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Yamagata
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Tohoku

Yamagata

A treasure trove of Yamadera temple, Zao ski resort, and the fertile Shonai Plain. Also a paradise for cherries, imo-ni stew, and local cuisine.

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Photo by Suzi Kim on Unsplash

๐Ÿ“ Articles about Yamagata

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Festival/Eventโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Akagawa Fireworks: National Design Fireworks Contest in Yamagata

A national design fireworks competition where music and fireworks become one. About 12,000โ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yonezawa Castle Town and Uesugi Legacy Course

A castle town route centered on Uesugi Shrine and the Yonezawa Castle ruins, tasting Yonezโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Dewa Sanzan and Mount Haguro Pilgrimage Course

A day of prayer climbing the 2446 cedar lined steps and passing the national treasure pagoโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Zao Onsen and Snow Monsters Course

A mountain resort route enjoying the strong sulfur springs of Zao and the winter snow monsโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Ginzan Onsen and Obanazawa Stroll Course

A nostalgic day exploring the Taisho era streetscape of Ginzan Onsen and the countryside oโ€ฆ

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course๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yamadera Risshakuji and Yamagata City Course

A one day route combining the 1015 stone steps of Risshakuji with a stroll through centralโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Onogawa Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

An old spring in Yonezawa known for early-summer fireflies and moisturizing skin-beautifyiโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shirabu Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A 700-year-old hidden spa on the slopes of the Azuma range in Yonezawa, known for thatchedโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Hijiori Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A 1200-year-old healing spa in a caldera in Okura, charming for its rustic streets and morโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Atsumi Onsen: Day-Use Hot Spring Baths & Prices

A thousand-year-old spa along the Atsumi River in Tsuruoka, where a beloved morning marketโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yunohama Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A seaside spa along the Japan Sea coast in Tsuruoka, prized for sandy beaches and sunsets โ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Akayu Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

A 900-year-old spring in Nanyo, surrounded by countryside famed for grapes and wine.โ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kaminoyama Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

Rising in the castle town below Kaminoyama Castle, this spa scatters free footbaths perfecโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Tendo Onsen Gentle Waters: Hot Spring Guide & Access

A soft-textured spa on the plains of Tendo, a town celebrated for producing Japanese shogiโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Zao Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access (Yamagata)

A highland spa on the slopes of Mount Zao famed for strongly acidic milky water and the wiโ€ฆ

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onsen๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Ginzan Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

Wooden multistory inns line the Ginzan River where gas lamps glow at dusk in a nostalgic Tโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Dadacha Mame: A Local Food Guide for Visitors (Yamagata)

Tsuruokas fragrant heirloom edamame, a summer delicacy prized for its rich sweetness and uโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yonezawa Ramen: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

Thin wavy noodles in a light soy broth, a signature bowl of the Okitama region.โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Ita Soba: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Yamagata)

Chewy country soba served in a rectangular wooden box, a specialty of the soba road.โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Cherry Sweets: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

Luxurious early summer sweets made with ruby colored Sato Nishiki cherries.โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yamagata Dashi: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

A refreshing mix of chopped summer vegetables served over rice or tofu, a Murayama regionaโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Dondon Yaki: A Local Food Guide for Visitors (Yamagata)

Okonomiyaki style batter wrapped on chopsticks, a Yamagata street food favorite.โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Tama Konnyaku: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

Round konjac simmered in soy sauce and eaten on a skewer, a famous snack along the Yamaderโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Cold Meat Soba: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

Chewy country soba in a cold chicken broth, a local noodle born in Kahoku town.โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yamagata Imoni: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

An autumn tradition of taro and beef simmered in soy sauce, savored around giant pots on tโ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yonezawa Beef: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Yamagata)

One of Japans three great wagyu brands, prized for fine marbling nurtured by the Yonezawa โ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yachi Hachimangu, an Ancient Shrine of Sacred Court Dance in Kahoku, Yamagata

An ancient shrine to Emperor Ojin said to be founded by Minamoto no Yoshiie. Home to the Hโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Douhara Taki, a Spring Water Waterfall of Mount Chokai in Yuza, Yamagata

A mysterious waterfall where underground water of Mount Chokai gushes out from the hillsidโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Karamatsu Kannon, a Cliffside Temple Modeled on Kiyomizu in Yamagata City

A cliffside hall modeled on Kiyomizu dera in Kyoto. Rooted in the love tale of Princess Toโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Maruike sama, a Mysterious Emerald Spring Pond in Yuza, Yamagata

A 20 meter mysterious pond filled only by spring water from Mount Chokai. Revered as a deiโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Chokaisan Omonoimi Shrine, Yuza, Yamagata

