Travel Plan for First Timers in Yamagata

Visit the famous Yamagata Prefecture site, Yama-dera Temple, known for its collection of temple buildings standing on the rock face of the mountain. In the afternoon, walk through downtown Yamagata and visit stores selling well-known local products. And at the end of the day, relax at Zao Onsen.

Day 1

Yama-dera
9:00 AM
Yama-dera
Visit Yama-dera and Hoshuyama Rissho Temple built on a cliff face where you will tour through some of the famous sites such as Konpon Chudo Hall, Okunoin Shrine, Kaisan-do Hall and Godai-do Hall. After the tour, take a walk through the area. There are many restaurants on the road along the river so you can drop in at any of them for lunch.
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Kajo Park
13:00 PM
Kajo Park
A city park located on the former site of Yamagata Castle which had been built in the 14th century. While viewing the historic site with vestiges of the castle, you can enjoy a walk through the park. During mid-April, 1500 cherry trees blossom so that the area becomes the foremost place for sakura in Yamagata.
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Yamagata Marugoto-kan Beni-no-Kura
14:20 PM
Yamagata Marugoto-kan Beni-no-Kura
At this facility restored from an old merchant storehouse, you can enjoy special Yamagata dishes and handicraft shopping. Take a break here at a soba restaurant or a café/restaurant.
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Zao Onsen
16:00 PM
Zao Onsen
An onsen village in the middle of Mt. Zao which boasts a spring quality that has been dubbed “the hot waters for beautiful women”. If you arrive in the evening, take a walk through the village. The old-fashioned townscape is lit up so that you can enjoy that nostalgic scene of an onsen village. Relax at the foot baths and hot spring facilities in town. You can also enjoy the local dishes.
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