

Experience a profound spiritual awakening with a Dewasanzan tour, where you'll explore the three sacred mountains of Dewa, each symbolizing a different aspect of life. Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and natural beauty of these revered sites, connecting with your inner self on a deeper level.

株式会社フーデライト庄内(Japan E-Bike Tours)
A spiritual trip to experience mountain worship ``Dewasanzan Tour``
Suehiromachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata
株式会社フーデライト庄内(Japan E-Bike Tours)
Mt. Haguro E-Bike Cosplay Tour
Suehiromachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata

16. Arts & Craft: Handmade stained glass workshop

Handmade stained glass experience in Yamagata

Unleash your creativity in Obanazawa City by participating in a hands-on workshop, where you'll learn the intricate art of crafting handmade stained glass. This engaging experience allows you to develop new skills and express your artistic vision while producing a stunning, one-of-a-kind keepsake.

株式会社フーデライト庄内(Japan E-Bike Tours)
A spiritual trip to experience mountain worship ``Dewasanzan Tour``
Suehiromachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata
株式会社フーデライト庄内(Japan E-Bike Tours)
Mt. Haguro E-Bike Cosplay Tour
Suehiromachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata

17. Attend festivities on the opening day of Hijiori Onsen

Hijiori Onsen - Open Hot Spring Festival in Yamagata

Join the festivities on July 14th at the Hijiori Onsen "Open Hot Spring Festival," where you'll immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of the area's renowned hot spring culture. Enjoy traditional performances, sample local cuisine, and take part in a variety of activities that showcase the rich heritage of this beloved onsen destination.

18. Maimusume's dance performance with lunch

Hijiori Onsen - Open Hot Spring Festival in Yamagata

Savor a sumptuous lunch at the Takehisa Yumeji Museum in Sakata City while enjoying the enchanting performance of Maimusume's traditional dance. This distinctive experience blends fine cuisine with a cultural showcase, providing a delightful treat for your senses in a beautiful museum setting.

舞娘茶屋 相馬樓 竹久夢二美術館
Enjoy the dance of Maimusume while eating delicious food
Hiyoshichō, Sakata, Yamagata

Summary

    FAQs

      As you've discovered, Yamagata offers an incredible array of attractions and activities that cater to all interests, from stunning natural landmarks and sacred mountain tours to captivating cultural experiences and mouthwatering culinary delights. With this carefully curated list of the best things to do in Yamagata, you now have the perfect starting point to plan an unforgettable journey filled with enriching adventures, unique experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.

      Frequently asked questions

      QAre there any good things to do in Yamagata?

      AThere are so many things to do in Yamagata that you’d need several months to experience them all. The most popular entail;

      • Tempura and Sukiyaki tours

      • Iaido classes and martial arts

      • Zao resort skiing and onsen holidays

      • Yonezawa beef outings

      • Yamadera farm tour involving vegetable harvesting

      QWhat is Yamagata famous for?

      AYamagata is home to the three holy mountains of Dewa Sanzan, namely Mount Yudono, Gassan, and Haguro. The prefecture is also famous for its cherry blossoms in springs and the more than a millennium old Yamadera temple that is shrouded in gorgeous vegetation in autumn.

      QWhat can you do in the outdoors of Yamagata?

      AWith winter on the horizon, perfect weather, great seas, and beautiful landscapes all around, there are many incredible outdoor things to do in Yamagata. These include:

      • Zao resort skiing

      • Dondendaira Snow Park

      • Mogami river cruises

      • Wasabi farm tours

      QDoes Yamagata have any good winter activities for visitors?

      AWinter is the perfect time to hang out at Zao ski resort as you’ll get to experience skiing across monster-looking, snow-covered trees. Ginzan, Zao, and Hijiori onsens also offer nice warm baths and hikes that are desirable in winter and throughout the year as well.

      QAre there any good kid-friendly activities in Yamagata?

      AIf you’re traveling with family, Yamagata has no shortage of kid-appropriate activities. You all can enjoy:

      • Kamo aquarium visits

      • Zao ropeway rides

      • Pottery classes

      • Mogami river tours in a beautiful gorge

      • Skiing Zao ski resort, which is famous for its ice monsters or juhyo

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