[Yamagata Prefecture] 4 famous spots for autumn leaves in Yamagata! Let's go out on this next holiday!

When it comes to autumn leaves in Tohoku, Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture and Shirakami Mountains in Aomori Prefecture are famous, but Yamagata Prefecture also has many famous places for autumn leaves.

Although it varies depending on the location, the best time to see most of the autumn leaves is from mid-October to late October. When the weather is nice, go out with your family and friends. The colorful autumn leaves will brighten your mood.

Yamagata Zao is popular every year!

Zao, located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, is a popular spot for autumn leaves in Yamagata every year. There is a ropeway on the Yamagata Prefecture side, making it easy to access. The autumn leaves are at their peak in late October.

The gradation of autumn leaves that begin to change color from the top of the mountain is very beautiful and worth seeing. We also recommend visiting Okama and Iroha Swamp by trekking. Zao Onsen is also a hot spring, so it would be a good idea to stay overnight and enjoy viewing the autumn leaves every day.

Yamagata Zao＜Information＞

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

Google Map

Yamadera Temple, which has an elegant atmosphere, is also recommended.

In many years, the autumn leaves in Yamagata Zao end in October, but the peak in Yamadera is from early to mid-November. Even if you couldn't go to Zao, you can still enjoy the autumn leaves at Yamadera.

Yamadera, located in Yamagata City, is a temple surrounded by mountains, as the name suggests, and the beautiful maple leaves are a sight to behold in autumn. This is a historic temple built in the Kamakura period, so you can feel the Japanese atmosphere. The road to Okunoin, where the Great Buddha Hall is located, is a steep slope with more than 800 stone steps, but it is well worth the climb as you can enjoy the view.

The autumn leaves of Yusenkei and Oshiroyama Momijiyama valley can be described as spectacular.

Yamadera＜Information＞

• Name: Mt. Hoju 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

Autumn leaves drive at Nishiazuma Sky Valley

For those who want to enjoy viewing the autumn leaves while driving, we recommend Nishizuma Sky Valley, which runs through Yonezawa City. It is a winding mountain road with a total length of 17 km, and you can see the autumn leaves of various trees such as beech, maple, and azalea.

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

Nishiazuma Sky Valley <Information>

• Name: Nishiazuma 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

Looking down at the autumn leaves from Chokai Forest

The autumn foliage spots in the mountains stand out, but Chokai no Mori in Sakata City is a vast forest with a total area of ​​approximately 3 million square meters that surrounds the Matsuyama area. From the observation deck, you will be able to see the autumn leaves of the forest spreading out forever.

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

Chokai Forest＜Information＞

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

Google Map

summary

As the name suggests, Yamagata Prefecture is full of mountains, so it seems like there are many spots for autumn leaves. It's nice to enjoy it while driving, and it's also wonderful to look down at the autumn leaves from the observation deck.

If you want to fully enjoy the autumn mood, be sure to go viewing the autumn leaves.