This has been one of my most favorite places to visit in Japan so far. It is an absolutely magical place! We went on a drizzly day, so the raindrops and mist added to the mysterious quality of the location. There were so many stairs to climb- but a lot of places to step to the side, take a break, and look at the surrounding beauty. Moss covered statues, beautiful temples, and little shops skirted the path up the mountain. The grounds were in pristine condition and so clean. The view from the top was amazing!! I was under the impression dogs are not normally permitted on temple grounds but we saw (and heard) many dogs during our visit. There are many areas outside of the temple grounds to purchase food and souvenirs. There are also some paid parking lots nearby.

For foliage /momiji reference, these pictures were taken on October 22nd. Great place to slowly enjoy, but too soon for color change. If this area was in Kyoto it would be so crowded with tourists because of its beauty, but it still gives a untouched kind of place vibe. 2 hours should be enough to take your time going up and appreciate yhe nature, statues and local architecture

You’ll find plenty of paid parking at the base of Risshaku-ji temple, and it’s only about 500 yen. The view from the top of the mountain is absolutely stunning! The photo I took was taken in early November, so you can already see some trees starting to turn red and yellow. There are quite a few stairs to climb to the top, so if you walk up without stopping, it should take around 20-30 minutes.

Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera) was honestly one of the most impressive places I visited on this trip. From the moment I started climbing the long stone steps, I already felt that it was going to be special. The path winds through the forest, past small shrines and statues, and you can hear the sound of the bell and the wind in the trees as you go up – it’s very peaceful and a little bit magical. I visited in autumn and the colours were incredible: bright yellow, orange, and red leaves covering the mountains on all sides. Every few minutes I had to stop just to turn around and look at the view again. By the time I reached the top, the panorama over the valley and villages below completely took my breath away. It looks like a picture from a postcard, but standing there in person feels even better. The climb is a bit tiring, but not too difficult, and there are many spots where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. In the end I felt that every step was worth it. I left Yamadera feeling calm, happy, and very satisfied that I made the effort to come. If you are anywhere near Yamagata, I really recommend visiting – you won’t be disappointed.

This a very famous temple with many tourists in the area. Nonetheless the many steps to the top are well worth the effort. The view is spectacular and the temple beautiful. But you will not be able to enjoy the temple alone as there are loads of tourists visiting. Still very worth the trip.

1000 stair steps to reach the top. Admission fee for an adult is 500 yen. We recommend going up earlier than 11 AM because of many tourists visiting this place later on. It is worth the view as well as to embrace the beauty of the little forrest around the trail up. At the top you can expect a shrine and a little shop with drinks if you feel exhausted. The people are friendly and forthcoming despite the masses of tourists.

Be prepared for the need to walk up and down lots of steps to reach the top. It's a 1015-steps climb. There were however different levels for a stoppage and short rest. The fall foliage was still amazing along this pilgrimage route.

I visit Kajo on 8th April. Cherry has not yet blossom but they are preparing to bloom very soon. The blooming time should be 2 weeks after this. 🌸🌸🌸

April 2025 - at the end of the month the Sakura were in full bloom. Walking round it was possible to frame two hours' worth of shots. Really pleasant atmosphere too, despite the gloomy weather.

Nice and quiet place for a walk during the winter season. The entrances are limited but it’s a nice walk to get there. There are remnants of the old fortification and the paths are mostly well marked. There were a couple of closed parts (safety due to snow?) but there are alternate ways to get there anyway. I liked watching the ducks float around on the stream that surrounds the park. There is a patrols rebuilt castle and a old hospital inside the park.

I’m not quite sure how anybody could give this part less than five stars it’s very beautiful. There’s a wonderful castle in the middle of it and it’s very peaceful.

Kajo Park may seem rather empty and unimpressive at first glance, as it lacks the castle itself and only retains the castle walls. However, the view of the western sky at sunset, seen from the eastern side of the castle walls, is truly breathtaking. The park is also stunning during cherry blossom season. In fact, the absence of the castle allows the sky to appear more dynamic and beautiful—making this a rare kind of park. There's no doubt you'll find peace and healing in its quiet serenity

A castle ruin with lots of modern use. Another form of use instead of a park only. The place is very large so that it's accommodating two car parks, a sport complex and two historical landmarks there. Visiting there is so relaxing and enjoyable. I trust it will continue be developed and contribute to the society and hope I have chance to revisit this place on the future.

