Explore Yamagata’s hot springs, mountains, and culture on a 6-hour private tour with a licensed guide. Customize your adventure today!
- Risshaku-ji Temple - Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera’s sub-temples dot the slopes of Mt. Hoshu just 25 minutes from the city. A 1,000-step ascent through a mystic cedar forest brings you to the temple complex at the summit, with gorgeous views that are considered among the best in northern Japan.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Yamadera Temple. The colorful foliage of the surrounding forest and the mild temperatures help make the climb to the top a joy.
- Yamadera Basho Memorial Hall - Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera’s sub-temples dot the slopes of Mt. Hoshu just 25 minutes from the city. A 1,000-step ascent through a mystic cedar forest brings you to the temple complex at the summit, with gorgeous views that are considered among the best in northern Japan.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Yamadera Temple. The colorful foliage of the surrounding forest and the mild temperatures help make the climb to the top a joy.
- Yamagata castle - A short walk from the station, Kajo Park inside the walls of Yamagata Castle holds several events throughout the year. Every spring, revelers fill the park to picnic and view the hundreds of cherry trees in bloom.
- Mount Zaō - Mt. Zao is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in northern Japan, with great hiking in the summer, top-notch skiing at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort in the winter and sigh-inducing soaks at its eponymous onsen, which operates year-round.
- Tendo - Tendo is Yamagata’s fruit mecca, home to vast orchards of apples, peaches, pears, and of course, cherries. It’s also one of the prefecture’s premier hot spring resorts, with many outdoor baths.
For fans of shogi, Japanese chess, the town produces the vast majority of Japan’s game pieces. Their creation is a highly developed local craft dating back hundreds of years.
- Kaminoyama Castle - When you’re finished, head up to Kaminoyama Castle , for views over the town and surrounding mountains. Originally built in 1535, the castle was once the headquarters of the Kaminoyama Domain. Today it houses a small museum paying homage to the warlords that once ruled the region.
- Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of (City Name)
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Yamagata!
Well-known for its hot springs and scenic views, Yamagata is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Yamagata City is a cosmopolitan hub allowing visitors to delve into a fascinating corner of Japan boasting a rich culture, soothing hot springs, soaring mountains and ski fields.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that’s best for you!
Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
