Referred to as the “hidden jewel in Japan”, the city of Yamagata is located along the Sea of Japan’s coast in the southern Tohoku Region in the north of Japan. It also acts as the capital city of the Yamagata Prefecture. The city of Yamagata is often referred to as the “hidden jewel in Japan” due to its aesthetically pleasing natural attractions like the magnificent landscapes, hot springs and untouched rural nature. Besides that, Yamagata is also home to a handful of amazing man-made attractions such as the historic temples, world-class skiing slopes, festivals and delicious local cuisines.

Airport in Yamagata

1. Yamagata Airport

Yamagata Airport is a 2nd-class airport located in Higashine which serves the entire Yamagata Prefecture of Japan. The airport is 23 kilometres north of the city of Yamagata. Yamagata Airport connects Osaka-Itami, Nagoya, Tokyo-Haneda, and Sapporo-Chitose. This airport has a two-story terminal with two boarding gates and a rooftop observation deck. Their services include restaurants with local delicacies, a place for souvenir shopping and also a relaxation corner for work and rest that requires no fee. However, this small airport only caters to minimal travelling crowds so keep in mind that the facilities are on first come first serve basis.

How to get cheap flights to Yamagata

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When is the best time to fly to Yamagata?

If you are travelling to Yamagata for the first time, you should know that this city experience four seasons yearly. Moreover, due to its location being on the more mountainous parts of Japan, the summers do not become too hot here. However, the temperature in winters can drop very low. Winter is from December to February with the temperature range between -4°C and 6°C. It is considered an off-peak season although travelling to Yamagata during the winter provides no major issue as Yamagata remains lively in winter even when covered in snow.

Spring is considered the best time to visit the Yamagata Prefecture. The reason is that you will get to witness Japan's famous cherry blossoms. Spring season starts from March until May with temperatures ranging between -1°C and 16°C. Kajo Park in Yamagata City displays beautiful blooming cherry blossoms, you may also check out Tsukioka Park, with Kaminoyama Castle in the background that also provides spectacular views of the cherry blossoms.

Summers in Yamagata starts in June until August with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C. This is when you will be able to experience the taste of the famous Yamagata cherries. You can even go for cherry picking in Higashine.

That leaves then the autumn season, which begins in September and lasts until November. During the autumn season, the temperatures range from 3°C to 25°C making the weather pleasant and mild. The autumn season is when you will get to experience harvest-related events such as the Imoni-kai potato festival.

What are the Top 3 Things to do in Yamagata?

1. Yamadera – Yamadera temple is located in the mountain which explains its name that translates into “mountain temple”. It was founded as far back as a thousand years ago displaying different structures that are spread out all over the mountain. If you are visiting Yamadera, then the nature walk and a 30-minute hike up to the top is a must to absorb the nature aesthetics surrounding this place.

2. Ginzan Onsen – The Ginzan Onsen preserves time as the townscape was built to mirror the architectures from the Taisho era. The area initially developed around a silver mine, today it is a place where travellers go for the hot springs. Staying at the Fujiya Ginzan Ryokan, a 300-year-old property that was recently renovated by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is the perfect way to complete this hot spring retreat.

3. Mount Zao – In the summer, the Zao mountain range offers summer visitors outstanding views from the Okama Crater Lake. For nature lovers especially, it is a perfect opportunity to gain hiking experience here in Mount Zao. In the winter, Mount Zou transforms into a leading ski resort with world-class skiing slope and it is also one of only a few places in Japan to see so-called "snow monsters" which are frozen trees that displays shapes of monsters due to the ice covered branches.