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.

This is my 2nd time to stay a night here. Very crowded. There is a 24 hours supermacket and very reasonable hot spa near here. (May 25th 2024) This roadside parking area is a very popular site for staying a night in a car. You will feel difficulty to find your parking space. (June 11th 2023)

They have a pretty nice and hot onsen for your feets here! The food is average considering the price though its good. A bakery can also be found here and the typical souvenir shops.

Good place to get local produced. A foot Onsen is also available.

Varieties of foods and vegetables. Gelato is good

Nice place to grab some lunch and gelato ice cream. There's also a nice park and playground area. In the summer they have a little water play area. Good on a hot day for adults and kids to cool off

Rest​ area​ for​ coffe​e, super market​ and​ foot onsen

Nice park with a food onsen. Has a good ice cream stand and places to buy omiyage

So great place to view the Sakura or cherry blossoms. Apparently has the largest bronze lion dogs or Shisa in Japan. We caught a car beling blessed on our visit. I will say be aware as this is a shrine where Yamagata’s war dead are enshrined much like Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. I was unaware and may have not visited because of that. All gokoku shrines are seen as branches of yasukuni shrine.

I love Shrine that compassion to anything.We can freedom to pray to think what the true desire your hearth, surely didn't give up ...Last year 2014 all shrine Matsuri in Yamagata I see , watching and taking picture to the last Drum while someone Dancing, walking parade . I really enjoy !

Great place to visit during the cherry blossom season.

Nice place to go

(Translated by Google) 2025.5.3 Before 8:30 The parking lot is large. It was after 8 o'clock, but neither the temple grounds nor the restrooms were open. The temple grounds are open from 8:00 to 18:00. The restrooms are open from 9:00 to 16:30. I looked at it from the outside and used the restroom in the park. postscript People came around 8:20, and before I knew it, the fence around the shrine grounds was open. It doesn't seem like exactly 8 o'clock. (Original) 2025.5.3 8時半前 駐車場は広いです。 8時過ぎでしたが、境内もお手洗いも開いていませんでした。 境内は8:00〜18:00 お手洗いは9:00〜16:30のようです。 外から眺めて、お手洗いは公園のものを利用しました。 追記 8時20分くらいに人が来て、気づいたら境内の柵が開いていました。 8時ぴったりというわけではなさそうです。

(Translated by Google) I visited on a holiday morning. The grounds are spacious and there's a parking lot. Unless there's an event going on, parking won't be an issue. Facing the street are large lion statues...they're so big they remind me of Ghostbusters, lol. I walked along the approach to the main hall... It's well-maintained in the middle of town, and it has a very formal feel. There was an elderly couple there who were praying nonstop, and there was a line to pray. They gave me a handwritten goshuin and were still praying when I left. (Original) 休日の午前中詣でました 広大な敷地に駐車場 催しでもなければ駐車に困らない事でしょう 通りに面し、大きな狛犬が‥ここまで大きいとゴーストバスターズを思い出しますw 参道を歩き拝殿へ‥ 街中でしっかり整備されてますし、カッチリした印象ですね スゲー祈り続けてる初老の夫妻がいらっしゃり、参拝に列が出来てました 御朱印直書きで頂き帰る時もまだ祈り続けてました。

(Translated by Google) The main hall connected to the long street is not seen at other Gokoku shrines. It was a spacious and pleasant shrine. I paid my respects to the heroic spirits of Yamagata Prefecture. (Original) 長い通りからつながる本殿は他の護国神社では見られない。広々として気持ち良い神社でした。山形県の英霊に拝礼。

the first grand modern building in 山形 closes at 4:30 and they are really on time majestic outlook with well kept rooms of exhibits of the 100 year development of 山形region. Don’t miss the concert hall cumm assembly hall via the venetian style corridor . Even the old urinals are now historical artifacts. Seeing the RussoJspajese war victory cup on exhibit brings back all my history lessons

English style construction, full of decoration details and antique objectives. The museum tells the history of the Yamagata region, it's super complete and very informative, the only problem is that it doesn't have anything in English.

Free entry. Worth a quick stop if you’re visiting nearby attractions.

It's free to go inside this place. Quite interesting to explore this place. It's just so sad that there are many rooms that locked in here. There is also a beautiful garden in here. Various photo spot is also available in here.

This is a free museum/ historic building to explore for free. It's great on a rainy day. The old, noticeably western style, building was the prefecture office for yamagata prefecture. Many rooms are restored to original showing. Some nice views can be seen on the second floor. Inividuals who enjoy historical buildings, political sights or learning about prefecture history would enjoy this building.

Beautiful surroundings with lovely atmosphere. This building is English style and once it was the prefectural government office in Yamagata. It’s free to enter and the staff was very friendly too.

The building is beautiful viewing from the outside. In the building there are well restored rooms and exhibitions mainly about the history of the town. Worth taking a look.

If you're looking for a rather unusual museum in the somewhat small city of Yamagata that happens to have a rather large amount of famous impressionists' paintings, you have found it here at the Yamagata Museum of Art. I kid you not, you will find some lovely paintings by Monet and Van Gogh here at this tiny little museum. You will also find different exhibits depending on when you are there. Enjoy!

800¥ to go inside, and maybe you could spend 20-30 minutes. The collection was donated by Hasegawa family for Japanese Art side of the museum. The Modern French Art collection was loaned by Yoshino Gypsum, a very big building materials company. They have very beautiful Monet’s paintings: Water-Lillies & Undergrowth in Saint-German Forest, which I was truly mesmerized by those two. They have some Picasso as well.

An impressive calligraphy exhibit fills the majority of the museum. There is also a room of mixed artists paintings that are lovely.

Amazing collection, walked in on a whim and saw some great works by Renoir, Monet, Picasso and van Gough. They also had a special exhibit upstairs featuring modern Japanese artists, including some Yayoi Kusama. Worth stopping by!

At first glance, this looks like just another simple art museum. However upon taking another look, one can realize that this is do much more. The works of famous artists from all over the world such as Piccaso and Monet are proudly on display and while the museum may not be grande in size, what it lacks in quality, it exceeds in quality. To balance the western art is an impressive selection of traditional Japanese art as well as well as some contemporary pieces in addition

Really love place but not much in there I'm afraid. They had a lovely collection of calligraphy though seemed to be some kind of competition.

Good selection and worth a visit. Kajyou Koen is next to it and worth a stroll, especially in the cherry blossom season

The soba soya soup was quite good but they seem short of staff and there is a long wait just for them to clear, clean the table and take our orders. While the food came quickly, my tempura was already a bit soft from being submerged in the soup for a while.

Fantastic soba noodle shop to end our trip to Yamadera. Beautiful river seats in the window (if you're lucky!) and delicious food! (Ita soba pictured).

Really big portions, and it‘s pretty good soba, similar to most that I‘ve tasted around Japan. They have natto soba as well, which was quite good.

Had Yamagata's Ita Soba and Tempura. They were delicious. The soba texture was nice and firm to the bite. The view from the restaurant was awesome.

Excellent soba and our go to when visiting Yamadera (do not recommend the hot/soup one though - al dente cold is best). Small car park next to it (free). Nice view of the stream - opposite you can see the valley viewpoint up in the mountain (see pic).

Awesome food and the place was pretty! It gets crowded though so make sure to come before or after lunch hour

Excellent soba and be prepared to wait a while if you have tempura with it. The hot soba is disappointing as the soup is very weak. A good view of the river outside and a few places for parking. If this is full, there is another restaurant with slightly more variety (and tables) opposite (also with parking).

Recommended! 'Meat soba' is a Yamagata specialty and the name doesn't do this dish justice. If you get sick of ramen and want something more exciting and filling than soba/udon, this is perfect. They serve great tempura too. For those driving, keep in mind that this place doesn't have a lot of parking.

Some of the best soba I've had and I've had a lot. Yamagata is famous for it and this place represents. They specialize in duck meat as well, their niku soba is topped with it. For about ¥1,000 you can have a taste of some of the best soba in Japan.