Not much to see unless you are very familiar with Sendai's history, I even paid to visit the museum, visit only if you are into museum things. The castle is not there anymore, but they do have used AR/MR to let you see it in place.

Ensure the day is not cloudy before visiting or you might not be able to see the caldera. However if there's clouds and thick fog you'll get a vision from buddhist hell meets Silent Hill, complete with piled stones, which is kind of spooky and cool in its own way.

This may be one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been in the world. Taking the cable car across the mountain top, and seeing the snow monsters appear from between the clouds was absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful! I cannot wait to return one day and relive this experience!

Severe snow storm. Did not see much. Only 2 with cameras brave the storm to take some pics. The rest sat at the restaurant.

It was great so beautiful place you are top of skay you can drive until ropeway and get ropeway the price 900 yen and also you can drive on top but the charg you 600 yen but the mountain so beautiful in winter so cold

A cable car ride to Zao Jizo Sancho Station at the summit of Mt.Zao. skiers and tourist use these lines to enjoy a bird's eye view of Mt. Zao. Also enjoy the famous frost-covered trees in winter or better known as Snow Monsters.

🇯🇵 Jalapa Yamagata Zao Mountain Snow Monster 🏔️💖👍 Allah's creation is really beautiful unusual cold unusual beautiful a place to see a place to remember a place wonderful beautiful subhanAllah…..💖💖💖☝️

Nice good weather to hike around Mt Zao, overlooking the Okama crater

Very attentive staff and great produce. Quite expensive but it was a relaxed dinner with no issues. Sashimi and tempura were exquisite. Overall a great meal.

Youtube search "rianekj kaiseiki" to view my breakfast dining experience at Mogamitei

Nice.

(Translated by Google) I used it in my mother's room. A blend of Japanese and Western style All the dishes were delicious. Oura wine also goes well with meat dishes. It was a private room so I didn't have to worry about my surroundings. I was able to do it slowly All the employees were also very kind. thank you (Original) 母のお斎で利用いたしました 和洋折衷で お料理もどれも美味しくいただきました 大浦ワインもお肉料理に良く合います 個室でしたので回りを気にせず ゆっくりできました 社員のみなさまもとても親切でした ありがとうございました

(Translated by Google) The service staff are friendly and despite the language barrier, they try their best to tell us what dish is being served. The dishes are beautifully arranged, the vegetables are sweet and the original flavors are presented. (Original) 服務人員親切，雖然語言不通，還是盡可能告知現在是什麼菜，擺盤美麗、蔬菜很甜，原味呈現。

(Translated by Google) I stopped in for dinner while visiting Yamagata City for work. I had the 6,500 yen Japanese course meal. All the dishes were tasty, but the imoni (simmered potato stew) made with Yamagata beef was particularly delicious. The interior and exterior of the restaurant had a luxurious feel, befitting a hotel restaurant, but the lighting inside seemed a little dim. (Original) 仕事で山形市を訪れた際に、晩ご飯を食べるために入ってみました。 そして、6500円の日本食のコース料理を食べました。どの料理もそれなりに美味しかったのですが、とりわけ山形の牛肉を使った芋煮が美味しかったです。 なお、店頭も店内もホテルのレストランらしく高級感があったのですが、店内の照明が多少 暗く感じられました。

(Translated by Google) You sit at the counter around the hot plate and they grill your meat or fish right in front of you. You can choose between Yonezawa beef or Yamagata beef. Both are incredibly delicious. Finish with garlic rice, miso soup, and pickles. The dessert and coffee leave you feeling completely satisfied. Maybe it's the location? You won't find this quality at this price in Tokyo. (Original) 鉄板を囲んでカウンターに座り、目の前で肉や魚を焼いてくれます。米沢牛と山形牛を選べます。どちらも素晴らしく美味しいです。〆にガーリックライスにして、お味噌汁とお新香。デザートとコーヒーで大満足。場所がらなのか？東京でこのクオリティーでこの値段では食べれないです。

Extremely recommended!! Though the store looks pretty old styles, the food is really nice!!! Have opened for 50 yrs… recommend 天ぷら, 刺身 and 芋鍋. Fried potatoes are sweet, raw fish are fresh served with sushi rice….will definitely come back when I visit Yamagata again!!!

very delicious and so fresh 😋🍲🐟 #SuzuranYamagata 5⭐️

Nice food !! Excellent service !!

