5 Photogenic Scenic Spots in Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture is a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery created by its magnificent nature. The landscapes that change their expression with each season are full of moments that make you want to press the shutter. This article covers (1) Zao Okama, (2) Yamadera, (3) The Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa, (4) Mount Chokai and Jurokurakan-iwa and (5) Ginzan Onsen.

(1) Zao Okama — A Mystical Crater Lake of Emerald Green

The crater lake "Okama" near the summit of the Zao mountain range overwhelms all who see it with its mysterious emerald-green color. Note that the Zao Echo Line and Zao Highland Road are closed in winter (in 2025, from 5:00 p.m. on November 4 through 11:00 a.m. on April 24, 2026), making it impossible to visit Okama during that period. Because the color of the lake shifts moment by moment depending on the weather and angle of light, no two photographs are ever alike — a truly one-of-a-kind spectacular view.

Photography tips The most vivid colors appear when sunlight falls across the lake surface on a clear morning, making the water sparkle like a jewel. A bird's-eye-view composition with the outer rim of the volcano in the background is recommended. In autumn, the contrast with fall foliage is exceptional.

Access: Via the Zao Echo Line from Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway. To reach the Okama parking area, you must use the toll Zao Highland Road (600 yen for ordinary vehicles). During the nighttime traffic restriction period, the road is closed from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the following morning, and entry to the Highland Road closes at 4:00 p.m.

(2) Yamadera (Risshakuji) — A Fantastical Temple Landscape Spreading Across the Cliffs

Yamadera, where the haiku poet Matsuo Basho composed "Shizukasa ya / iwa ni shimiiru / semi no koe" ("Such stillness — the cries of cicadas seep into the rocks"), presents an awe-inspiring visual of temple buildings clinging to a rugged rocky mountain. It's a place where you can capture the kind of Instagram-worthy photos that feel like stepping into another world.

Photography tips The view looking down from "Godaido," which juts out dramatically over the cliff (located at the top of 1,015 stone steps, just before the inner sanctuary), is a spectacular view among spectacular views. In the early morning, mountain mist drifts through and wraps everything in a fantastical atmosphere. May's fresh greenery and October's autumn colors are particularly breathtaking. Framing the rock face and buildings together in a vertical composition amplifies the drama.

Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Senzan Line "Yamadera Station" to the trailhead. Admission: 500 yen for adults (middle school age and above), 200 yen for children (age 4 and above). Hours: 8:00–16:00 from April through November; 8:30–15:00 from December through March.

(3) The Submerged Forest of Lake Shirakawa — A Phantom Scenic View That Appears Only in Spring

Every spring at Lake Shirakawa, snowmelt causes the water level to rise, and the shoreline trees appear to grow straight out of the water — creating the so-called "submerged forest." This scene, which has become a sensation on social media, is nothing short of a miraculous sight.

Photography tips Late April through early May, during the hours when morning mist rises, is when the scene reaches peak beauty. The go-to Instagram-worthy shot is a low-angle shot taken straight from the side, capturing the reflection of the trees in the water. Target a calm, windless morning.

Access: Public transportation access is limited, so a car is the standard approach. During the viewing period, parking is paid; in 2026, the period covered by the parking cooperation fee ran from April 18 to May 18 (from 1,000 yen for cars, with a discount for advance online payment up to 30 days prior). Check the latest dates and fees on the Iide Town tourism website.

(4) Mount Chokai and Jurokurakan-iwa — A Magnificent Panorama Facing the Sea of Japan

Mount Chokai, also called "Dewa Fuji," is one of Yamagata's finest scenic spots, towering against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan. The evening view from Fukura Beach in Yuza Town, where the orange-stained sky and sea overlap, takes your breath away.

Photography tips A composition looking toward Mount Chokai from near Jurokurakan-iwa (the Sixteen Rakan Rocks) at dusk is popular. A horizontal composition that captures the rocks, the mountain, and the setting sun in a single frame creates an overwhelming sense of presence. From autumn through winter, the air is clearer, yielding crisper shots.

Access: To reach Jurokurakan-iwa, about 5 minutes by car from JR Uetsu Main Line "Fukura Station" (about 10 minutes from "Yuza Station"). The Sunset Jurokurakan parking area (approximately 20 spaces; no large vehicles) is available.

