Pleasures in summer while finding ways to cool off
Yamagata Prefecture has many cooling spots with spectacular views, trekking, and more that will help you weather the heat of summer. Why don't you visit some of Yamagata's refreshing spots and enjoy the "cooling features" of the prefecture?
Cherry picking in Japan's largest production area
Cherries are in season from early June to early July, when early summer begins. When a cherry's crisp skin bursts open, the tartly sweet juice fills your mouth, and you can eat an endless amount. Enjoy picking various kinds of cherries in Yamagata, Japan's largest cherry-growing area.
Go see the safflower, the flower of Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata Prefecture is Japan's leading safflower production area. The best time to see safflowers with their lovely orange blooms is from early to mid-July. One of the best parts in this plan is that you can participate in experience-based events such as flower picking and dyeing. You can dye them a vivid pink. Why don't you try safflower dyeing, a traditional craft in Yamagata?
Fantastic scenery with flying fireflies
You can see fireflies in places all over Yamagata Prefecture, where nature still flourishes. Two of these places are Onogawa Onsen and Yutagawa Onsen, where you can walk to see the fireflies. The fireflies can be seen from mid-June to mid-July. Guided tours are offered, and are a great way to cool off in the evening after washing away the tiredness from your travels at a hot spring.
Trekking amidst fresh greenery to experience the vitality of nature
In early June when the remaining snow has disappeared, the trees that have withstood Yamagata's cold winters begin to bud all at once, and the time of beautiful fresh greenery arrives. How about experiencing the refreshing aroma of greenery by traveling to Zao and Tengendai, which can be easily viewed from the ropeway, or to the mysterious Genso no Mori (Forest of Illusions) where giant cedars grow in clusters?
Renowned waterfalls with spectacular views and amazing therapeutic effects!
Yamagata is the top "waterfall kingdom" in Japan, home to 230 waterfalls of various sizes with a drop of five meters or more. The prefecture has everything from waterfalls that can be casually enjoyed to waterfalls best for advanced adventurers. Shiraito Waterfalls can be viewed from a boat. Tamasudare Falls has an impactful 63-meter drop! Sekiyama Otaki Waterfalls are popular as a spiritual power spot. And Namekawa Great Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Tohoku.
Yamagata's six famous mountains
Yamagata Prefecture has six mountains that have been selected as some of the 100 top mountains in Japan: Mount Chokai, Mount Gassan, Asahi Mountain Range, Mount Zao, Iide Mountain Range and Mount Azuma. The mountains feature clear blue skies, untouched nature, fresh forest air, lovely alpine plants, and spectacular views from their summits. Why don't you go trekking to six of Japan's top mountains located in Yamagata in search of new discoveries?