The first shrine of the old Dewa province, with Mount Chokai as its sacred body. Two foothโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kuguri Daki, a Hidden Waterfall Slipping Through a Rock Hole in Nanyo, Yamagata

A rare 14 meter waterfall whose water drops as if slipping through a 5 meter hole in the rโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Mifuchi Keikoku, a Secret Dragon Gorge Reached Only by Boat in Nagai, Yamagata

A hidden gorge of sheer cliffs running about 250 meters along the upper Nogawa river. Saidโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Jakusho ji, a Matchmaking Kannon Temple in Tendo, Yamagata

The first temple of the Mogami thirty three Kannon pilgrimage, opened by the monk Gyoki abโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kumano Taisha, a Matchmaking Shrine of Three Hidden Rabbits in Nanyo, Yamagata

One of the three great Kumano shrines of Japan and a leading ancient shrine of Tohoku. Finโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Tamasudare no Taki, a Quiet Waterfall Power Spot in Sakata, Yamagata

At 63 meters, this is the tallest single drop waterfall in Yamagata. Found by the monk Kobโ€ฆ

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Architecture๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Picture-Perfect Buildings and Townscapes in Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture is dotted with beautiful buildings and townscapes that make you want tโ€ฆ

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Food & Souvenirs๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Picture-Perfect Gourmet Foods and Souvenirs in Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture is a treasure trove of superb gourmet food nurtured by rich nature andโ€ฆ

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Scenic Views๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Photogenic Scenic Spots in Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture is a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery created by its magnificentโ€ฆ

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Instagrammable Shrines๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

5 Photogenic Power Spots in Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture is a treasure trove of Instagrammable power spots, with mystical sacreโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picksโ„๏ธ Winter

Yamagata Winter Travel: Zao Snow Trees, Ginzan Onsen & Kaminoyama Onsen

Mountains covered in silver-white, hot spring towns where steam drifts, the light of gas lโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Yamagata Autumn Foliage: Yamadera, Zao & Mogami Gorge

The autumn of Yamagata Prefecture, embraced in the mountains of Tohoku, is one of Japan's โ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐ŸŒธ Spring

Yamagata Cherry Blossom Guide: Best Sakura Spots

Discover the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Yamagata. Spring sakura viewing guide โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Yamagata Local Gourmet Guide: Imoni (Taro Stew)

Discover Yamagata''s unique local cuisine including ่Š‹็…ฎ. A food lover''s guide to the best โ€ฆ

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Rainy Day Spots๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Rainy Day in Yamagata: Best Indoor Spots & Activities

Don't let the rain stop you in Yamagata! Discover top indoor attractions including ๅฑฑๅฝข็พŽ่ก“้คจ, โ€ฆ

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Gourmet๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yamagata Food Guide: Imoni, Dashi & Cherries

Every autumn, Yamagata holds giant outdoor imoni (taro hotpot) parties on the riverside. Dโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Mt. Haguro & Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage, Yamagata

The Three Mountains of Dewa (Gassan, Haguro-san, Yudonosan) on the Yamagata-Akita border aโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Sakata Seafood and Hiyoriyama Park: Food Culture of the Port Town Where Kitamae Ships Flourished

Sakata, Yamagata, is a port town that flourished through Kitamae ship trade in the Edo perโ€ฆ

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Festival/Event๐ŸŒธ Spring

Tendo Shogi Town: Human Shogi Chess and Japan's No.1 Shogi Piece Production Area

Tendo, Yamagata, produces over 90% of Japan's shogi pieces โ€” the "Shogi Hometown." Each Apโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Mt. Gassan and Snow Corrie Trekking: Sacred Dewa Peak Where Snow Remains Through Summer

Mt. Gassan (1,984m) in Yamagata is a leading Tohoku sacred peak where snow remains throughโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Dadacha-mame: The Phantom Edamame That Grows Only in Tsuruoka and Shonai

"Dadacha-mame" edamame grown only in the Shonai region of Tsuruoka, Yamagata, has exceptioโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kaminoyama Onsen and Samurai Residence Ruins: Castle Town Hot Spring Where Edo Atmosphere and Famous Waters Coexist

Kaminoyama Onsen in Kaminoyama, Yamagata, is a celebrated Tohoku hot spring with about 600โ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yonezawa Beef: Pinnacle of Yamagata Black Wagyu Sharing Japan's Top Three Wagyu Rankings

"Yonezawa beef" from Yonezawa, Yamagata, is one of Japan's Three Great Wagyu alongside Matโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ„๏ธ Winter

