Things to do in Yamagata City

2026 Asia 50 - Ski Resorts

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in Zao Onsen Chemical Factory in Yamagata Prefecture. It has a number of ski trails of varying difficulty and is suitable for skiers of all levels to experience the feeling of speeding on the snow. In the cold winter, you can see the spectacular hoarfrost scene in the snow field. After a day of skiing, you can also soak in a natural hot spring to relieve fatigue.

金勝寺

Kinsho-ji Temple is nestled amidst mountains and forests, in a tranquil environment. Often shrouded in a thin mist in the early morning, it offers a sense of seclusion and seclusion. The temple complex is simple and elegant, with upturned eaves and wooden structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, embodying the architectural aesthetics of traditional Japanese temples. The winding paths within the temple grounds, with stone lanterns, moss, and dry landscape gardens complementing each other, make walking through them feel like stepping back in time, experiencing the weight of history and the power of tranquility. The solemn and dignified Buddha statues enshrined within Kinsho-ji Temple, the swirling incense smoke, and the profound Zen atmosphere provide a place of spiritual solace for believers. The temple not only emphasizes religious ceremonies but is also open to tourists and scholars, regularly holding Zen meditation and traditional cultural activities, allowing people to experience the wisdom of Buddhism through quiet contemplation. The surrounding environment offers different characteristics in each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fiery red leaves in autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter, creating a unique natural landscape that enriches the temple's scenery with each changing season.

Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera)

Liishiji Temple, officially known as Baozhushan Lishiji Temple, also known as Shanji Temple, is a Tiantai sect temple located on a steep hill in the northeastern part of Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. It was built by Yuanren in 860 AD. It is a very famous temple of the Tiantai sect and a representative spiritual place in the northeastern region of Japan. It has a large number of believers and is full of incense all year round. Since ancient times, Rishiji Temple has been believed to be "a temple that cuts off bad relationships". The 300-meter-long "slide" (no sliding) built in 1950 as a "transportation vehicle" is still intact.

No. 2 of Hot Springs Attractions in Yamagata Prefecture

Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is located on the mountainside of Mount Zaō in Yamagata Prefecture. With a history spanning over 1,900 years, it is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The water is a strongly acidic sulfur spring that turns milky white upon contact with air after gushing out, and it has long been known as a beauty bath. The hot spring town is dotted with traditional public baths such as Kami-yu, Shimo-yu, and Kawara-yu, as well as several day-use hot springs, each with its own unique charm. The large open-air bath built along the stream is particularly famous. It is spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people at once, allowing visitors to enjoy a bathing experience with flowing spring water while surrounded by mountains and forests. The area also offers a "Yumeguri Kokeshi" pass, which comes with bathing stickers that allow you to choose and experience several day-use hot springs, making it perfect for visitors who want to compare the atmosphere of different baths. Foot baths are located throughout the town, allowing you to rest and warm your feet while strolling through the hot spring town.

No. 2 of Ski Resorts in Yamagata Prefecture

Zao Liza World

Zao Liza World is located in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. It is a resort famous for skiing and winter activities. This ski resort is located in the beautiful Zao Mountains and is surrounded by magnificent natural landscapes, providing visitors with a peaceful and vibrant winter paradise. The ski resort has ski slopes of different levels, suitable for ski enthusiasts of all levels. The resort provides ski equipment rentals and professional ski lessons to ensure that visitors can enjoy skiing safely and happily. In addition to skiing, Zao Liza World also provides snow hiking activities, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of nature in the white snow. The resort has complete facilities, and visitors can enjoy warm dining services and taste local delicacies after skiing. Convenient transportation and friendly service make Zao Liza World an ideal winter holiday destination, providing visitors with an unforgettable travel experience.

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Yamagata Prefecture

Zao Sarukura

Zao Sarukura Ski Area is located on the eastern foot of the Zao Mountain Range in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, forming a mountain sports space with distinct four seasons. In winter, the ski resort relies on the gentle ridgeline to distribute the ski slopes. The main area is equipped with multi-gradient slopes to adapt to different technical levels, and the forest sliding section retains the original landscape. The snow quality management team maintains the surface snow conditions through regular snow compaction operations, and the night lighting system extends the experience time of family tourists. In summer, the venue is transformed into an outdoor leisure base. The ecological fishing pond opened in the central area adopts a stepped design, with a natural transition between shallow and deep water areas. Visitors can experience rainbow trout fishing with the assistance of instructors. After the caught fish are cleaned, they can choose simple cooking methods such as salt grilling or sauce grilling in the designated barbecue area. Zao Sarukura Ski Area realizes the multi-dimensional utilization of mountain resources through seasonal functional conversion.

Kajo Park

Kasumi Castle Park is located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and is a historic castle ruins. Every spring, about 1,500 cherry trees bloom in the park, attracting a large number of tourists to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Road Station Tendo onsen

Yamagata Folk Museum Bunshokan

Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station