Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture consists of the Shonai Plain facing the Sea of Japan and inland basins surrounded by the Ou Mountains and Dewa Sanzan, with approximately 75% of its land covered by forests. Known as a heavy snowfall region, winters feature the Zao snow monsters and diverse ski resorts, while spring brings mountain cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer offers Mogami River cruises and the Hanagasa Festival, and autumn showcases spectacular foliage at Mount Gassan and Zao. As a fruit kingdom, it produces Sato-nishiki cherries and La France pears, along with abundant cuisine including Yonezawa beef and fresh seafood from the Shonai Sea of Japan coast. Every municipality in the prefecture has natural hot springs, offering diverse onsen tours at Ginzan Onsen, Zao Onsen, and more. Easily accessible from Tokyo via the Yamagata Shinkansen, the prefecture attracts growing numbers of overseas tourists, especially from Taiwan.