(Translated by Google) ・I highly recommend it! The soup was delicious! The sweetness of the seasonings complements the umami of the broth perfectly! It's available both hot and cold, so both are excellent. It's delicious in both summer and winter. It's not an exceptionally delicious flavor that you can't get anywhere else, but a heartwarming taste that you can only get here. It may seem ordinary, but it's a refined flavor that you don't get to find very often!! ・You may have to queue during busy periods, but it's definitely worth stopping by. ・You order by scanning a QR code, but perhaps it depended on the timing, but I had a hard time placing my order... (Original) ・推します！スープが美味すぎました！出汁のうま味に合わさる調味料の甘味が抜群です！冷も温もありますので、どちらも抜群です。夏でも冬でも美味しく味わえます。他では食べられない飛び抜けた絶品という味ではなく、ここでしか味わえない心温まる味です。平凡に感じるかもしれませんが、中々食べられない上品な味わいですよ！！ ・繁忙期と混む時間帯は並ぶのかもしれませんが、寄る価値はありだと思います。 ・注文がQRコードを読み込んで注文する形式ですが、タイミングによるのか、中々注文できなかった。。。

(Translated by Google) I visited Yamagata Issuntei for the first time in 13 years on a business trip to Yamagata. After checking the menu, I decided to order the cold meat soba for 900 yen, even though it was a little chilly. You order by scanning a QR code. The cold meat soba that was brought to me later looked simply delicious. First, I sipped the broth, which was salty and strong, not to my liking. The noodles and chicken were soft, so it was disappointing that it wasn't the type of meat soba I prefer. (Original) 山形出張で13年振りに山形一寸亭に訪問しました。 メニュー確認して今回いただいたのは、少し寒くなりましたが、冷たい肉そば900円を注文しました。 注文はQRコードを読み込んでします。 その後、運ばれてきた冷たい肉そばは、シンプルに美味しそうです。 まずは、お出汁を飲むと、しょっぱくて濃いめで自分好みではありませんでした。 麺も柔らかめで、鶏肉も柔らかめで自分好みなタイプの肉そばでなくて残念でした。

(Translated by Google) This famous meat soba restaurant is a relative of Issuntei in Kahoku Town, but is run separately. Chicken Katsudon Set (1,500 yen) The meat soba made with a parent chicken was very flavorful, and the noodles seemed thinner than at the main store. The sauce katsudon had a fruity flavor and was delicious without being too greasy. (Original) 河北町にある一寸亭とは親類だが別に経営をされている肉そばの有名店。 チキンカツ丼セット1,500円 親鶏を使った肉そばは旨みが強くて、本店よりはそばは細いように感じた。ソースカツ丼はフルティーな風味で脂っこさを感じさせない美味しさがありました。

(Translated by Google) This is a long-established Sarashina-style soba restaurant in Yamagata. I visited around 1 PM on a Sunday, and the large parking lot behind the restaurant was full, so I had to wait a bit before finally finding a spot. The restaurant was also full, with three other groups waiting, so I waited outside for about 20 minutes before entering. I ordered the popular "Cold Meat Soba." This meat soba is a refined version of Sarashina's, different from the cold meat soba (country soba) found in Kahoku Town. The Sarashina meat soba was also quite delicious. 😊😊 Thank you for the meal. ☺️ (Original) 山形の老舗の更科系の蕎麦店。日曜日の13時頃に訪問し、店舗裏にある広い駐車場も満車で、少し待ち何とか駐車。 さらに店内は満席で3組待ちで、20分ほど外で待ってから入店。 人気の『冷たい肉そば』を注文❢ こちらの肉蕎麦は、河北町の冷たい肉そば（田舎蕎麦）とは異なる上品な更科の肉蕎麦です。更科の肉蕎麦もなかなかの美味でした😊😊 ご馳走様でした☺️

(Translated by Google) This is a refreshing meat soba noodle dish with soft, thin noodles, rare in Yamagata City, and kelp broth. A few years ago, they mainly offered a combination of thick noodles and Chinese noodles, but now they offer a great value set of a small bowl and noodles. It's completely different from the main store, but it's delicious. (Original) 山形市では珍しく柔らか細麺で、昆布出汁？のさっぱりした肉そばです。数年前は太麺＋中華麺の合わせ盛りが主でしたが、今は小丼＋麺のお得なセットが有ります。本店とは全く別物ですが。美味しいです。

Absolutely loved the rustic decor, the vibes are immaculate. I got ginger ale which paired really well with my chocolate cake. The staff are really friendly and it was great just to relax and read. Also recommend if you want to catch up with friends here. One of the best cafés in the city in my opinion. Great job

The salad is amazing. Main courses are very delicious. Although the space is not very big, overall it’s comfortable.

A welcoming cafe filled with tranquility but yet astonishing desserts and coffee

Excellent.

(Translated by Google) It's a 5-6 minute walk from Wenxiang Hall. Besides the popular "Prinn," this cafe was also chosen for its retro, rustic decor. The map was a bit confusing at first, but the actual location is at a T-junction, just after turning left from the crossroads entrance, next to Shangmeitang. The interior, with its low-temperature lighting, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cafe serves meals and afternoon tea. Since we were there during tea time, international reservations were not accepted, so we had to queue. Thankfully, peak hours had passed, and a group of customers were checking out, so we were seated. Even after 3:00 PM, the place was still packed, and the guests continued to leave right before our departure. We ordered some drinks and desserts: ▲Drinks ▶HOT ▶ボタコーヒー(ICE) ▶ジンジャエール ▶ウーロンtea ▲デザート ▶ガトー・ショコラは ▶チーズケーキ ▶アーモンドフロランタン Impressive drinks and desserts: 「ガトー・ショコラは」 The proportion of chocolate cake is quite good, especially the entrance is slightly bitter and sweet with a brandy-like aroma. It is paired with "ボタコーヒー" (HOT) It's a perfect combination, perfect for those who enjoy rich chocolate with a hint of bittersweetness. "Jinjael" My first time trying this drink, the first sip was quite unique and hard to describe, but the gingery aftertaste was unmistakable. The second sip revealed that the distinctive aroma came from the cloves. It's a truly unique drink, and if you have the chance, you should definitely try it. The "Bota Kochi" here is a rich, dark roast coffee with a mellow, lingering sweetness, perfect with dessert. Unfortunately, we didn't get to try the "Prinn" because it was sold out when we arrived. We didn't see a new batch of "Prinn" until we were checking out. If you happen to come here, be sure to order some, as takeout isn't available. After enjoying the cafe's afternoon tea, we stopped by the nearby "Minomachiya Nanakamachi Goten Weir," our last stop before dinner. (Original) 由「 文翔館」徒步前來大約5-6分鐘可以抵達，會選擇這家咖啡廳除了人氣「プリン」另一個就是復古與帶有原野鄉村風味的裝飾。 一開始看地圖還有些迷惑，咖啡廳的實際位置是在十字入口左轉後的T字路口，旁邊是「尚美堂」。 進入後室內搭配低色溫的燈光，第一眼給人是一種「溫馨」的感覺，咖啡廳有供餐也可以單純享用下午茶，由於我們是午茶時段並沒有辦法提供海外預約，因此要現場排隊。 不過還好尖峰時段已過，剛好有一組客人結帳，我們順勢入座，當天即便已經過了PM15：00裡面還是高朋滿座，一直到離開前客人才陸續離席。 我們點了一些飲料與甜品： ▲飲み物 ▶ボタコーヒー(HOT) ▶ボタコーヒー(ICE) ▶ジンジャエール ▶ウーロン茶 ▲デザート ▶ガトー・ショコラは ▶チーズケーキ ▶アーモンドフロランタン 印象比較深刻的飲料與甜品： 「ガトー・ショコラは」 巧克力蛋糕比例調配的相當不錯，特別是入口帶點微苦又甘甜還有類似白蘭地的香氣，拿來搭配「ボタコーヒー」(HOT) 是絕佳組合，特別適合喜歡濃郁巧克力又甘中帶苦的朋友。 「ジンジャエール」 第一次嚐試這款飲品，對於首次飲用的人來說第一口的味道很特殊也難以形容但入喉後的薑味是明確的，第二口再飲用原來那特殊氣味是來自「丁香」，這是一款風味獨特的飲料若有機會前來可以試試看。 這裡的「ボタコーヒー」是帶著濃郁風味的深烘培咖啡，口感醇厚入口回甘相當適合搭配甜點，比較可惜是沒有吃到「プリン」，因為前來時已經完售，一直到我們結帳離開時才看到新的一批「プリン」出爐，記得若有機會來此巧遇一定要點來吃吃看，因為無法外帶。 再享用咖啡廳所提供的下午茶後，我們順路前往旁邊的「水の町屋七日町御殿堰 」參觀，這也是今日「夕食」前的最後一個景點。

Rustic decor. Small list of cakes and drinks. Pleasant atmosphere

(Translated by Google) I visited about 2-3 years ago, but... It's a cafe you'll want to return to again and again. 🤍 [Interior] The atmosphere is meticulously crafted. 💭 The tables, chairs, tableware, ornaments, and walls... Everything is tastefully crafted with the owner's attention to detail, making it a very stylish place. ✨ [Food] The vegetables are delicious!!! I also tried the curry, which wasn't too strong, and had a natural flavor that made me want to return again and again. ❕ ★This is in my top 5 recommendations for first-time visitors to Yamagata City★ I'll definitely visit again next time I'm in Yamagata! (Original) 伺ったのは2〜3年ほど前になりますが、、 何度も行きたくなるカフェです🤍 【店内】 こだわりを感じる雰囲気作り💭 テーブルや椅子、食器、置物、壁、、、 どれをとっても、お店の方のこだわりを感じるセンスのいいものばかりで、とってもオシャレです✨ 【お料理】 お野菜が美味しい！！！ カレーも食べましたが、癖がありすぎず、 何度も食べたくなる自然な味わいです❕ ★山形市に初めて来た人にオススメしたいカフェ、トップ5にはわたし的に入ります★ 山形へ行ったらまたお邪魔します〜！

The shop owner and waitresses are kindly and nice. Prices for different kind of 十四代 sake are fair. I am so happy that I have the chance for trying the 龍泉 in this restaurant. Hope I can go back to this Izakaya soon. There is one thing I would suggest: hope the reservation would be easier for foreigners.