Zao Onsen Ski Resort: Tohoku's Largest Ski Resort with Ice Trees and Hot Springs

Zao Onsen Ski Resort on the outskirts of Yamagata City is Tohoku's largest ski resort. Aftโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Tsuruoka Shonai Domain and Chido Museum: Former Castle Town Where Shonai Domain Culture Lives On

Tsuruoka โ€” administered by the Sakai family of the 140,000-koku Shonai domain โ€” is Yamagatโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐ŸŒธ Spring

Nagai City Balloon Festival and Shirato River Canola Flowers

Nagai, Yamagata, offers the contrast of canola flowers along the Shirato River (a tributarโ€ฆ

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Sightseeingโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Sagae Cherry Picking: Harvest Experience in Japan's No.1 Cherry Production Area

Yamagata centered on Sagae is Japan's premier cherry production area. During the cherry piโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Shonai Soba Culture: Japan's No.1 Soba Consuming Prefecture's Food Culture

Yamagata has Japan's highest per-capita soba consumption. Centered on the Shonai region, aโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Nanyo City and Akyu Onsen: The Hot Spring with Red Source Water Known as the "Onsen to Drink"

Akyu Onsen in Nanyo, Yamagata, is a celebrated Yamagata basin spring known for its distincโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Mogami River Boat Descent: River Journey on the Oku no Hosomichi Trail Where Matsuo Basho Composed

"Samidare wo atsumete hayashi Mogami-gawa" โ€” the Mogami River where Matsuo Basho composed โ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐ŸŒธ Spring

Yamagata Castle (Kajo Park): One of Tohoku's Largest Castles Built by Mogami Yoshiaki

Kajo Park in central Yamagata is the ruins of Yamagata Castle extensively rebuilt by Mogamโ€ฆ

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Power Spotโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Three Mountains of Dewa Pilgrimage: "Journey of Rebirth" Walking in White Robes

The Three Mountains of Dewa โ€” Haguro-san, Gassan, and Yudonosan โ€” are mountain faith sacreโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Kokeshi Doll Villages Obanazawa and Naruko: Warmth of Wood in Tohoku Traditional Crafts

The Naruko Onsen and Obanazawa areas straddling Yamagata and Miyagi are leading traditionaโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐ŸŒธ Spring

Yonezawa Castle and Uesugi Shrine: Ruins of the Famous Castle Where Naoe Kanetsugu and the Uesugi Clan Lie

Uesugi Shrine in Yonezawa, Yamagata, stands on the former site of the Uesugi clan's ancestโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Zao Onsen Public Baths: Milky White Strongly Acidic Springs and Hot Spring Town Atmosphere

Zao Onsen on the outskirts of Yamagata City is known for strongly acidic milky white sprinโ€ฆ

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Festival/Eventโ˜€๏ธ Summer

Shinjo Festival Floats and Shinjo Castle Ruins: Shonai Festival Counted Among Tohoku's Three Great Festivals

The "Shinjo Festival" held August 24โ€“26 each year in Shinjo, Yamagata, is counted among Toโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐Ÿ‚ Autumn

Gassan Highland Autumn Foliage and Alpine Plants: Tohoku's Earliest Mountain Autumn

Mt. Gassan highland in Yamagata, in alpine zones above 1,500m, sees autumn color begin froโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yamadera (Risshakuji) โ€” The Scenic Sacred Site Where You Climb 1,015 Stone Steps

Climb 1,015 stone steps to Yamadera, a stunning mountaintop temple complex where Matsuo Baโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picksโ„๏ธ Winter

Zao Onsen and Frost-Covered Trees โ€” Ice Monsters from the Yamagata Side

Ski and soak at Zao Onsen, approaching from the Yamagata side to see the dramatic juhyo icโ€ฆ

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Seasonal Picks๐ŸŒธ Spring

Shonai Cherry Picking and the Journey to Tsuruoka and Mt. Haguro

Pick fresh cherries in the Shonai plain and visit the sacred Mt. Haguro, one of the three โ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Dewa Sanzan โ€” The Sacred Mountains of Rebirth and Ascetic Training

Embark on a spiritual journey through the Three Mountains of Dewa, a sacred pilgrimage sitโ€ฆ

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Power Spot๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Yamadera (Risshakuji) โ€” The Sky Temple That Moved Matsuo Basho's Soul

Climb 1,015 stone steps to Yamadera temple complex, where poet Matsuo Basho composed his fโ€ฆ

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Sightseeing๐Ÿ—พ All seasons

Zao Onsen โ€” Spectacular Snow Monsters and Famous Hot Springs

Visit Zao Onsen for its dramatic juhyo (snow monsters) in winter and its famous strongly aโ€ฆ