Activities Sagae Park Azalea Festival Kim Bergström Each year in May, Yamagata's Sagae Park is home to an azalea festival which celebrates the impressive number of them on the..
Culture The Uesugi Clan Elena Lisina The Uesugi Clan became famous for the motto "Justice". Places connected with the history of the clan include Kawanakajima, Kasugayama,..
Accommodation Koyo Ryokan in Kaminoyama Alena Eckelmann Koyo Ryokan in Kaminoyama Onsen near Yamagata City and near the Zao mountains is ranking amongst the best ryokan in Japan. The Ogami..
Culture Tendo Ningen Shogi 2026 Mid Apr Tendo Ningen Shogi is a “Human Chess” event that occurs every April in the city of Tendo, Yamagata. Set under rows of blooming..
Activities Kasedori Festival 2026 Mid Feb Kasedori Festival, or “Strawbird Festival”, is a unique yet bizarre Japanese event. Performers gather at Kaminoyama Castle dre..
Culture Tendo Sakura Matsuri Celine Ong Known for the famous Ningen Shogi (Human Chess) event, the Tendo Sakura Matsuri is an annual spring festival held in Tendo Cit..
Culture Uesugi Shrine Kim Bergström Uesugi Shrine is located in Yonezawa, Yamagata, and pays respect to Uesugi Kenshin, known as one of the most most powerful daimyos..
20 Culture Climbing Yamadera Elena Lisina Climbing Yamadera is a fun and manageable hike, rewarding you with amazing views from the top. On the way up, you'll pass several..