A good Japanese restaurant (izakaya) .the manager there is a nice man , he recommended us some very nice local dishes, chicken cooked in mayonnaise and wasabi is there original recipe and Definitely worth a try , the menu there is only in Japanese language with no photographs so a little difficult to choose for foreigners.the only negative thing i feel is they open until 11 o’clock in the evening and the last order is 10 o’clock feels a little earlier then usual for izakaya style . Counter seats is preferable as the rooms looks a little small . The prices are a little higher side . Credit cards accepted.

Very nice place with a wide range of Japanese sake, for example Juyondai 十四代, Jokigen 上喜元, Dewa Sakura 出羽桜

(Translated by Google) This is an izakaya with private rooms with narrow conductors. The atmosphere is classy and nice. I'm not sure if this is the case near Yamagata Station, but it's 900 yen for an appetizer that allows you to see the cost. It cost over 2,000 yen per person for three drinks and one additional dish, and we were able to stay for 5 minutes. (Original) 導線が狭い個室居酒屋さんです。雰囲気は高級感があり良いです。 山形駅付近がそうなのかは分かりかねますが原価見通せるお通しで900円。 3人分の酒一杯と一品追加で一人2,000円超、滞在時間5分はいけてますね。

(Translated by Google) We made a reservation at this izakaya, where you can drink Juyondai. We enjoyed Juyondai and wine while savoring a course meal featuring Yamagata ingredients and local specialties (appetizers, taro stew, sashimi, Yamagata beef mini steak, tempura, zaru soba noodles, and Muscat grapes for dessert). Each dish was delicately and carefully prepared to perfection. You can enjoy a leisurely meal in a private room. Juyondai's price of 4,980 yen per cup is reasonable, considering its rarity. If you go drinking and try two or three other dishes at another restaurant beforehand, you may find yourself full and unable to finish it all. (Original) 十四代が飲める居酒屋さんということで予約。 山形産食材、名物が揃ったコース料理(前菜、芋煮、刺身、山形牛のミニステーキ、天ぷら、ざるそば、デザートのマスカット)を味わいながら、十四代やワインを楽しみました。 料理1つ1つが繊細で丁寧な味。個室でゆっくり食事ができます。十四代が１合4980円はその希少価値からもお手頃です。事前に他のお店で2〜3品つまみながら飲んで来店するとお腹がいっぱいで食べきれないかもしれません。

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy delicious sake from Yamagata. We were also asked to serve course meals, so we were able to enjoy them at our own pace. Yamagata's sake is delicious no matter what you drink! You can spend a blissful time relaxing in a private room with delicious drinks and food. I'll bother you again. (Original) 山形の美味しいお酒をいただく事が出来ます。 コース料理のサーブもお声かけいただき、自分たちのペースでゆっくりいただく事が出来ました。 山形のお酒は何を飲んでも美味しい！ 個室でのんびり美味しいお酒とお料理で至福の時間を過ごせます。またお邪魔します。

(Translated by Google) We went with a group and were very satisfied with the course menu, which was perfectly paired with a variety of sake! (Original) 団体で利用させていただきました。数々の日本酒に合うコースメニューで大満足です！

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.

The castle opens from mid April till Oct. Please attention to opening days if you want to visit the interior of the castle. But the park is opened all year round, good stroll even during the winter.

This castle found itself, like so many others, on the wrong side of the Meiji Restoration. Today, it's a quiet park and nice place to enjoy a bento with the family. Have a stroll through the partly reconstructed outer walls of the castle, and peer into the old well! It's not a bad ruin, or rather it is quite ruined, which is to say there isn't much left to see. It is peaceful, overall, with plenty of shade.

Nothing interesting to see other than the bridge over the dry moat and the gate, as the castle is in ruins (there is no visible structures or remnants to view as there is unkempt vegetation everywhere). You could probably pass this place or sprint through just to say you’ve visited it. The peripheral structure/east gate has some exhibits to view (free admission)

It's free to come and take a photo in this place. It's good to come if the weather is sunny, rather than at night. Good spot if you like to running around this area

Basically ruins of the castle are left here. However, reconstruction is in progress, so you can still see some structures unveiled. In all the space is still recommendable since it remains pretty original and untouched.

Unfortunately, was not open when i went there but i was able to walk the perimeter and look at the signs detailing the history and what it looked like before.

Good park for strolling

The city rests beneath mountain crowns. Temples hide in cedar forests; rivers hum through lantern-lit streets. The air tastes of soba and snow. Yamagata is patience carved into landscape. Tourist Tip: Major stop; visit Yamadera Temple (40 min local train). Famous for cherries and soba noodles. Festivals bloom in summer heat.

JR Yamagata station is not big but still you can buy many local souvenirs here.

Train station and bus station. Have starbucks. Station has toilets

Youtube search "rianekj yamagata" to view shorts about Yamagata Station, hotel, food around station and shopping!

It is a small but convenient station. There is a shinkansen gate and various shops and restaurants. There is also Starbucks where you can wait for your train. Local delicacy gifts are available.

Central to the tourist spots like Zao, Yamadera with good value hotels nearby. Perfect place to stay when you visit the Yamagata prefecture.

Neat station with a nearby hotel and some shopping available. There is a souvenir shop and also a tourist information booth to help visitors out, though be advised their English isn't perfect. Even with the Hanagasa Odori festivals ongoing, the area is able to handle the crowds well.

A small free museum outlining the history of Yamagata. Mainly from the feudal lords era.

Free museum, I regret not studying Japanese history.

Brilliant.

Collection of artefacts and literature about the daimyō Mogami Yoshiaki. English, Chinese, and Korean language info provided via QR codes.

Small but ppl working there are really welcoming and passionate

Excellent !

(Translated by Google) The museum is free to visit, but photography of the exhibits is not permitted. The museum is not large, so 30 minutes is plenty of time to spend there. A highlight is the 38-ken, fully-covered, muscular helmet that Mogami Yoshiaki actually used in battle. The marks of bullet damage are still vividly visible. Yamagata Castle seals are also available for sale at the reception desk. (Original) 館内は無料見学できますが、展示物の撮影は不可でした。 館内は広くないので滞在時間は30分もあれば充分。 見どころは最上義光が実際に戦で使用していた三十八間総覆輪筋兜。 銃撃された跡が生々しく残っています。 山形城の御城印も受付で販売してました。

(Translated by Google) ▪︎Satonomiya Yudono-san Shrine Yamagata Prefecture's first prefectural governor, Mishima Michitsune, was founded in 1876 (Meiji 9). The spirit of the guardian of Yamagata Prefecture was enshrined in the Dewa Sanzan Mountains. The deity of the innermost shrine of the country, a small shrine dedicated to Yudono-san, was enshrined in the Dewa Sanzan Mountains. Deities of Satonomiya Yudono-san Shrine Oyamazumi-no-Mikoto – Mountain god, agriculture god, prayers for bountiful harvests and household safety Omitsuki-no-Mikoto – Agriculture god, commerce god, and matchmaking god, also known as Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and Daikoku-sama, prayers for bountiful harvests, household safety, business prosperity, and successful marriage Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto – God of medicine, hot springs, and sake, prayers for recovery from illness, physical health, healing of injuries, and protection from disasters and good fortune Co-enshrined deities of Satonomiya Yudono-san Shrine Akiba-yama-no-Okami – Fire god, fire prevention god, also known as Kagutsuchi-no-Mikoto, prayers for fire extinguishing and household safety Koganeyama-no-Okami – God of mining, also known as Kanayamahiko-no-Okami and Kanayamahime-no-Okami, prayers for increased financial luck and good fortune Satonomiya Yudonosan Shrine grounds within the grounds have the only deity enshrined in Yamagata Prefecture: Ebisu – the god of business prosperity and prosperity, Ichigami Shrine, prayers for business prosperity, company fortune prosperity, business prosperity, company safety, goal achievement, business performance development, etc., have very cute 蕪菁御礼。 (Original) ▪︎里之宮 湯殿山神社 山形県初代県令三島通庸於明治9年(1876年)創建，旨在守護山形県，奉祀著從出羽三山の奥の宮国幣小社湯殿山本宮の口之宮本導寺湯殿山神社請來的分霊。 里之宮 湯殿山神社的御祭神 大山祗命–山の神、農業神，祈求五穀豊穣・家内安全 大已貴命–農業神、商業神、縁結びの神，別名大国主大神、大黒様，祈求五穀豊穣・家内安全・商売繁盛・良縁成就 少彦名命–医薬の神、温泉の神、酒の神，祈求病気平癒・身体健全・怪我治癒・除災招福 里之宮 湯殿山神社的相殿神 秋葉山大神–火の神、火防開運の神，別名迦具土大神，祈求火災消除・家内安全 黄金山大神–鉱山の神，別名金山彦大神、金山姫大神，祈求金運上昇・招運開福 里之宮 湯殿山神社境內社有山形県内唯一御祭神為恵比寿様–商売繁盛の神的市神神社，祈願商売繁盛、社運隆昌、事業繁栄、社内安全、目標必達、業績発展等，有非常可愛的蕪菁御守。

