[Yamagata Prefecture] 4 famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in Yamagata! Check them out on your next day off!

When it comes to autumn leaves in Tohoku, Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture and Shirakami-Sanchi in Aomori Prefecture are famous, but Yamagata Prefecture also has many famous autumn foliage spots

Although it varies depending on the location, the best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid to late October. On a sunny day off, why not go out with family or friends? The colorful autumn leaves are sure to brighten your mood

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Yamagata Zao is popular every year!

Zao, located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, is a popular spot to see autumn leaves in Yamagata every year. There is a ropeway on the Yamagata side, so it is easily accessible. The autumn leaves peak in late October

The gradation of autumn leaves that begin to change color from the summit is very beautiful and worth seeing. We also recommend trekking to Okama and Iroha Swamp. Zao Onsen is also located here, so it would be a good idea to stay overnight and enjoy the autumn leaves for several days in a row

Yamagata Zao <Information>

• Name: Zaokoku National Park
• Address: Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2301
• Phone number:
• Official URL:

Google Map

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We also recommend Yamadera Temple, which has an elegant atmosphere

While the autumn foliage at Zao in Yamagata usually ends in October, the peak at Yamadera is from early to mid-November. Even if you can't make it to Zao, you can still enjoy the autumn leaves at Yamadera

Yamadera Temple in Yamagata City is, as its name suggests, surrounded by mountains, and in autumn the beautiful maple leaves are a sight to behold. As it is a historic temple built in the Kamakura period, you can really feel the Japanese atmosphere there. The path to the inner sanctuary where the Great Buddha Hall is located is steep, with over 800 stone steps, but the view is well worth the climb

The autumn foliage at Yusenkei and Omoshiroyama Momijiyama Valley can only be described as spectacular

Yamadera <Information>

• Name: Risshakuji Temple (Mountain Temple)
• Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-3301
• Phone number: 023-695-2843
• Official URL: https://rissyakuji.jp/

Google Map

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A drive to see the autumn leaves at Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley

For those who want to enjoy viewing the autumn leaves while driving, we recommend Nishizuma Sky Valley, which runs through Yonezawa City. This winding mountain road stretches for 17km, and you can see the autumn foliage of a variety of trees, including beech, maple, and azalea

The best time to see the scenery is in late October, so if you haven't been there yet, hurry up! The road continues all the way to Shirabu Onsen, so we recommend soaking in the hot springs after your drive

Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley <Information>

• Name: Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley
• Address: Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-1472
• Phone number: 0242-62-3102 (Fukushima Prefecture Inawashiro Civil Engineering Office)
• Official URL: Urabandai Tourism Association – Nishiazuma Sky Valley

Google Map

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Looking down on the autumn leaves from Chokai Forest

While autumn foliage spots in the mountains are quite popular, Chokai no Mori in Sakata City is a vast forest with a total area of ​​approximately 3 million square meters that surrounds the Matsuyama district. From the observation deck, you can enjoy the endless expanse of autumn foliage in the forest

It is also famous as a sunset spot, and is recommended for viewing the autumn leaves dyed in the setting sun. The best time to see it is from early to mid-November, so it is perfect for the coming season

Chokai no Mori <Information>

• Name: Chokai no Mori Observation Deck
• Address: Dobuchi, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-6839
• Phone number:
• Official URL:

Google Map

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summary

As the name suggests, Yamagata Prefecture has many mountains, so there are many spots to see the autumn leaves. It's nice to enjoy them while driving, or it's also wonderful to gaze down at the autumn leaves from an observation deck

If you want to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere, be sure to go and see the autumn leaves

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