Well off the beaten path of major tourist spots like Tokyo and Kyoto, Yamagata Prefecture is located in the northeastern region of Japan called Tohoku.
In Yamagata, you can experience a more authentic side of Japan, with fewer tourists and a lot more nature. In fact, Yamagata is a paradise for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, boasting great skiing locations and hundreds of hiking trails that lead to temples tucked away in beautiful forests.
But that doesn’t mean you have to miss the more modern side of the country either. Yamagata City is a city of over one million people, with museums and cafes, as well as excellent restaurants and shopping. Here we introduce some of the best places to stay in Yamagata Prefecture.