A1: Cherry picking orchards in Yamagata usually open in mid-June. Yamagata’s famous Sato Nishiki cherries are also in their prime harvesting season at this time.; For more information, please see our Fruit Harvesting Calendar.

Q2: I would like to climb Yamadera. About how long does it take? Also, can I still climb it in the winter?

A2: It takes about 1 hour to climb from the starting point of the trail up to the Okunoin, the innermost sanctuary, at the top of Yamadera.
The trail remains open in the winter, so it is possible to climb up to the observatory point in the Godai-dou on Yamadera at any time to enjoy the beautiful view. However, the Okunoin and the Daibutsuden will be inaccessible due to snow. Also, the path becomes incredibly slippery during the winter. Make use of the boots and climbing rope that are available for rental at the entrance to Yamadera, and be sure to climb with care.; For more information, see our Yamadera page.

Q3: When is the Hanagasa Matsuri? Is it possible to purchase reserved seating?

A3: The Hanagasa Festival is held every year on August 5th, 6th, and 7th. There is a parade down a direct, 1.2km course from the Tokamachi-kado area to the Bunshokan (Old Prefectural Hall) during the festival. There is no reserved seating, so please feel free to watch the festival from anywhere you like.

Q4: I would like to take a boat ride on the Mogami River. Do I need reservations?
Also, if I go by car, how can I get back to it when the boat ride is over?

A4: The Mogami Basho Line Boat Ride in Furukichi, Tozawa Village operates all year round, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Yamagata’s natural scenery during any season of the year. Reservations are only necessary for large groups or if you would like to request a meal during the boat ride. For a fee of 2500 Yen for regular cars and 3000 Yen for large cars, you can have your vehicle delivered for you to the final destination of the boat ride. Alternately, at the end of the boat ride there will be a 400 Yen bus waiting to take you back to your car.
The Yoshitsune Adverture Boat Ride goes in a loop, so there is no need to worry about returning to the starting point to get back to your car, since you will return to the point of departure at the end of the ride.; For more information, see the Mogami River Boat Ride page.

Q5: Please teach me how to get to the Ginzan Hot Springs.

A5: It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the Ginzan Hot Springs if you take the Ginzan Hot Springs (Ginzan Onsen) bound Obanazawa City Municipal Bus from the JR Ooishida Station There are only 4 buses a day that go from JR Ooishida Station to the Ginzan Hot Springs (6 if you include buses from the Obanazawa Waiting Area [Obanazawa Machiaisho]), so please confirm the times of departure before you make your time.
*It takes 30 minutes to reach the JR Ooishida Station by Shinkansen from the JR Yamagata Station, or 1 hour by regular train.
*To reach the Ginzan Onsen from the Yamagata Airport, take the Yamako Bus or a Taxi to reach the JR Sakuranbo Higashine Onsen Station. From there, it is about 30 minutes from JR Ooishida Station by train. Once at Ooishida Station, see the above explanation regarding how to reach the Ginzan Onsen by bus.; For more information, please see the Ginzan Hot Springs page.

Q6: When is the best time to view the autumn leaves? What are some good viewing locations?

A6: The best time for viewing the autumn leaves is usually between early October and early November. However, please be aware that it does vary from year to year based on the climate and other factors. The Azuma Sky Valley in Yonezawa, the Akashiba Gorge in Oguni Town, The Zao Echo Line toll road and Yamadera in Yamagata City, Mt. Gassan in Nishikawa Town, the Gassan Hanagasa Line road, the Mogami Valley in Tozawa Village, and the Chokai Line toll road in Yuza Town are popular places to view the autumn leaves.

Q7: What kind of hot springs (onsen) are there in Yamagata Prefecture? Is it possible to go to an onsen without staying at a hotel or an inn?

A7: There are hot springs in every city, town, and village in Yamagata Prefecture. The water in each of these hot springs is different, and each individual hot spring is said to have a variety of unique therapeutic effects. In addition to hot springs normally aimed at people on day trips, recently hotels and Japanese style inns (ryokan) with hot springs are also beginning to offer one day packages, so you do not need to stay overnight to visit a hot spring. There is also an introduction of famous hot springs in Yamagata Prefecture on our Hot Springs page.; Please see our Hot Springs page for more information.

Q8: How can I get to the Zao Okama Crater Lake? Is it possible to stop by the Zao Hot Springs on the way there?