(5) Ginzan Onsen — A Nighttime Streetscape Full of Taisho Romanticism

And of course, we end here! Ginzan Onsen, where gas lamps glow romantically against a snowy landscape, feels like stepping straight into an animated world. Night photography is especially popular, making it a place you'll want to return to again and again.

Photography tips The classic shot is taken after sunset through around 9:00 p.m. during the "blue hour," aiming straight at the row of riverside inns. In winter's snowy season, the white of the snow and the orange glow of the lights match perfectly for a truly special photo. Using a slow shutter to capture the gentle murmur of the river is lovely too — but the riverside path is narrow and can get crowded, so use a tripod only where it won't obstruct other visitors.

Access: About 30 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Ou Main Line (Yamagata Shinkansen) "Oishida Station." In winter, vehicle access to the hot spring town is restricted (private car restrictions and entry management), and day visitors must switch to a park-and-ride shuttle bus from parking areas near "Taisho Roman-kan," about 2 km before the town. During the snow season, the in-town parking area for day visitors is not available.

Yamagata's scenery changes shape with the seasons: snow, fresh greenery and autumn foliage. Head there yourself and capture your own one-of-a-kind photo.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season and time of day: For Okama, daytime from spring to autumn while the Zao Highline is open. For the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, early morning from late April to mid-May during the snowmelt. For Yamadera, the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage. At Ginzan Onsen the blue hour after sunset is the popular time.
• Opening hours and seasons: Visiting hours at Yamadera (Hojusan Risshaku-ji) are 8:00-16:00 from April to November (gates close at 17:00) and 8:30-15:00 from December to March (gates close at 16:00). The Zao Echo Line and Zao Highline are closed in winter (in 2025 from 17:00 on November 4 to 11:00 on April 24, 2026), and Okama cannot be viewed during that period. During periods of night-time traffic restrictions the road is closed from 17:00 until 8:00 the next morning, and entry to the Highline is until 16:00.
• Fees: The entry fee for Yamadera is 500 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 200 yen for children (aged 4 and over). The Zao Highline costs 600 yen for an ordinary car. Parking for the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa is charged during the viewing period; in 2026, April 18 to May 18 was subject to a parking cooperation fee (from 1,000 yen per car, with a discount for advance payment made from 30 days ahead). If you use a canoe or SUP on Lake Shirakawa, an environmental conservation cooperation fee of 1,000 yen per person per day applies.
• Access: Okama - from the Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway via the Zao Echo Line, then the Zao Highline to the car park. Yamadera - about a 5-minute walk from JR Senzan Line "Yamadera Station" to the trailhead (1,015 steps to the Okunoin inner sanctuary). Jurokurakan-iwa - about 5 minutes by car from JR Uetsu Line "Fukura Station." Ginzan Onsen - about 30 minutes by bus or taxi from JR "Oishida Station."
• Parking: For Jurokurakan-iwa, use the Sunset Jurokurakan car park (about 20 spaces, no large vehicles). At Ginzan Onsen, while private-car restrictions are in force in winter, day visitors use a park-and-ride system: park in the designated car parks around the "Taisho Roman-kan" and transfer to a shuttle bus. During the snow season the day-visitor car parks within the hot spring town cannot be used.
• Photography rules: The riverside walkways at Ginzan Onsen are narrow and crowded, so use a tripod only where it does not obstruct passage. Be considerate of inn premises and the privacy of guests. Yamadera is a sacred place of ascetic practice, and photography is restricted in some places such as inside the halls.
• Safety notes: Mount Zao, where Okama is located, is an active volcano. Before visiting, always check the Japan Meteorological Agency's eruption warnings and forecasts (volcanic alert level). Strong winds and dense fog occur easily around the crater, and going beyond the ropes or onto the crater walls is strictly forbidden. Yamadera has 1,015 stone steps, which are extremely slippery in rain or when frozen. At the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa, watch out for muddy ground on the shore and rising water levels, and take photographs from the designated viewing areas. In winter at Ginzan Onsen, falls caused by icy road surfaces are common.

Note: Road closures and restrictions change every year. Before visiting, check the official information of the relevant municipalities such as Zao Town, Obanazawa City and Iide Town.

(Sources: Zao Town Tourism and Products Association "Zao Echo Line / Zao Highline"; Hojusan Risshaku-ji official website; Iide Town tourism website (Iide Town); Ginzan Onsen official website and the Obanazawa City Ginzan Onsen Private-Car Restriction Demonstration Project Office; Yuza Chokai Tourism Association; Japan Meteorological Agency)