(Translated by Google) First visit in September 2025 Located in the center of Yamagata City, it has a modern, compact feel. Parking is across the street. If you're walking, you can also access it from the Bunshokan side. As usual, I prayed, received a goshuin (stamp), and made a wish on the Omokaru stone (stone). The goshuin (stamp) was written in a goshuincho (stamp book), which is also very cool. I highly recommend visiting. (Original) 2025.9初参拝 山形市の中心部にあり、近代的な雰囲気で、コンパクトに まとめられた印象。 駐車場は道路の向かい側にあります。徒歩の場合は文翔館側 からもアクセスできます。 いつもどおりご祈願をしてご朱印をいただき、おもかる石でも 願掛けして参拝完了。 ご朱印は御朱印帳に書いてくれますし、これがまた格好イイのよ。みなさんも是非参拝を。

(Translated by Google) There is always someone on hand, so you can buy amulets and receive prayers even on weekdays. When you request a prayer, it depends on the course you choose, but they will carefully and thoroughly recite a prayer and properly convey to the gods the name of the person and your wish, which is very grateful. You will also be able to see the shrine maiden's dance, which made for a wonderful, special prayer that warmed my heart. I make sure to visit when I have an important request to make. (Original) 係の方が常時いらっしゃるので、平日でもお守りを買ったり祈祷の受付が可能です。 ご祈祷をお願いすると、コースにもよるかと思いますがしっかりと丁寧に祝詞を上げていただき対象者や何の願いかもきちんと神様へ伝えていただけるので、大変ありがたく感じます。巫女さんの舞も見せていただけるので、特別感のある心が温かくなる素晴らしいご祈祷となりました。 大切なお願いごとする時にはお邪魔するようにしています。

(Translated by Google) I received a handwritten goshuin stamp! There were so many types that it was hard to choose! It was a very beautiful shrine! (Original) 御朱印を直書きで頂きました！ 種類が多く悩んでしまいました！ とても綺麗な神社でした！

(Translated by Google) Apparently this shrine was built as the guardian deity of the prefectural office building. It's not a large shrine, but it's well-maintained. They were also very kind when I got the goshuin stamp. (Original) 県庁舎の守護神として創建された神社だそうです。 規模は大きくはありませんが綺麗に整備された神社でした。 御朱印も丁寧に対応していただけました。

(Translated by Google) A shrine located right in the middle of town. There are two shrines on the grounds, and I visited both and received a handwritten goshuin (temple seal). The grounds (excluding the shrine office) aren't particularly large, but the shrines are compact. Of course, they're well-maintained, and despite the cloudy weather, I was able to visit with a clear mind. (Original) 街中も中にある社 敷地内に二社ありどちらも詣で、御朱印を直書きで頂きました 敷地は（社務所等を除く）決して広いわけではなく、ギュッとした社 モチロンキチンと整備されており、曇り空でしたが晴れた気持ちで詣でることが出来ました。

(Translated by Google) I visited on a weekday morning. There was a heavy stone on the grounds. The calligraphy of the goshuin seal was very beautiful. The strong-looking guardian lion statues were also good. (Original) 平日の午前中に訪問　境内には重軽石がありました　御朱印の書体がとても素敵です　強そうな狛犬も良きでした

Tried the Happy Hour 👍🏻 I like the seasonings on the side :) You can make the tonkotsu taste different in every bite.

I think food is okay in Yamagata but obviously when compared to Tokyo it’s not that good. But bear in mind that it is in Yamagata! If you want to taste fried pork I think it’s definitely a choice given its location, service and environment.

Best pork tonkatsu ever! The most tender n flavourful meal. Highly recommend you try this if you love pork. Went back in consecutive days to eat it. Thank you.

Awesome find of tonkatsu! Free refill of miso soup and cabbage. The cheese tonkatsu was amazing. Definitely worth the money. The fried oysters were very fresh and crispy

Definitely a very tasty tonkatsu and definitely recommend it. Service was friendly

Very friendly staff, prices were decent for amount of food. They provide free black tea with a jug to keep refilling throughout. Condiment options were plenty. Pork curry tasted amazing. Wish I had more meat with it.

We ordered 2 set meals that are on special, which took 800 yen off our total bill. It was succulent and has beautiful golden crispy coat of crumbs. Sooo good and satisfying! We went today (Sunday night) thinking there is happy hour between 1400 to 1800 (based on just people's reviews) but apparently not today. Need to check with them what days they have happy hour specials.

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。

Amazing food. Staff are extremely kind! I followed their suggestions to eat Yamagata food and it was all delicious.

(Translated by Google) Whatever I ate was delicious. All of the dishes, such as white liver and cod milt, which can be expected to have a smell, are completely odorless. Rather, each one had a creamy sweetness and was very delicious. A good shop with a wide selection of Japanese sake and a complete service from start to finish. (Original) 何を食べても美味しいかった。 白レバーや鱈の白子など臭みがあっても仕方ないメニューがいずれも臭みなし。 むしろ、それぞれがクリーミーな甘みがあり、とても美味しかった。 日本酒の品揃えも豊富で初めから〆まで完結する良いお店。

(Translated by Google) ~A drink with local sake and local cuisine only available in the summer~ We enjoyed local Yamagata cuisine and local produce, such as an appetizer of hijiki seaweed, a meaty potato stew, and grilled skewers of Yamagata beef, and enjoyed seasonal local Yamagata sake. It was delicious. However, there was a clear ending... This was my first time staying in the Yamagata Station area, and a business partner I visited for work had made a reservation at his favorite restaurant, so I was going to go there, but I ended up going to this restaurant by mistake. 💦 Fortunately, I was able to find a delicious restaurant, and I was relieved that the restaurant I had booked with was not inconvenienced, but I was clumsy for the first time in a while. It seems that Yamagata has a lot of restaurants where you can drink delicious sake. I think I'll drop by Nanukamachi again. Thank you for the meal! (Original) 〜夏季限定の地酒と郷土料理で1杯〜 おかひじきのお通し、お肉たっぷりの芋煮、山形牛の串焼など山形の郷土料理や地物を頂き、季節限定の山形の地酒を頂きました。美味しかったです。 ただ、しっかりと落ちがあって… 山形駅周辺は初めて宿泊、仕事で訪れたお取引先の方が行きつけのお店を予約してくださり、行こうとしたのですが…間違えてこちらのお店へ入っていました。💦幸いにも美味しいお店にめぐり合う事ができ、ご予約のお店にもご迷惑なかったとのことでホッとしましたが、久しぶりにおっちょこちょいを発揮してしまいました。 山形は美味しい日本酒が飲めるお店が多いという事ですね。また七日町にふらっと行こうと思います。ご馳走様でした！

(Translated by Google) We had sanma sashimi, gizzard shad, and grilled skewers. Everything was delicious. It was a Friday, and they had a large booking, so there were a lot of young staff. There seemed to be some newcomers, but they were all cheerful and provided great service without any issues. However, from the perspective of a sake lover, I was disappointed that the recommended sakes were often sold out. I also think they should have someone with a bit more knowledge of sake write the menu. "Miyama Nishiki" is not the name of the sake, but the name of the sake rice. So it's impossible to tell which brewery it comes from. (Original) 食べたのはさんまの刺身、ガツ刺し身、串焼き。どれも美味しかったです。 その日は金曜日で大口の予約があったらしく若いスタッフさんが大勢。新人さんもいたようですが、特に何の問題もなく明るく接客していたと思います。 ただ、日本酒好きという観点から言わせてもらえば…オススメの日本酒は売り切れが多いのが残念でした。あともうちょっと日本酒に詳しい人にお品書きを書かせるべきかなあ。「美山錦」は日本酒の名前じゃなくて酒米の名前です。あれではどこの酒蔵のものなのか分かりませんです、はい。

(Translated by Google) Everything is delicious. I visited in the winter of 2024. The staff are all polite and friendly. Local sake goes well with Yamagata specialties such as taro root and tamakon. (Original) すべて美味しい。 2024年の冬に伺いました。 店員の方みなさん丁寧で愛想がいい。 山形名物の芋煮、玉コンなどと地酒が合う

(Translated by Google) All the food was delicious! ✨ I visited while on a business trip, and the atmosphere was great, so I was able to enjoy a relaxing meal even by myself! The owner was also very friendly and taught me a lot about Yamagata. (Original) お料理全て絶品でした✨ 出張中に伺ったのですが、店内の雰囲気も良く、ひとりでもゆっくり食事できました！ オーナーも気さくに山形のことを色々教えてくださいました。

(Translated by Google) I visited him when I was traveling. The friendliness of the staff is really nice. It felt like a nice shop with a lot of humanity, offering some kind of service to its regular customers. The food is also delicious. The beef skewers and imoni were especially delicious. There were many types of sake, which was good. It was convenient because it was close to the hotel and open a little later than the surrounding shops. I would definitely like to come again. (Original) 旅行時にお伺いしました。 店員さんの愛想がめちゃくちゃいいです。 常連さんにサービスなんかもしていて、人情溢れるいいお店、という感じでした。 料理も美味しいです。特に牛串と芋煮が絶品でした。 日本酒の種類も多くて良かったです。 ホテルから近く、周囲のお店より少し遅くまで開いていて便利でした。 是非また来たいです。

The food was great and it was open late - the staff were all nice but Elsa was super friendly and very good at giving recommendations. Please feel free to enjoy this bar when you visit Yamagata.