Delicious food sourced and prepared with care, great service and great prices! Can only recommend :)

(Translated by Google) [A Popular Restaurant Where You Can Savor the Bounty of Yamagata's Sea and Land] "Aji no Mise Suzuran" Yamagata It all started by chance. "Business Hotel Okazawa" I happened to be staying in Yamagata, and by chance, there was a room available, so I booked it. I was surprised to learn from a guest's post that it was a sister restaurant! It's famous as a filming location for "Tabizaru," but it's also a renowned restaurant frequented by many celebrities and famous people! Thanks to this connection, This time, I enjoyed fresh fish from the Sea of Japan, Yamagata's signature Yamagata beef, and, Yamagata is famous for its soba noodles. And, with local Yamagata sake. However, I'm so grateful for the attentive service of the staff!!! (Original) 【山形の海と山の幸を味わえる人気店】 『味の店スズラン』 山形 最初は偶然ながら 「ビジネスホテルおかざわ」 ふと山形に泊まる事に為って 偶然一部屋空いてて予約したら〜 泊まられた方々の投稿から 姉妹店と知ってビックリ！ “旅猿” のロケ先としても有名だけど 多くの芸能人・有名人が足繁く通う名店！！ そんな御縁も有って 今回は 日本海の新鮮な魚と 山形と言えばの山形牛 更に 山形は蕎麦 其処は 山形の地酒と共に♪ しかしながら お店の方々の丁寧な御対応に感謝！！！

(Translated by Google) I came to Yamagata Castle on a castle tour, so I went to Suzuran, a famous Yamagata restaurant. The sashimi platter had tags with the names of fish on them, and the restaurant really puts the customer first. The chef also served us Yamagata beef and another dish to go with our drinks. The bracken pickled in a single piece and shiso rolls were also excellent as a snack with our drinks. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also good, and the hospitality was simply amazing. It was a restaurant that I would like to recommend to many people. (Original) 城巡りで山形城に来たので山形の名店スズランに行ってきました。 刺身盛り合わせは魚の名前のついた札がついていてお客様ファーストな対応でした。 また、大将が山形牛ともう一品、お酒のお供にということでサービスしてくれました。この他ワラビの一本漬都しそ巻もお酒のアテに抜群でした。 店の雰囲気もよく、とにかくホスピタリティが素晴らしいお店でした。 あわせて多くの人に紹介したくなるお店でした。

(Translated by Google) I called on the day and made a reservation for the 3,000 yen course, and arrived as soon as the restaurant opened. Since I had made a reservation, the food came out pretty quickly, and I finished the entire menu in just under an hour. For such a large portion, 3,000 yen is a good value. The sashimi was the best, and I think it was a good value. The pickles were also delicious. They have private rooms, so it seems like a good choice for families or business travelers. (Original) 当日電話して3千円のコースを予約、開店と同時にはいりました。予約済みなので料理は結構早いペースで出てきたので1時間弱ですべてのメニューが終了、これだけの量で3千円だとコスパは良いですね。刺身が1番美味しかったしお値打ちだと思います。お漬物も美味しかった。個室かわあるので家族連れや仕事関係でも利用しやすそうですね。

Delicious hot & cold soba noodles in a very beautiful environment. Perfect place to visit after climbing Yamadera. Get the tamago appetizer!

Lovely place, my first time having soba. Also got the tempura as I saw other reviewers saying it was some of the best temporary they've ever had and I definitely agree with them. Discovered I like the lotus root :)🩷 super cute place and very friendly staff

The soba and tempura was delicious and portions were generous, especially the mushroom tempura. They serve you soba water at the end, to be added to the leftover dipping sauce to drink as a soup.

Surprisingly small amount of noodles in a large bowl. And disappointing tasting soba noodles. After leaving here, I went to another restaurant because I was still hungry. It’s a gyoza restaurant nearby and they offer a full set for half the price of one bowl of soba at Shojiya.

