Yamagata Travel / Yamagata Tour

Ginzan Onsen in Obanazawa City is known for its Taisho retro atmosphere. The unique scenery of this hot spring town is created by the group of inns built from the end of the Taisho era to the early Showa era. The Notoya Inn, which is designated as a national registered cultural property, is a mix of Japanese and Western styles, and you will forget the passage of time when you look at it. The wood used abundantly in the exterior and interior will make you feel nostalgic. The name Ginzan Onsen comes from the Nobezawa Silver Mine in the Edo period. Most of the hot spring inns were washed away by a flood in the early Taisho era, and many of the inns were rebuilt afterwards. The hot spring town at night with gas lamps lit is very fantastic. One inn that stands out among them is Fujiya, located in the middle of the hot spring town. It was renovated in 2006 due to deterioration by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. He was particular about restoring the delicacy of the original wooden architecture, and reused as much wood as possible. In addition, the space of wood and light created by the highly transparent bamboo lattice technique "sumushiko" and special stained glass could be called the ultimate "designer inn." At the edge of the hot spring town, there is also a public bath called "Shirogane-yu" designed by Kuma. Even if you can't stay the night, it's definitely worth stopping by.

The Zao mountain range is a collective name for the mountain range that spans both Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. Its highest peak is Kumano, located in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, at an altitude of 1,841m. A lift operates from late Apr. to early Nov. to take you to the trailhead, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. Along the way, you can see the emerald green volcanic lake "Okama," and enjoy its fantastic beauty, which changes color depending on the day. In winter, tours are held to see the spectacular natural art of "frost-covered trees," in which cloud particles and snow adhere to the trees. Hot springs bubble up all over the mountain range, which appears to spread out flat, making it a famous hot spring and ski resort destination.

The largest Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture is about 229 km long, making it the seventh longest in Japan. If you visit Yamagata Prefecture, you should definitely experience Mogami River boating, which allows you to view the spectacular scenery of Mogami River. The boat cruise is a must-do when visiting Yamagata Prefecture. The boat cruise takes you through the mountainous wilderness, listening to the boatman's boat song, and along a stream famous for the haiku by Matsuo Basho. The course also includes places associated with Minamoto no Yoshitsune, such as Sennin-do. In autumn, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the autumn leaves, and between Dec. and Mar., you can enjoy the pure white snowy scenery on a "kotatsu-bune," a boat with a kotatsu on board. In addition, in Tozawa Village, Mogami County, Yamagata Prefecture, there is the Sotogawa Shrine, which can only be reached by taking the ferry boat at Mogami River. This shrine is a historical place visited by Minamoto Yoshitsune and Matsuo Basho, and is also famous as a power spot for matchmaking. Mogami River It is also a popular spot for tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sotogawa River.