Tohoku - Yamagata

Located in southern Tohoku, Yamagata is renowned for its snow-covered fir trees, impressive ski resorts, and hot springs. Bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and mountains to the east, Yamagata Prefecture is a region blessed by nature. Along the coastline are the port cities of Tsuruoka and Sakata, while further inland lies Zao Hot Springs, featuring numerous hot springs, less crowded ski slopes, and snow-covered tree formations known as "snow monsters." Yamadera Temple, perched on a mountain, inspired one of the most famous haiku poems, and Ginzan Hot Springs is a picturesque hot spring resort town built on an old silver mine.