Location: Yamagata
Top Things to do in Yamagata
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Yamagata, Tohoku
Yamagata is the capital city of Yamagata Prefecture located in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. As of October 2015, the city had an estimated population of 252,632, and a population density of 663 persons per km².
Restaurants in Yamagata
1. Frost Covered Trees of Zao
2. Risshaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 891 reviews
Reviewed By JohnD209 - Leavenworth, United States
Yamadera means "mountain temples" and the mountainside has many small and a few large temples built in nooks and crannies along the way up to the mountain top. The hike up to the top and the area of Risshaku-ji is along a stone path with over 1000 steps. It takes about one hour to climb and 25 minutes to descend. The lower steps wind back and forth climbing through a Japanese cypress forest festooned with stone lanterns. About half-way up there is a traditional temple gate with two guardian statues. After you pass through this gate there are more buildings and more maple trees - making the climb sparkling when the maples are changing colours. Most professional pictures of the temple complex are taken in the fall when the reds and yellows are out or in the spring when the maples send forth their green leaves. As the complex opens up you will see several separate buildings. Head to the left to go to the Risshaku-ji Temple and the views of the train station and town through which you passed on the way to the base of the mountain. A must-see experience. After seeing the Risshaku-ji Temple, continue up a few more minutes to the main Senju-in Temple, which is a completely different looking temple that is used more for worship than for the views. It has some magnificant statuary in the foreyard.
3. Bunshokan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By SofiaTKI - Lima, Peru
you can't miss this spot. It is a lovely museum of english renaissance architecture and it was the previous prefectural government office and assembly hall.
4. Senshoji Temple
5. Yamadera Senju-in Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By DesmondLim - Singapore, Singapore
It’s took about 20mins to reach Yamadera Station from Yamagata Station. There is a huge map guide to the temple just right outside the station. There are 4 entrances into the temple after crossing a scenic bridge, and need to pay a small fee (JPY300 if remembered correctly) to walk up to top of mountain. The walk up was a little challenging but achievable, just take it slow and easy. We walked thru the forest covered with tall trees, I was totally immersed in the greenery. As we went higher to the top, the surrounding town and mountains emerge from distance, the view was stunning. There is limited toilet up at the top, and there is no cafeteria. Remember to bring enough water along before the walk. It’s a must visit at Yamagata. Please give me a thumbs up if you find the review useful, drop me a message if need more info. Thanks
6. Matsuo Basho and Sora Statue
7. Yamagata Kyodokan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By DesmondLim - Singapore, Singapore
It’s a little museum, located inside Yamagata Castle Park, north of Yamagata Station, about 13mins walk (1.1km) Honestly, it was in our plan as it look like “just an old building. We decided to pay a visit while in the park, but it turned out to be a surprised. It was originally a local hospital in the 1900s and the compound was beautiful . The museum displayed a lot of medical equipments and medical manual used in the old days. There are some old photos of the medical team and patients as well. It’s free entry and definitely worth a visit if you are nearby. Do drop me a message if need more info, and give me a thumbs up if you find the info useful. Thanks
