Activities Zao Snow Monster Festival 2025-2026 Late Dec - Late Feb Every winter, Mount Zao in Yamagata Prefecture becomes overrun with hordes of “snow monsters.”
Activities Trekking on Mount Zao Alena Eckelmann Zao Mountain - Trekking across a volcanic landscape in summer and skiing in winter, plus winding down in hotspring waters.
Activities Yutagawa Onsen Alena Eckelmann Enjoy the cozy atmosphere, the local food and warm hospitality of the locals of Yutagawa, a small onsen village near Tsuruoka City in Yamagata
Beauty & Spa Ringo Apple Onsen Justin Velgus The Ringo Onsen (りんご温泉) is a hot spring attraction in Asahi Town, Yamagata Prefecture.
9 Activities Zao-san's Okama Crater Lake Brian Wood-Koiwa Zao-san is a volcano with a spectacular view at the summit; including a teal-hued crater lake, surrounding mountains and a simple but picturesque Shinto
12 Accommodation Ginzan Onsen in Winter Alena Eckelmann Taisho era-style Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture let's you travel back in time
17 Activities Ginzan Onsen in Summer Hannah Warren Ginzan Onsen has just as much to offer in summer as in winter, including a tour to the old silver mine.