Exploring Yamagata in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

Yamagata City, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Cacao

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Cacao, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee.
Cafe Cacao is located in the city center, easily accessible on foot or by a short taxi ride from most accommodations.
500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Yamagata Castle

Explore the historic Yamagata Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Yamagata Castle is a short walk from Cafe Cacao.
300 JPY, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ramen Kyowa

Enjoy a satisfying bowl of traditional Yamagata ramen at Ramen Kyowa, known for its rich broth and handmade noodles.
Ramen Kyowa is a 10-minute walk from Yamagata Castle.
800 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Kajo Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Kajo Park, a beautiful green space with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
Kajo Park is a short walk from Ramen Kyowa.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sushiken

Indulge in fresh sushi and sashimi at Sushiken, a popular seafood restaurant in Yamagata.
Sushiken is a 15-minute walk from Kajo Park.
1500 JPY, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Mountain Retreat

Zao Onsen, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Onsen Bakery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Onsen Bakery, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries.
Onsen Bakery is located near Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.
600 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Skiing or Snowboarding at Zao Onsen

Hit the slopes at Zao Onsen for a day of skiing or snowboarding, with stunning views of the snow-covered mountains.
Take a bus from the bakery to Zao Onsen Ski Resort (30 minutes).
4000 JPY (lift pass), 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Momijiya

Savor a traditional Japanese meal at Momijiya, offering a variety of local dishes with a view of the mountains.
Momijiya is located within Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
1200 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in a natural hot spring bath at one of the many onsens in Zao Onsen, known for its healing properties.
Various onsens are within walking distance from Momijiya.
1500 JPY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Izakaya Yama

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Izakaya Yama, a traditional Japanese pub serving a variety of small dishes and sake.
Izakaya Yama is a short walk from the onsens.
2000 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Countryside Escape

Tendo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Komeda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Japanese breakfast at Komeda Coffee, known for its fluffy toast and signature coffee.
Komeda Coffee is located in Tendo city center.
800 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Shogi Museum

Explore the fascinating world of shogi (Japanese chess) at the Shogi Museum, showcasing historic boards and pieces.
Shogi Museum is a short walk from Komeda Coffee.
500 JPY, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Soba Restaurant Yutaka

Enjoy a lunch of handmade soba noodles at Soba Restaurant Yutaka, a local favorite with a cozy atmosphere.
Soba Restaurant Yutaka is a 10-minute walk from the Shogi Museum.
1000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Tendo Park

Take a leisurely walk in Tendo Park, known for its seasonal flowers and tranquil atmosphere.
Tendo Park is a short distance from Soba Restaurant Yutaka.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Torisen

Treat yourself to yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at Torisen, a popular local restaurant with a wide selection of skewers.
Torisen is located in Tendo city center, a short walk from Tendo Park.
1500 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Exploration

Ginzan Onsen, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Terrace Bonne

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Cafe Terrace Bonne, offering freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.
Cafe Terrace Bonne is located in Ginzan Onsen village.
700 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Stroll in Ginzan Onsen

Explore the charming streets of Ginzan Onsen, lined with historic ryokans (traditional inns) and picturesque bridges.
Ginzan Onsen is easily explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fujiya Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Fujiya Ryokan, known for its seasonal kaiseki meals made with local ingredients.
Fujiya Ryokan is a historic inn in Ginzan Onsen.
2000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Ginzan Onsen Museum

Learn about the history of Ginzan Onsen and its development as a popular hot spring town at the Ginzan Onsen Museum.
Ginzan Onsen Museum is located near Fujiya Ryokan.
500 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Takitei

Indulge in a luxurious kaiseki dinner at Takitei, a renowned ryokan with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Takitei is a short walk from the Ginzan Onsen Museum.
5000 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature Exploration

Dewa Sanzan, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mountain Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Mountain Cafe, offering freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
Mountain Cafe is located at the base of Dewa Sanzan.
600 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hike Mount Haguro

Embark on a scenic hike up Mount Haguro, one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan, dotted with historical shrines and towering cedar trees.
Take a bus from Mountain Cafe to the trailhead (30 minutes).
Free, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sanrojo

Enjoy a bento box lunch at Sanrojo, a charming eatery offering local specialties and stunning views of the mountains.
Sanrojo is located near the summit of Mount Haguro.
1500 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Tsuruoka City

Spend the afternoon exploring Tsuruoka City, known for its traditional crafts and historic temples.
Take a bus back to Tsuruoka City from Mount Haguro (1 hour).
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sennari

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Sennari, a local izakaya serving grilled local ingredients and sake.
Sennari is located in the heart of Tsuruoka City.
2000 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Yonezawa, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Yonezawa Beef House

Start your day with a breakfast of delicious Yonezawa beef at Yonezawa Beef House, known for its premium cuts and grilled dishes.
Yonezawa Beef House is located in Yonezawa city center.
1500 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Uesugi Shrine

Explore the historic Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to the famous warlord Uesugi Kenshin and surrounded by lush gardens.
Uesugi Shrine is a short walk from Yonezawa Beef House.
300 JPY, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sasanoyuki

Taste the local specialty of Yonezawa beef at Sasanoyuki, a renowned restaurant known for its premium cuts and sukiyaki.
Sasanoyuki is located near Uesugi Shrine.
3000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Matsugasaki Park

Take a leisurely walk in Matsugasaki Park, a scenic spot with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
Matsugasaki Park is a short distance from Sasanoyuki.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hanagoyomi

End your day with a kaiseki dinner at Hanagoyomi, a traditional ryokan offering seasonal dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
Hanagoyomi is located in Yonezawa city center, a short walk from Matsugasaki Park.
4000 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation in Onsen

Gassan Onsen, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Onsen View Cafe

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at Onsen View Cafe, overlooking the picturesque mountains and hot spring baths.
Onsen View Cafe is located within Gassan Onsen.
800 JPY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Soak in Gassan Onsen

Indulge in a rejuvenating soak in the natural hot spring baths of Gassan Onsen, surrounded by serene nature.
Gassan Onsen offers various indoor and outdoor baths for relaxation.
1500 JPY, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Onsen Buffet

Enjoy a buffet lunch at the onsen resort, featuring a variety of local dishes and seasonal specialties.
The onsen buffet restaurant is located within Gassan Onsen.
2000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relaxation Time

Spend the afternoon unwinding with a traditional tea ceremony or a relaxing massage at the onsen resort.
Various relaxation activities are available within Gassan Onsen.
1500 JPY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Onsen Restaurant

Enjoy a final dinner at the onsen restaurant, savoring local delicacies and flavors before departing.
The onsen restaurant offers a variety of dishes showcasing the regional cuisine.
2500 JPY, 2 hours
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