We ordered the 5000 yen course and each dish was delicious. The steak was the highlight and is possibly one of the best ones I have ever had. A great all around tour of Yamagata’s culinary specialties as well as some unique cocktails which take advantage of the region’s fruits. Also a good location essentially a part of the station itself.

Local cuisine with english menu provided! Taste very good!

Superior taste! A bit pricey though.

Good imoni and service!

There's English menu here. Food was good, so was the Umeshu.

Super steak. Much food. Wow.

We got there around 3pm, and there were tons of parking spots! The price was a bit steep, and I wish they could show me the cams from the second section. I spent 2000 yen just to get there, and I only stayed for 5 minutes because I couldn’t see much up there. The photos are from the first section, and you can see how foggy it is in my other review.

Here is my objective review of the Zao Ropeway Juhyo experience, 4/5, for obvious reason - the freaking queue time! We took the 7am plus bus from Yamagata station (be sure to queue early from there to make sure you get a seat on the bus!). You need to buy a ticket from the bus ticket counter, 2,400 yen for round-trip. It takes 40 minutes to reach here. Once reached, it'll be an easy 10 mins walk to reach there at 8:30am. This is a weekday, so we were genuinely surprised that the queue is at least 100 metres long. There was first a queue to purchase tickets, then another queue to the ropeway. The first part of the ropeway was particularly slow. There is only one small carriage up and down, ONE carriage! No wonder it takes forever to get everyone up. It took us probably 1.5 hours for our turn, bear in mind we reach at opening time. A lot of the tour group were lucky enough to secure priority lane (we tried to get the online ticket, but it was sold out very quickly every day). When we got in, we got squeeze packed like sardines, and the worker in charge will be sure to fill the carriage to the brim. So I must say the ingress experience was extremely poor, which is not what I'd expect from Japanese operators. Once we're up to the midway station, the experience gets better, and the second section of the ropeway is defined more enjoyable. Take us almost no queue to get up this time. The view from there onwards is magical. To know that Juhyo is a rare natural occurrence that happens only in certain areas in Tohoku makes it extra special. Also, I felt lucky to experience the dry snow at the top of the mountain. Saw a lot of skiers there. If I were to back here, I'd love to ski here. I think the view at the top compensated the terrible experience at first, but there is surely way to make it better. The ticket was very pricey, and the wait is just unjustifiable. It's time for an upgrade on the first section ropeway, for sure. For the view and Johyu experience, I'd recommend it, but you just have to come early and manage your expectations at the start. It took us 4 hours in total for this experience, and we made it in time to leave at 12 and head to Ginzan onsen next.

Visited Zao Ropeway (Zao Sanroku Station) on a weekday in mid-February, and despite it not being the weekend, the queue was still very long. With so many tourists visiting to see the famous snow monsters, the wait time was almost an hour. However, once I got on the ropeway, it was absolutely worth it. The ride up offered stunning views of the snow-covered mountains, and at the top, the snow monsters (frozen trees) looked surreal—like something out of a fantasy world. The scenery alone made the long wait worthwhile.

It really depends on the weather. During my visit; wind is too strong and snow are too heavy. Cant really enjoy the view and see the snowy trees. When we are at the top with king zao, wind is super strong and everyone out there had a frozen damage on our face. Nevertheless, great experience!

I went during early autumn so nothing much to see. I went to the highest station and it was rainy and misty so nothing much to see as well. So do consider the weather before you purchase the ticket. The weather got clearer when at the first station. There is a viewing point around 5min walk from the station.

Very poor operation. We didnt make it to the elevator because the waiting queue up to 2 hrs and our tour time didnt allow more time to wait. (we have 3 hours here but cant make it) If you want to see frosted trees there, make sure that you can spend a whole day in this area. DONT BOOK IT IN A TOUR, time is very risky.

Great season to look at the snow monsters in February. The view at the mountains was simply amazing! Arrived at around 11am, we were able to get in cable car with a short queue of around 15-20 minutes. Tickets were bought on site from a vending machine. We were lucky enough to go straight up to mountain top to see snow monsters thanks to the weather. It was freezing cold up there with only -8 degrees. But the view was magnificent. Note: keep the cable car tickets with you all the time, you will need it for 2 cable car sections up the mountain and return

A frustrating experience at this open ski area. It’s easy to get lost, and I somehow managed to lose my cell phone in the process. There are too many flat areas where you’re forced to take off your snowboard and walk—definitely not ideal. The weather didn’t help, and to top it off, there were way too many non-skiers taking the cable car up just for photos, blocking the way for those of us trying to actually ski. Not the best place for serious snow sports enthusiasts!

A Paradise of Snow Monsters and Winter Adventures If you’re traveling to Yamagata in winter, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a must-visit destination. The resort offers a diverse range of courses for all levels from gentle slopes to tight tree runs Get into the Zao Rope Way Sanrokusen for Juhyo Kogen station where you can have some fun with the snow. From Juhyo Kogen Station get into the Zao Rope Way Sanchosen and you will reach to the top(around 1661m). In you way you can see the Snow Monsters JFYI: there might be strong winds at the top so make sure to be prepared with proper wears and shoes. For skiers/snowboarders: the resort is huge and it’s easy to get lost. So have a course map with you. For snowboards : there are lots of flat areas where you have to remove your snowboard and walk for the next lift. Access: Get a bus from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen. A one way ticket will cost around 1200Yen

Best experience in Japan. You have to check the weather first. On a fine day, the monster are visible and you can play with snow. We took the ropeway. There are 2 station on the way. Last one is the main spot to see the mighty snow monster. There is also ski area and onsen area. Ropeway round trip price is around 4200 yen. At night there are some illumination also. It was freezing ❄️ cold. Must wear snow boots and take heat patch. It will helpful to survive 😅. Once in a life time experience as Yamagata has one of the highest snowfall area. For ski, pre booking is must. There are restaurant on the last stop. On the first floor, one suvenior shop is there. Vending machine is available to buy hot drinks. Washroom facilities are also in good condition. 10/10 ( as i get the perfect views and nice weather ) in

Discover a hidden gem of a ski resort that offers an extraordinary experience! This resort is a paradise for ski enthusiasts who appreciate pristine snow conditions, breathtaking scenic views, and unique local features. The ski tracks are beautifully maintained, nestled among majestic snow-covered trees, and the resort’s distinctive tree monsters add a whimsical charm to the landscape. Unlike the busier and more commercialized ski destinations, this resort provides a tranquil escape, ensuring that the slopes are less crowded and the overall experience is more intimate. Its budget-friendly nature, compared to more popular resorts like Niseko, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking value without compromising on quality. A useful tip for future visitors: remember to carry cash, as many of the cozy, on-site restaurants prefer it over card payments. While the resort boasts an ample number of ski coaches, travelers should be aware that English communication may be limited. Despite this, the friendly and accommodating staff ensures a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone. Overall, if you’re in search of an authentic ski getaway where you can connect with the essence of winter sports in a serene and picturesque setting, this resort is an unbeatable choice. Don’t miss out on this less-trodden winter wonderland!

This a great ski resort, especially for beginners and sightseeing. There are some advanced hills, but not many so this isn't the place to come for big thrills. The beginner slopes are great for learning though! There's a lot of long, simple runs. Also, a lift ticket isn't much more expensive than a ropeway ticket so if you want to see the snow monsters you might as well go skiing too. Only real complaint is some awkward flat/uphill spots here and there that required me to take off my skis and walk a couple times.

Exceptionally beautiful ski/board course. The trees look magical covered in snow. Has several beginner areas. The panoramic route through the snow monsters is amazing. Although there are a lot of flat areas in between. Free shuttle Buses run between the gondolas till evening. Gondolas stop operating a bit early so plan otherwise. You can take a gondola to the top with a separate ticket as well. Illumination was cancelled the night i went due to bad weather.

One of my favorite ski resorts in Japan. So many slopes to choose from and great tree runs for starters. Although we missed the many snow monsters since it has wilted into snow skeletons, it was still great experience. I hope to come back again next season with fresh powder. The town was amazing as well with lots of great local people.

We arrived Okama on May 2nd as goldenweek holiday in Japan! We can drive up to the top by paying a ticket (800 yen per 1 car) It’s colder than we think, and the Okama is still full of snow!

The caldera lake is much larger in real, and it really leaves an impression. The altitude of the carpark is 1771 metres, so the mountain air is still refreshingly cool in midsummer.

Took bus here from Yamagata. Took 2 hours on the bus. Not many buses come here. Popular tourist location. Good scenario. Volcano lake. Walk around. Shrine. Good views

Fantastic experience visiting Okama. Parked at the visitor center entrance, with a fee of Y550. Took us ~2 hours to hike up to the peak and to see the stunning views. Along the way to the peak, you would already see amazing views of the Gokishinuma (5 colored pond) that was caused by volcanic activities in the past. Definitely recommend to go!