A8: A bus runs once a day from JR Yamagata Station to Katta Peak, where you can view the Zao Okama Crater Lake, and back. This bus also passes by the Zao Hot Springs. Please use this bus to see the Zao Okama Crater Lake. (Note that this bus line is out of service for the winter from the start of November through the end of April.); Additionally, there is a bus that goes from Yamagata City to the Zao Hot Springs that runs 14 times a day. If you plan your schedule carefully, it is possible to visit the Zao Hot Springs either before or after seeing the Zao Okama Crater Lake. To do this, either (1) stop by the Zao Hot Springs on your way back from the Zao Okama Crater Lake and take the Yamagata City-Zao Hot Springs bound to return or (2) go to the Zao Hot Springs using the Yamagata City-Zao Hot Springs bound bus and plan your schedule to transfer to the Zao Okama Crater Lake bound bus to see the lake afterwards.; Please be sure to plan your schedule carefully, because the bus from JR Yamagata Station to the Zao Okama Crater Lake only runs once a day.; Bus Schedule between JR Yamagata Station and Mt. Zao’s Katta Peak (Japanese); There is also the Green Echo free shuttle bus running between the Zao Okama Crater Lake and the Kaminoyama Hot Springs area (Note that this shuttle bus is out of service for the Winter from the start November through the end of April). However, please be aware that the Green Echo free shuttle goes only to the Kaminoyama Hot Springs, not the Zao Hot Springs.; Also be aware that it is only possible to go to the Zao Okama Crater Lake between late April to early November, when the Zao Echo Line toll road is open.; For more information, please see the Mt. Zao and the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort page.

Q9: I would like to visit the Dewa Sanzan, the three sacred mountains of Yamagata. Is one day enough time to explore all of them?

A9: We would recommend taking a 2 day, 1 night long trip to fully explore the Dewa Sanzan. Good places to stay include lodging facilities in the Shizu Hot Springs area at the foot of Mt. Gassan, traditional lodgings connected to a temple (shukubo), traditional Japanese style inns (ryokan) in the Haguro area, or lodging facilities in the Yunohama Hot Springs or the Yutagawa Hot Springs area in Tsuruoka City. If you don’t have time for a two day long trip, or if you are visiting when Mt. Yudono and Mt. Gassan are closed for the winter, we highly recommend going to the peak of Mt. Haguro to visit the Gosaiden Temple, which venerates all three of the sacred mountains of the Dewa Sanzan.; Please see the Dewa Sanzan: The Three Sacred Mountains of Yamagata page for more information.

Q10: What is the most convenient way to reach the Shonai area from Yamagata City?

A10: The Shonai/Sakata bound express bus goes directly from the JR Yamagata Station to the Shonai area. There is no need to make any transfers at all, so it is incredibly convenient.

Q11: When is the best time of year to view the ice monsters (juhyo) of Mt. Zao? Where is a good place to view them?

A11: In an average year, the best time to view the ice monsters of Mt. Zao is between the end of January and late February.
In general, the best place to view the ice monsters is the ropeway route between Jizo Summit and the Zao Juhyogen Ski Course. If you take the Zao Summit Line (Sanchosen) of the Zao Ropeway from the Juhyo Kogen Ropeway Station, you will be able to take in a stunning panoramic view of the ice monsters of Mt. Zao. Also, if you disembark at the Jizo Summit (Jizo Sancho) Station, it is possible to walk among the ice monsters yourself. (It takes one transfer and approximately 15 minutes to reach the Jizo Summit Station on the Zao Ropeway.) Also, note that visitors who come to view the ice monsters have priority over skiers and snowboarders, so you can get on the Zao Ropeway to view the ice monsters with minimal waiting time.; For more information, please see the Mt. Zao and the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort page.

Q12: When does the ski season begin at the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort?

A12: The 2007-2008 Zao Ski Season begins on Saturday, December 8th.

Q13: Is it possible to rent skiing equipment at Mt. Zao?

A13: There are currently 16 separate ski equipment rental facilities on Mt. Zao. There are shops aimed at all different kinds of customers, so we would recommend taking a look at a couple and finding the one that best suits your needs. One of the larger rental shops is located inside the Jupeer lodge near the Uenodai Slope area. You should be able to find everything you need in almost any of these ski rental shops, which rent a wide variety of goods, from skis themselves to ski gloves, ski hats, and other ski wear.
Also, some lodging facilities offer skis and skiwear rental to their guests. Please inquire about this directly when you make reservations.

Q14: Is it possible to take skiing lessons in languages other than Japanese at the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort?

A14

Yes. Two of the seven ski schools on Mt. Zao offer English language instruction. (Advance reservations are required.).

School	Where to Apply (Nearest Slope)	Phone (Japanese)	Fee
Zao Ski School	Jupeer (Uenodai Slope)	+81-23-694-9381	4000 Yen/person for 3 hours
Zao Heim Ski Shool	Lodge Ski School (Uneonodai Slope)	+81-23-694-9357	14,000 Yen total for 2 hours for groups of up to 3 students *3000 Yen for each additional student beyond the initial 3

Q15: Where can I go for information and support about tourism in Yamagata in languages other than Japanese?

A15

There are two different information centers that provide information and support for English language speaking individuals. Please contact the Visit Japan information center at one of the following locations

Help Center	Location	Supported Languages
Yamagata Station Tourism Center	JR Yamagata Station Ticket Gate	English
Yamagata Tourism Information Center	JR Yamagata Station West Exit Kajo Central 1F	English