Aimori plate "Sarashina soba" (scented white noodles made with first flour) and rustic soba served together I thoroughly enjoyed the aroma and taste of authentic soba. Look good, taste good, eat good, all good!

I had Kamo Seiro Soba (Cold Buckwheat Soba Noodles with Duck Soup for Dipping) and Nishin (Simmered Herring in Soy Sauce). They were delicious. The soba was firm to the bite with nice taste and fragrance. The service staffs were polite, welcoming, and attentive. Some of them speak English. They also have English menu though there're fewer choices to choose from compared to the Japanese menu.

Amazing soba noodle shop that serves quality meals. The hot soba broth was exceptional. Warms your soul in winter.

I stayed at Daiwa Roynet Hotel in front of Yamagata Station and found this Yonezawa beef restaurant. We had yakiniku, and their beef is the best, melts in our mouth. We were very satisfied; the atmosphere is great, and the service is amazing. Highly recommended!

Absolutely excellent yonezawa beef. We ordered sukiyaki and yakiniku + sliced raw beef and a gyusuji. I would 100% recommend to order exactly the above set, you can skip the gyusuji if you are used to other beef tendon dishes elsewhere, but you MUST order all the other dishes - or lose sleep regret you didn't!

This was our second visit to Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa. Last time we tried the grilled beef, and this time we had the sukiyaki. Both were incredible—the best beef we’ve ever had. Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re visiting Yamagata! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa is one of the best yakiniku restaurants we’ve had in a long time. The local Yonezawa beef is tender and flavorful, and the sukiyaki-style beef was incredibly good. The steak on the hot plate came out perfectly cooked, with a rich aroma that filled the room. Alao loved the sweet grilled onions that paired so well with the meat. Everything tasted fresh and carefully prepared. English menu is available, and staff can speak english well. We visited twice for lunch/dinner during our stay at the hotel, and will be visiting this place again if we are in the area.

The legendary Wagyu beef brand. We went for the Sukiyaki set. It was delicious. It was a heavenly delight. One can’t help but feel Hannibal Lector-ish sitting in front of such magnificent plate of raw, primal slices of protein. I cooked it. I ate it, every bite, every chew, I turned it into my flesh and blood.

The meat was super tasty and impeccable service! You can get both already grilled steak, or pieces of meat that you can grill yourself on the table grill. Also they have beef tartare. Since this is at the ground floor of Daiwa hotel it is not as cozy as a small family owned restaurant.

First time visiting this restaurant. It is conveniently located near the Yamagata station and it was easy making a table reservation online. Ordered the grilled Yonezawa beef, it’s delicious! The meat and fat combination is perfect. Will visit again.

I visited a restaurant in Yamagata, Japan, where I ordered tempura, soba noodles, and an egg roll. The portions were generous, ensuring you definitely get your money's worth. I appreciated that there was no wait to be seated, making it convenient for a quick meal. However, the service was just average; the staff were polite but not particularly attentive. While the food was satisfying and filling, the overall experience felt a bit lacking in warmth. If you're looking for a hearty meal without the hassle of a long wait, this place is a solid choice.

Decent soba place. Average prices, English menu available. Juyondai sake was good. Average/so-so shrimp tempura, it was not that crispy probably because of the way it was stacked (placed at the end/bottom) They will bring the hot broth later when you’re almost finished the noodles. They are attentive with refilling the iced tea. Spacious restaurant with an upper floor.

This ramen shop is a must-go-to-place for everyone visiting Yamagata. The soba is hand-made & tastes delicious, the shop is located in a lovely area & the staff is nice as well. Recommend 100%

We were one of the few guests there at the time and was given kind service. One of my kids was taking the soup out because it was too hot to eat. She was given an extra bowl to scoop out the soup. The second child enjoyed her tempura that came with the meal which was the first time she had it. It was her first time trying soba also and it's not her preference, but I enjoyed my zaru soba which I ate happily. Please enjoy and the service and the food.

Went there as recommended by local people. Very good soba with choices of tempura and duck meat etc. Good service with English menu available.

A great experience overall. Service was really good, the staff were amiable and worked hard to accommodate our queries in spite of the language barrier. Vegan options are available, though they are restricted to the cold soba menu. The hot soba with shrimp tempura was good as well.

Great soba and service! Japanese sake menu may be changed by season.