Okama looks absolutely gorgeous in the early to mid April period, when the snow is partially covering the surrounding slopes, partly showing the brown earth below. Under a blue sky, this 残雪 (Zansetsu) scene offer in my opinion one of the best view of Okama. These are photos were taken at 13/4/2024 after a 45min hike from the Zao Jizo Sancho Station 蔵王ロープウェイ 地蔵山頂駅. Something to take note of: (1) the last descending cable car leave at 4:45pm at this time of the year, (2) The trails are mostly covered under loose melting snow, those trail without snow are very muddy. Although I did it with just a gaiter and not fully waterproof shoe, I would strongly suggest good waterproof shoe, gaiter, snowshoe or trekking pole. (3) You can find the gps route and more hiking info from Yamap. (4) These photos were shot at the viewpoint just to the east of Kumanodake 熊野岳 which I think offer better scenery at this time of year compared to the more southern viewpoints.

I’ve skied at Zao several times, but this was my first summer visit. I have always wanted to hike and see Okama, and I would recommend this spot if you can. We drove up in a personal vehicle, but there are hiking trails and a chair lift a bit below the uppermost parking lot if you’re not driving. We also saw some cyclists biking up! There are many great hikes around, and of course, you can see the famous snow monsters without their snow!

It's a great place to visit. Emerald lake in volcano crater looks so magic.Amazing view from top of mountain. But Weather may be really unpredictable.So be aware about it and ready for any case. There are many ways to reach the place:by car, by free shuttle, by rope way or hiking. Parking place usually gets full very quickly,it's better to come before 10am. Hiking courses to the Okama crater are very good for any age and conditions. Never have try so enjoyable course.

A fantastic park and also a hidden gem in the city of Yamagata. We travelled here by bike, and could only imagine how splendid the view could be during spring and autumn!

Really beautiful Japanese garden. Has benches and parking. Well worth a relaxing visit. Probably not much space for a sit down picnic style outing but good for a bench relax.

It was beautiful and visited on a weekday to see just us at the park

beautiful koi pond with all maplet trees！

One of Yamagata's hidden treasures. Be sure to take a tour of the neighbouring tea house. The garden is renown for the many types of trees and beautiful autumn leaves. It has a long and interesting history which visitors can learn more about by taking a free tour.

It is a small Japanese garden with a pond. The garden is pretty far from Yamagata station but you could walk. I guess the beginning of November is the best time to visit. They have some maple trees and it was so beautiful when I went there. I saw lovely colors in the leaves.

Perfect place to see the autumn leaves!

Ard 10k yen for 8 people, i not much believe it. Very nice and friendly customer service, and the beef is superb. We order 2 different type, of cos the more expensive one is damn great. Cozy place. Enjoy it. The shoe locker is attractive. Special locking carpenters art.

It has information on the history of Yamagata City as well as a shop that sells Yamagata pottery, Japanese sake, and other locally produced products. The restaurant serves good Japanese food, especially the soba noodles.

Very traditional atomosphere! Good food.

Interesting display of ohinasama.

(Translated by Google) The old storehouse has been remodeled and now houses a soba shop, restaurant, and other eateries, as well as a souvenir shop. The parking lot is large, so you can get in without lining up on weekdays. There is also a direct sales store selling agricultural products, where you can buy local ingredients. It's a shame that it's far from the station. (Original) 昔の蔵を改造して、蕎麦屋、レストラン等の飲食店と土産物店が入っている。駐車場は広いので平日なら並ばずに入れそう。農産物を販売する直売所も併設されていて、地元の食材を買うこともできる。駅から距離があるのが、残念。

(Translated by Google) The building as a whole was lovely, but the souvenir shop was smaller than I expected. (Original) 建物全体としては 雰囲気があって素敵でしたがお土産屋は思っていたより小さかったです。

(Translated by Google) Visited on September 5, 2025 There's a wide selection of souvenirs, and the staff are friendly. (Original) 25.09.05. 방문 다양한 기념품이 있고 직원분들이 친절합니다.

Don't despise it as a soba restaurant with tourist information facilities. The retro atmosphere, cost performance, BGM JAZZ and taste are not bad at all. You might think it's an easy choice, but there is no loss to stop by.

(Translated by Google) I ate there when I stopped by Beni no Kura. It's an old building that's still in use, so when you open the door you'll see a dirt floor, giving it a great atmosphere. To enter the store, take off your shoes on the dirt floor. There is a table in a tatami room with a very nice atmosphere. It took a while to take my order, probably because it was lunchtime and there weren't many employees, but I was enjoying the atmosphere of the restaurant, so I didn't really mind. It was hot, so I chose cold meat soba. The noodles were firm and the taste was light. I thought that if you like dark eyes, a warmer one might be better. It might be good for children or people who are concerned about salt. Payment is made after the meal, and you can also pay by credit card or QR code. In addition, there is a free parking lot at Beni no Kura, and there is a large number of parking spaces, so there is no need to worry about that. (Original) 紅の蔵に立ち寄った際にお食事しました。 昔の建物をそのまま活用しているので、扉を開けると土間があったりして、雰囲気はとてもありました。 店内へは土間で靴を脱いであがります。畳の部屋にテーブルがあり、とても良い雰囲気です。 お昼時で店員さんも少なかったのか、注文を取るのに少し時間がかかっていましたが、店の雰囲気を楽しんでいたのもあり、特に気になりませんでした。 暑かったので、冷たい肉そばをチョイスしました。 麺はしっかり目で、味はあっさり目でした。濃い目が好きな方は温かいほうがよいかもなと思いました。お子さんとか塩分気になる方は良いかも。 お会計は食後の会計で、クレジットやQRコード決済もできます。 尚、駐車場は紅の蔵の無料駐車場があり、台数もかなり停められるので、そこまで心配ないです。

(Translated by Google) I came here looking for Yamagata food. The menu is extensive, but the seasoning is... (Original) 山形飯を目当てに伺いました。 山形メニューは豊富ですが、味付けは…

(Translated by Google) I had lunch there. Both the soba and the shirasu rice bowl were delicious. The rich soba broth was great! Thank you for the meal 🎵 (Original) ランチで利用しました。 おそばもしらす丼も美味しかったです。 濃いめの蕎麦つゆが良いですね！ ご馳走様でした🎵

(Translated by Google) The staff were very friendly, the restaurant was clean, and the soba was delicious. I would like to go again if I have the opportunity. (Original) 店員さんの対応も良く清潔感もありつつとても美味しい蕎麦でした。また機会があれば行きたいと思いました。

(Translated by Google) There was just one seat available - more and more customers were coming, and it was getting busy. There was a line by the time I left the store. Benigozen (lunch) I'm happy to be able to eat a variety of things. However, the soba was still delicious!The soba was medium-sized and tasted like handmade soba. The seat next to me had a lunch of soba noodles with local sake (^^) I'm jealous. All seats are on tatami mats with chairs, and you must take off your shoes at the shoe rack at the entrance. You can also hold a banquet in the hall. This restaurant serves delicious local cuisine. (Original) ぎりぎり一つ席が空いてました～どんどんお客さんが来て、賑わっています。お店を出る頃は行列に。 紅ご膳(ランチ)色々なものが食べられて嬉しい。でも、やっぱり蕎麦が美味しい!中細でこれぞ手打ち蕎麦って感じの美味しい蕎麦でした。 お隣の席は、地酒で蕎麦というおつなランチでした(^^)羨ましい。 全席畳に椅子の席で、入り口の下駄箱で靴を脱いで入ります。広間で宴会もできます。郷土料理が美味しいお店です。

(Translated by Google) Visited for lunch on a weekday. I thought I would never come to a store like this, and even though it was lunch, the daily special was over 1,000 yen? Change monthly? I ordered the Beni no Zen. As expected, the presentation was wonderful and there were many small bowls! I'm at a loss as to where to start. I expected a bowl with something that looked like sweet shrimp on top, but that wasn't the case. I had no impression of the food. Menus that cost less than 1,000 yen may be more satisfying. It wasn't as voluminous as I expected, and I guess it's just about 80% full. (Original) 平日のランチに訪問。 このような店舗に来ることはないと思い、ランチなのに千円オーバーの日替り？月替わり？の紅の膳を注文。 流石に盛り付けも素晴らしく、小鉢が多い！ どれから手を付けたらいいか迷ってしまう。 甘エビらしいのが乗ってる丼に期待したがそんなんでもない。 コレといった料理の印象はなかった。 千円以下のメニューの方が満足度は高いのかもしれない。 ボリュームは思ったほど無く、腹八分目で丁度なのかな。

(Translated by Google) For 3800 yen, it was a reasonable price. Nice to meet you Yamagata Nice to meet you Yamagata Beef Do you mean beef hot pot? Rice, small bowl, and Yamagata beef Prepare raw eggs wait until the meat tastes good oh dear It's definitely delicious, but I'm used to the sweet and strong sukiyaki of Tokyo. It somehow felt bland. Onions again Is it a must-have for sukiyaki in Yamagata? Someone please tell me. It's delicious though I felt like it was at this price. (Original) 3800円なら納得の内容でした。 初めまして山形 はじめまして　山形牛さま 牛鍋っていうんですか！ ご飯、小鉢、そして山形牛 生たまごを準備して 肉がいい感じになるのを待つ まあ 確かに美味いけど、東京の甘い濃いめのすき焼きになれてしまっているので なんとなく薄味に感じてしまいました。 また玉ねぎって 山形のすき焼きにマストなんですかね？ どなたか教えて下さい。 美味しいけど このお値段ならって感じでした。

