Recommended course

Explore the must-see highlights of Yamagata in fall! Take a route full of notable autumn sights and scenic spots.

This route lets you enjoy the best sites representative of Yamagata, including the Mogami River, Mt. Haguro, Risshaku-ji Temple, and Mt. Zao. *Please note: A part of the route runs through neighboring Miyagi prefecture.

Recommended course

Day 1
Yamagata Airport


約1H30min


Mogami Gorge River Boat Ride


約2H45min


Mt. Haguro


約2H


Gassan Hanagasa Line


約45min


Sagae Onsen
Day 2
Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera)


約3H


Miyagi Zao Fox Village


約2H


Okama


約2H


Zao Onsen
Day 3
Zao Ropeway


約3H


Akashiba Ravine


約2H


Takahata Winery


約2H


Yamagata Airport

Recommendation tourist attraction

Day 1

Mogami Gorge is a well-known site for viewing autumn leaves in Yamagata and is said to be the most picturesque place along the Mogami River. The mountain landscape to the left and right that can be seen from the Mogami River changes throughout the four seasons, while Shiraito Falls (120m tall) is one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan. Both are magnificent sights.


Legend says that the famous military commander, Taira no Masakado, dedicated and donated the approx. 29m-high, 5-storey wooden pagoda. It is said to be the oldest in Tohoku and has been designated a national treasure. Nearby, there is a giant "jiji (old man) cedar tree" thought to be 1,000 years old. Mt. Haguro is a sight worth seeing.


This scenic road is symbolic of Yamagata、 which once prospered as a mecca of mountain worship. The road、 along which practitioners of mountain asceticism walked in the past、 has beautiful new greenery and fall foliage、 and has been selected as one of the best 100 roads in Japan. Bonjigawa Gorge is near Roadside Station Gassan. Kome-no-Ko no Taki Falls is behind Kome-no-Ko no Taki Drive-in.


Sagae produces the most roses in Japan, and those roses are used in a rose bath that has proved popular. The hot spring water, which has a slight viscous feel, is extremely popular for being refreshing and for its skin-beautifying effects. *Note: The rose bath is only available in 2 locations, Kappo Ryokan Yoshimoto (Japanese-style restaurant and inn; TEL: 0237-84-2138) and Hotel Symphony Annex (TEL: 0237-83-1222). Be sure to inquire in advance, as the bath's availability differs.


Day 2

This ancient temple with a history going back over 1,100 years exudes a sacred atmosphere. The scenery is breathtaking in autumn when the surrounding gorge and mountains are bathed in vibrant colors.


Over 100 foxes roam freely in the forest sanctuary. You can see them do cute things you never thought they did, like pulling your clothes.


The circular crater lake surrounded by three of Zao’s peaks, namely Kattadake, Kumanodake, and Goshikidake. The emerald green water and the rough crater walls create a romantic contrast.


Located on the mountainside, Zao Onsen dates back over 1,900 years. The hot spring resort offers accommodation, public baths, footbaths, and bathing facilities for day visitors too.


Day 3

At Zao, you can go mountain climbing and sightseeing in summer, and ski and view frost-covered trees in winter. The winter frost-covered trees, called "snow monsters," are especially well known. The sight of them rising out of the mountain slope when illuminated is absolutely magical!


One of the best scenic spots in Japan, this gorgeous ravine has stunning spring greenery and fall foliage. Nature's tapestry of blazing crimson-red colors captivates visitors during the autumn-leaf viewing season from around late October to early November.


Established in 1990, throughout the year visitors can enjoy rich landscapes such as cherry and grape orchards, and wintry scenery. You can also purchase local specialty products and foods.