Yamagata

Part of southern Tohoku, Yamagata is known for snow-covered fir trees, impressive ski fields and hot springs.

Enclosed by the Sea of Japan to the west and mountains to the east, Yamagata Prefecture is defined by its nature. Along the coast sit the port cities of Tsuruoka and Sakata. At the same time, deep inland is Zao Onsen, home to hot springs, sparsely visited ski slopes, and spectacular snow-covered evergreens. Mountain temple Yamadera is the subject of one of the most famous haiku poems, and Ginzan Onsen is a picturesque hot spring resort town on the site of a former silver mine.