(Translated by Google) I went there for dinner with a friend the other day. We had a course of sukiyaki and steak. The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere, and we were able to enjoy our meal at a leisurely pace. First, the sukiyaki. The meat's flavor was strong, and it went perfectly with the warishita sauce. I was particularly impressed by how tender and juicy the meat was. Next, the steak. It was cooked to perfection, and the flavor of the meat spread throughout my mouth. The sauce was also perfectly balanced to bring out the flavor of the meat, and I enjoyed it until the very end without getting bored. There was a wide selection of drinks on the menu, and I tried some local sake, which went perfectly with the food. (Original) 先日、友人とディナーで訪れました。すき焼きとステーキのコースをいただきました。店内は落ち着いた雰囲気で、ゆっくりと食事を楽しむことができました。 まず、すき焼き。肉の旨味がしっかりと感じられ、割り下との相性も抜群でした。特に、肉の柔らかさとジューシーさが印象的でした。 次に、ステーキ。焼き加減が絶妙で、肉の旨味が口いっぱいに広がりました。ソースも肉の味を引き立てる絶妙なバランスで、最後まで飽きることなく楽しめました。 ドリンクメニューも豊富で、地元の日本酒をいただきましたが、料理との相性が抜群でした。

(Translated by Google) (2024/5/2) I finally had Yamagata beef on my third business trip to Yamagata! ! This restaurant was recommended to me by a colleague who lives locally, so I decided to visit. It's delicious and reasonably priced♪ The meat is sweet and tender, which is the best. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal✨ (2024/10/31) I decided to have Yonezawa beef for lunch on my business trip to Yamagata, so I came here. It was really delicious. Large steak bowl. 2651 yen. (Original) (2024/5/2) 3度目の山形出張でついに山形牛を頂きました！！ 現地に住む同僚からのお勧めのお店だったので、満を持しての訪問。 美味しいし、リーズナブルですね♪ お肉は甘みあり、柔らかさありというで最高です。 美味しかったです。ご馳走様でした✨ (2024/10/31) 山形出張のランチは、米沢牛にしようと決めていたので、こちらに。 めちゃ美味しかったです。 ステーキ丼大盛。2651円.

(Translated by Google) At noon, we went to have their lunch set meal and chose Yamagata beef sukiyaki, which is very suitable for beginners of Wagyu beef. It is tender and not too greasy, and the price is very reasonable. However, you may need to arrive early. We arrived at around 11:30 and entered smoothly. After finishing the meal at 12:30, we found that the restaurant had put up a sign saying that the seats were full. (Original) 在中午去吃他的午間套餐，選擇山形牛壽喜燒，非常適合和牛入門，軟嫩不過油，價格也非常合理，但可能需要早點到，我們大約11:30到順利入場，到12:30用餐結束後發現店家已經立起客席以滿的牌子。

(Translated by Google) I ordered the Yamagata beef sukiyaki hotpot (¥3,850). The meat is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the portion is large enough to fill your stomach. I brought a suitcase with me, but the office staff kept it on the 1st floor. PayPay and credit card payments are also available, so payments other than cash are also possible. It's located right next to the station, so we recommend coming here for lunch or dinner when you visit Yamagata! (Original) 山形牛すき焼き鍋(¥3,850)を注文しました。 お肉がとろけるように美味しく、お腹を満たすことができるほどの量があります。 スーツケースを持っていきましたが、事務所の方が1Fで預かってくださいました。 PayPayとクレジットカード決済もできるので現金以外のお支払いも可能です。 駅からすぐの場所にあるので、山形に訪れた際はこちらにランチやディナーを食べに行くのもおすすめです！

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy authentic Yamagata beef. We ordered a full course meal including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, steak, and beef stew! (Original) 本場の山形牛が堪能できます すき焼き、しゃぶしゃぶ、ステーキ、ビーフシチューなどフルコースでオーダーしました！

(Translated by Google) I went to Yamagata City and came to this restaurant to eat Yamagata beef. Lunch is reasonably priced. The steak bowl is topped with a generous amount of high-quality meat. (Original) 山形市に行ったので、山形牛を食べにこちらのお店に来ました。ランチは手頃です。ステーキ丼は上質の肉がこれでもかというほど乗っています。

I ate Genghis sweat pot from Zao Onsen here. It's usually delicious👌

Local restaurant but it's flavorful. うまい!!!

Sukiyaki oolong noodle and pan-fried lamb are amazing!

Authentic beef noodles!

Beef rice is delicious and cheap

Great taste good noodle

(Translated by Google) Actually, I was planning to go to another famous store but ended up going here by mistake, but it's no problem at all! Genghis Khan is delicious. The shoulder loin is especially delicious, so we recommend the shoulder loin set or the mixed set with thigh. The shoulder roast has no smell at all. delicious! Since there were four of us, we ordered Genghis Khan and soba noodles. Soba is famous Yamagata Hiyashi Meat Soba and Ita Soba. The soup of Niku Soba is sweet, so I prefer it cold. It's delicious. The soba noodles are surprisingly thin, unlike Yamagata's thick country soba noodles. Since the store is large, it seems easy to use even for groups. However, there is no parking lot, so please park at the center facility on the slopes and give your child a souvenir or a hot spring bath on the way home! (Original) 実はもう一件の有名店に行くつもりが間違ってこっちに入ってしまったが、全く問題ありません！ジンギスカン美味い。特に肩ロースが本当に美味しいので、肩ロースセット、またはモモとのミックスセットをお勧めします。肩ロースは臭みなんて全くありません。美味い！ 4人で行ったので、ジンギスカンと蕎麦を頼みました。蕎麦は有名な山形冷やし肉蕎麦と板そば。肉そばはスープが甘めなので、冷やしの方が好きです。美味しいですよ。板そばは山形独特の太い田舎蕎麦とは違い意外に細麺です。 店が広いので団体でも利用しやすそうです。でも駐車場ないので、ゲレンデのセンター施設などに停めて、帰りにお土産や日帰り温泉に入ってあげて下さい！

First for cold ramen, soup was soothing in flavor but the noodles was springy and chewy, delicious! The hot beef ramen has a rich flavor soup and great texture noodles. The noodles in cold soup was chewier than the latter. Recommended

Ordered the cold OG, a tad salty. Nothing fancy other than it being cold. Came before 5pm during autumn, was the only customer. Probably similar to leaving any ramen to chill before eating

Inventing cold ramen style earns this restaurant a lot of respect

Love the cold ramen although it was cold outside Didn’t stop me from trying the must have order

Delicious ramen and very big bowl

Small and cosy establishment; pictures of dishes available for non-japanese speaking visitors.

Had the cold ramen, great for the summer!

A decent shopping mall to buy all your necessities. Conveniently located beside the train station and bus station, it has all the items you require. There is a supermarket inside the mall which sells food, alcohol (Japanese sake), day to day items. There are also restaurants inside which you can eat for lunch and dinner. So far, this is my go to place if I require anything. In short, this is a very good shopping mall to go to.

Youtube search "rianekj spal" to watch shorts of me eating and shopping around S-Pal Yamagata

Good for food

Quite too small, was looking for baby diaper. But this mall has none quite sad but okok

Large department store with many clothes shops, a Starbucks and a book store on the top floor

Nice train station with SPAL and souvenir shop inside.

Great place to buy souvenirs, but that's pretty much it.

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.

For buying goods

(Translated by Google) Thirty years ago, it was a new place. It seems like they are currently having a hard time recruiting tenants for the second floor. Since the location is good, I would like to partner with Hachimonjiya and the nearby shopping district to attract customers with proposals that Aeon malls in the suburbs do not have. (Original) 30年前はナウな場所でした。今は2階のテナント募集に苦戦している様子です。立地は良いので、八文字屋さんや近隣の商店街と組んで、郊外のイオンモールには無い提案で集客して欲しいです。

(Translated by Google) This will be a satellite of Sendai Fujisaki after the Onuma department store in Nanukamachi, Yamagata closes. It has a 100 yen shop, Muji, women's clothing, Fujisaki select shops, and more. Nanukamachi used to be a tourist drinking and entertainment spot away from the station, but after Jujiya and Onuma department stores closed, the roads were widened and a more quaint town was created. I think it's good that it has been revived in the center of the street as Az Nanukamachi. (Original) 山形七日町大沼デパート閉店後の仙台藤崎のサテライトになりますね。100均、無印、婦人服、藤崎のセレクトショップなどの展開。 七日町は駅から離れた観光客の飲み遊びところでしたが十字屋、大沼デパートの閉店から道路を拡張して風情のある街作りになりました。アズ七日町として通りの中心に復活したのは良かったと思います。

