🕓 2026/2/14
#Tourist Destinations
Table of Contents
- Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda | A Wooden Masterpiece with a Thousand Years of History
- Risshakuji Kaizando Hall | A Sacred Site Enveloped in Mountain Serenity
- Ginzan Onsen | A Dreamy Hot Spring Town with Taisho-Era Romance
- Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Yamagata Prefecture
- – What is Yamagata Prefecture? –
- Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda | A Wooden Masterpiece with a Thousand Years of History
Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Yamagata Prefecture
– What is Yamagata Prefecture? –
Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan and is blessed with stunning natural beauty across all four seasons, as well as a rich history and culture. The entire prefecture is surrounded by mountains, with deep snow in winter and lush green landscapes in summer. It is particularly known for the snow monsters (ice-coated trees) of Mt. Zao in winter, as well as sacred mountains such as Mt. Gassan and Mt. Chokai, which have long been objects of spiritual worship.
The area is also home to many historically fascinating sites. Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple), which appears in the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho’s “Oku no Hosomichi” (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), is renowned for the magnificent views that unfold after climbing its long stone stairway.
Agriculture thrives here, and Yamagata boasts the highest cherry production in all of Japan. The prefecture is also well known for its rice, grapes, and sake, all of which are highly regarded nationwide.
Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda | A Wooden Masterpiece with a Thousand Years of History
● Highlights of the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda
The Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda is located along the pilgrimage path of Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is the oldest five-story pagoda in the Tohoku region and has been designated as a National Treasure. According to tradition, the original pagoda was built during the Heian period by Taira no Masakado, while the current structure was reconstructed approximately 600 years ago.
Standing 29 meters tall, the pagoda features a three-bay, five-story structure with a shingled cypress bark roof and an unpainted natural wood exterior, built using traditional construction techniques. Its elegant form harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding nature across all four seasons, captivating visitors throughout the year. Near the pagoda stands the “Jiji-sugi” (Grandfather Cedar), a giant cedar tree over 1,000 years old that has been designated as a Natural Monument.
With its exceptional historical value and stunning scenery, the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda is one of the most celebrated cultural treasures of the Tohoku region, beloved by worshippers and tourists alike.
● History of the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda
The Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda is a National Treasure located on Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, with a history dating back to the mid-Heian period. According to legend, the original pagoda was built between 931 and 938 by Taira no Masakado. However, the existing structure is believed to have been reconstructed in 1372 during the Muromachi period by Daihoji Masauji, who served as the head priest of Mt. Haguro at the time.
Records show that in 1608, Mogami Yoshiaki, the lord of the Yamagata domain, carried out repairs on the pagoda. Additionally, during the early Edo period, Sakai Tadazane, lord of the Shonai domain, is said to have replaced all 16 pillars of the first story.
During the Meiji era, the government’s policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism led to the destruction of many Buddhist structures. However, the five-story pagoda was preserved and designated as an Important Cultural Property, and in 1966, it was elevated to National Treasure status.
● Access to the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda
- Address: Haguro-machi Touge, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Google Maps Link: Location of the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda
- On Foot: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the Zuishinmon Gate, or about 30 to 40 minutes on foot from the summit.
- Public Transportation: The nearest train station is Tsuruoka Station, from which you can take a bus to Mt. Haguro. Yamagata Kotsu buses also provide service to the entrance of the Mt. Haguro pilgrimage path.
● Highlights of Risshakuji Kaizando Hall
Risshakuji, commonly known as “Yamadera,” is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Its history began in 860 (the 2nd year of Jogan) when it was founded by the high priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin. Numerous temple halls and pagodas are scattered across the steep mountainside, and among them, the “Kaizando” (Founder’s Hall) holds particular significance.
Kaizando is the hall dedicated to the temple’s founder, Jikaku Daishi, and houses a wooden statue of the great master. To the left of Kaizando stands a small red building called the “Nokyodo” (Sutra Repository), which is the oldest structure on the temple grounds and has been designated as a Prefectural Cultural Property.
Below the cliff of Kaizando lies a natural cave where the remains of Jikaku Daishi are said to be enshrined in a golden coffin. The beautiful architecture harmonizing with nature and the breathtaking views from this vantage point captivate countless worshippers and tourists alike.
● History of Risshakuji Kaizando Hall
Risshakuji is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, widely known by its nickname “Yamadera.” Its history stretches back to 860 (the 2nd year of Jogan), when it was founded by the high priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin. Ennin was a renowned monk of the Heian period who studied abroad in Tang Dynasty China, where he deepened his knowledge of Buddhism.
Below the cliff of Kaizando lies a natural cave where the remains of Jikaku Daishi are said to be enshrined in a golden coffin. Even today, a ceremony of offering meals and incense is performed every morning and evening at Kaizando. This is a traditional ritual to pay respect to the spirit of Jikaku Daishi and is one of the cherished customs that Risshakuji has maintained for centuries.
● Access to Risshakuji Kaizando Hall
- Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Google Maps Link: Location of Risshakuji Temple
- On Foot: A 7-minute walk from Yamadera Station on the JR Senzan Line to the Risshakuji trailhead.
Ginzan Onsen | A Dreamy Hot Spring Town with Taisho-Era Romance
● Highlights of Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring resort nestled in the mountains of Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, and its charm is truly multifaceted. Most notably, the wooden multi-story ryokan (traditional inns) built during the Taisho and early Showa eras line both banks of the Ginzan River, giving visitors the sensation of stepping back in time.
Numerous bridges span the Ginzan River that flows through the center of the town, while gas lamps illuminate the cobblestone walkways. This nostalgic atmosphere is especially enchanting during winter, when the snow-covered scenery creates an unforgettable sight.
The hot spring town is well-equipped with cafes, street food spots, and souvenir shops, making it a delight to stroll around. Visitors can also rent Taisho-era costumes and walk through the townscape, making it a popular spot for photography. With its historic streetscape, rich natural surroundings, and therapeutic hot springs all combined, Ginzan Onsen is a destination truly worth visiting.
● History of Ginzan Onsen
The history of Ginzan Onsen dates back to the 15th century. In 1456, Giga Ichirosaemon from Kanazawa discovered a silver vein in this area, and mining on Mt. Nishiyama began the following year. This discovery led to the rapid development of the silver mine, which at its peak boasted approximately 16,000 buildings.
In 1913, a devastating flood caused catastrophic damage to the area. However, during the subsequent reconstruction from the late Taisho to early Showa period, Western-style wooden multi-story ryokan were built along both banks of the Ginzan River, forming the distinctive landscape we see today. These buildings exude a charm reminiscent of Taisho-era romance.
In 1968, Ginzan Onsen was designated as a National Health Resort Hot Spring, and it has continued to thrive as a beloved hot spring destination ever since.
● Access to Ginzan Onsen
- Address: Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Google Maps Link: Location of Ginzan Onsen
- Transportation: Access to Obanazawa City in Yamagata Prefecture varies depending on the nearest station or bus stop. Please refer to local transportation websites or travel guides for detailed information.
>> Learn about the dramatic origins of Ginzan Onsen
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