(Translated by Google) It's a local department store that has been around for a long time.It feels like it might close in a few years, but I think it's a good place to shop depending on your age group, so I'd like it to stay open for a long time. (Original) 昔からある地元の百貨店的な場所　数年後には閉店してしまいそうな雰囲気を感じてしまいますが、年齢層によっては買い物しやすい場所だと思うので是非長く続けてもらいたいです

(Translated by Google) I went to Fujisaki on the first floor. The staff were very friendly and easy to talk to. (Original) 一階の藤崎を利用しました 店員さんが話しやすくていいですね

(Translated by Google) I go there because it's my favorite store, but the parking is very difficult to park and it's hard to get in. It's sad to see stores gradually disappearing. I think Nanukamachi will go bankrupt if we don't seriously offer free parking and attract more people. (Original) 好きなお店があるから通っていますが、パーキングがとても停めづらく、入り辛いです。だんだん店が無くなっていくのも見てて辛い。 本気で無料駐車場や、誘致をしないと七日町は潰れると思います。

(Translated by Google) We have a wide range of stylish items, from small but luxurious cooking utensils to MacGrega clothing 😃 There is a parking lot in Nanokamachi, and there is also a parking lot attached to the bottom of Fujisaki Department Store. . You can shop quietly 👍️ (Original) ハイセンスな品々、こじんまりとしてるが高級感ある調理器具から、マックレ-ガのお洋服まで揃ってるよ😃駐車場は七日町のパ-キング有り、藤崎デパートの下にも併設された駐車場有ります。静かに買い物できるよ👍️

Was here in the summer time.. Ya, it’s very very very hot and sticky 🥵 Don’t expect AC.. it is a way to prevent tourists to come .. so we’re lucky. Feels like our backyard 🥰. For a day.

They should charge a fee to maintain this historical house!

Worth visiting, it's free

This is the Yamagata City Local History Museum or Saisekan Hospital Building located inside Kajo Park. Although small, it’s worth visiting, especially for its courtyard, where western architecture meets Japanese garden. However it is all in Japanese, so unless you speak it, this might not be as interesting other the the nice visuals.

It's free and the building is beautiful!

Nice.

Nice place, I was have sakura/hanami bloom

Very nice, free visit.

A beautifully restored section of the castle that once stood at the center of Yamagata City. There are sakura trees planted here that make for an incredible scene that looks like something right out of a ghibli movie during early April.

This is one of Yamagata City's top tourist locations. I recommend visiting in Spring. There are cherry trees that line the moat and they are spectacular in full blossom.

Worth to visit

(Translated by Google) Just looking at the stone walls surrounding Higashi-Ōtemon Gate, it's easy to imagine its grandeur, regardless of your understanding of the castle's scale. The two "angles" surrounding the gate on three sides provide additional defensive depth when entering the Koryo Gate from the Ote Bridge. The towering "gate turrets" and "suzuya" (turrets) create an excellent defensive barrier for attack, defense, and observation. Another unique feature is the nearly 14-meter-high main beam of Higashi-Ōtemon Gate, the "turret gate crown wood," which makes the gate's visual impact undeniable, whether viewed from the front, side, or inside and out. Viewing Higashi-Ōtemon Gate from a different angle reveals many classic Japanese aesthetics. While lacking the distinct windbreaks of the castle tower, the "roof roots" on the turrets are rich in detail. Whether it's the Chidori-pofeng (a type of wind-blown pattern) and hanging fish (a type of fish) ornaments on the gables, or the simple, yet impressive, "maru" tiles and the "chiwei" (a type of ridged tail) on the "roof tiles," they're all captivating. After completing our visit, we headed from Higashi-Otemon Gate to the Mogami Yoshimitsu Historical Museum. (Original) 光看到「東大手門」周圍的基礎都是由「石垣」所構成，不論對城池規模是否有所概念，應該不難想像當時的壯闊。 尤其兩側「夾角」三面圍繞，讓「大手橋」進入「高麗門」多了一處防禦縱深，透過居高臨下的「門櫓」、「続櫓」形成一處攻、守與瞭望絕佳的防禦關口。 另一個比較特別的是「東大手門」以將近14米「檜木」所搭建的主樑「 櫓門冠木」 ，讓整個「櫓門 」不論正面或側面或由內而外的視覺效果都讓人不容小覷。 此外若換個角度來欣賞「東大手門 」你也可以發現許多經典的日式美學，這裡雖沒有「天守閣」分明的各種破風，但「 櫓」上的「屋根」也是包含許多的細節。 不論是山牆上的「千鳥破風」與「懸魚」裝飾，或是簡潔有景深的「丸瓦」以及「棟瓦」上的「鴟尾」都會讓人忍不住多看一眼。 再完成參訪後我們由「東大手門」前往「最上義光歷史館」。

(Translated by Google) This is the Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate of the Yamagata Castle ruins. It could be described as a magnificent entrance, with a stately presence and a good balance with the moat. The interior is free to visit, and many documents related to Yamagata Castle are on display. You can get your 100 Famous Castles stamp here. (Original) 山形城跡 の二ノ丸東大手門になります。見事な玄関口とでも言いましょうか、堂々とした風格で、水堀とのバランスがいいです。内部は無料で見学でき、山形城に関する資料が多数展示されておりました。 100名城のスタンプはこちらで押すことができます。

(Translated by Google) We passed through here from the city center. It was a very impressive gate serving as an entrance. On the day, there was also an event running that allowed visitors to tour the inside of the tower. (Original) 市内中心部からこちらを通り訪れました。 玄関口としてとても立派な門でした。 当日は櫓内を見学できる企画も行われていました。

The staff was really awful during my meal order. It was only because I used English then he raised his tone and gave me negative vibes by his look on me. This was so bad experience.

the worst experience ever. the cashier wont listen to me. I wanted to buy more. the person keeps rejecting. wont come back again.

Very polite staff and good burgers for the price. The seating area is kept clean and it is very close to the station. Standard fast food restaurant with good service.

Butter then the Mc to me lol

Good cheeseburger and fries. Great price and service.

Nice shrimp burger

Clean, convenient and offer good selection of burgers

Stopped by Matsuya at Yamagata Station for a quick meal and ordered the chicken curry—and it did not disappoint. The curry had a rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of spice, perfectly complementing the tender and juicy chicken. The portion was satisfying, and the rice was cooked just right, making for a hearty and comforting meal, especially in the cold winter weather. Service was fast and efficient, making it a great spot for a quick and affordable meal before catching a train. If you're at Yamagata Station and need something warm and filling, Matsuya’s chicken curry is definitely worth trying!

I was thankful that Matsuys was opened 24h. It was late and cold, and many restaurants were closed. I could fill my stomach with hot food served at fast speed. Very affordable too! Free cold plain water.

Its a fast food chain, so expectations weren’t very high. But the gyudon with egg was actually quite nice and we ate very cheap all together. We would eat here again in a pinch, but not if you are looking to sit down for longer and have a nice dinner.

Youtube search "rianekj matsuya" to view my dining experience here!

If you are looking for a quick, cheap meal, this chain restaurant will never let you down! We paid ¥1740 for all the food in the short video.

Delicious gyudon in Matsuya, always great!

It is not 24h. Right now it's almost 6 am and it's closed. There was someone inside I guess preparing to open though.

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.

6/1/25 - 4.5 stars A very well positioned and advertised yakiniku spot right next to the Yamagata station and above the bus terminal. Initially saw it on the way to Zao Onsen and had no lunch plans on the way out, so, gave it a go. It's definitely not bad with a clean and crisp decor as well as good service. Beef is definitely high quality and tastes like it. The only thing that I didn't like was that it doesn't feel like as good value as I'd hoped. Both the yakiniku sets and beef bowls were a bit small for lunch. Karubi don Flavour: S+, 8.5/10. Not as good as some of the Yamagata beef we had in the ryokans, but, still quite good Texture: S+, 8.5/10. Value: A, 7/10. ¥1400 for 5 slices with a bunch of vegetables, rice and miso soup Yakiniku teishoku: S+, 8.5/10. Better cuts than the karubi bowl and 7 pieces. ¥2200 feels more reasonable Beef tongue set: A+, 8.5/10. Only 4 pieces and ¥1900. Certainly tasted good though. Roast beef bowl: A, 7/10. Probably better to get the yakiniku sets in retrospect

I recently had the pleasure of trying Yamagata wagyu for dinner, and it was a delightful experience. What struck me most was the unique texture of the wagyu. While it didn't have the intense marbling that some wagyu varieties are known for, it was incredibly tender and had a melt-in-your-mouth quality that was simply divine. The restaurant itself is conveniently located on the second floor of the train station, making it easily accessible. Overall, I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to savor the subtle yet exquisite flavors of Yamagata wagyu.

Very good food & price is reasonable in my opinion. The place is quite small so you might wait, and I came just 5 minutes after it opens (opens at 17:00) and become the last person that can enter without wait. Order needs to be done through QR code & friendly staff!

Good food at reasonable price, but they should make english menu for foreigners... love their yonezawa beef ! So tasty!

Overall happy with the beef meat quality. The food taste is all up to your own style of cooking. The price is very reasonable.

Delicious Wagyu. You can taste the best parts of Yamagata Wagyu in a reasonable price.

Food was delicious, beef was reasonably priced, service was good :)