Yamagata Popular Spots Day Tour｜ Ginzan Onsen・Mogami River Cruise・Dewa Sanzan Shrine・Toko Sake Brewery・Fruit Picking (Depart from Yamagata Station)

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Attraction Introduction:

• Ginzan Onsen: A hot spring town located in the mountainous region of Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. This small town, surrounded by mountains, flourished as a silver mining area in the 17th century, hence its name, Ginzan Onsen). Ginzan Onsen preserves wooden Western-style houses dating from the Taisho to early Showa periods, creating a retro streetscape and a romantic atmosphere with its snow-covered winter scenery. Ginzan Onsen is also the setting for the globally popular Japanese drama "Oshin." Legend has it that the bathhouse in the Japanese anime "Spirited Away" was inspired by this place. The numerous hot spring inns and their retro-romantic atmosphere, combined with the beautiful snow scenery, attract travelers from all over the world every year.

• Mogami River Cruise: Revered as the "Mother of Yamagata Prefecture" and deeply cherished by its people, the Mogami River is one of Japan's three major rapids, stretching over 200 kilometers. Flanked by numerous small mountains, it runs north-south through Yamagata Prefecture, its layers of peaks creating a breathtaking panorama that changes with the seasons. Listen to the boatman's traditional boat songs, joining in with the "Mogami River Boat Song" sung at the bow of the boat, and admire the beautiful cedar forests, Shiraito Falls, and other captivating scenery throughout the year. The cruise takes about an hour. In addition to the traditional boat songs, English, Chinese, and Korean versions are also available. The witty guide, "Mr. Bow," is the soul of the cruise, his humorous banter and singing keeping the passengers entertained.

• Yudonoyama Shrine: Mount Yudono, a sacred mountain for mountain worship and ascetic practice. At 1,504 meters above sea level, Mount Yudono is a sacred mountain where asceticism (Shugendo) is practiced. It is one of the Three Mountains of Dewa, along with Mount Gassan and Mount Haguro, where those who practice asceticism attained Buddhahood. The main shrine of Yudonoyama Shrine is located in a valley halfway up the northern slope of Mount Yudono. Since ancient times, it has upheld the principles of "do not speak of what is improper" and "do not listen to what is improper," making it a mysterious shrine whose sights and sounds cannot be revealed to outsiders. Renowned for its strict precepts, it is a sacred shrine separated from the secular world.

• Dewa Sanzan Shrine (Sanja Goseiden): Atop Mount Haguro, this shrine enshrines the gods of three mountains. It is one of Japan's largest and most massive shrines, and also the largest thatched-roof building in the country. At the very center is Gassan Shrine, to the right is Dewa Shrine, and to the left is Yudonoyama Shrine. The thatched roofs are 2.1 meters thick, and the interiors are entirely painted, making it well worth a visit. The main deity enshrined at Gassan Shrine is Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, considered the embodiment of the moon; as the name "Tsukuyomi" suggests, she is a deity who governs the calendar. Dewa Shrine enshrines Ishii-no-Mikoto, the land god of Dewa, while Yudonoyama Shrine enshrines the great mountain god Ōyama-no-Mikoto. The Mirror Pond in front of the shrine has been filled with hundreds of bronze mirrors since the Heian period, hence its name. The water level remains almost unchanged throughout the year, leading to its belief in mystical power and its enduring popularity.

• Uesugi Shrine: Located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, Uesugi Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, a famous general from the Sengoku period, and is one of Yonezawa City's main tourist attractions. Situated within Matsusaki Park (formerly Yonezawa Castle Ruins), the original main hall was destroyed by fire during the Taisho era. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1923 based on the design of Dr. Chuta Itō, a Yonezawa resident famous for designing Meiji Shrine and Heian Shrine. Besides the main hall, the park also features the Uesugi Memorial Hall, a statue of Uesugi Kenshin, and a statue of Uesugi Takayama, among other historical buildings, allowing visitors to experience a profound sense of history.

• The Toko Sake Brewery Museum: Located in Yonezawa City, a 400-year-old brewery, the Toko Sake Brewery Museum benefits from abundant spring water, high-quality rice, and a cold climate, allowing the brewery to operate at stable low temperatures—an ideal environment for brewing. Kojima Sohonten, also known as "Toko," was established in 1597 (Keichō 2) and is the official brewery of the Uesugi family of the Yonezawa Domain. Visitors can learn about the craftsmanship and traditions of Japanese brewing at the affiliated museum, and also enjoy free sake tastings at the shop, sampling high-quality and award-winning sake that is not usually available at reasonable prices.

• Yamagata Prefecture's Yakutsu Hachiman Shrine and Historical Park: Centered around the three-story pagoda of Yakutsu Hachiman Shrine, a symbol of Takabatake Town, and the Yamagata Prefecture's UKITAMU Fudoki-no-Oka Archaeological Museum, this park allows visitors to experience nature and history through restored residences, ancient tombs, fields, and seasonal flowers. The three-story pagoda, the dance hall, and the main hall of Yamagata Hachiman Shrine are designated cultural properties of Yamagata Prefecture.

• Gawakusa Stone Garden Park: A Hidden Gem for Instagrammers - Gawakusa Stone Garden Park presents a unique sight. Steep rock walls rise approximately 30 meters high. This space evokes ancient ruins, exuding an otherworldly atmosphere. After passing through a tunnel from the quarry ruins, you'll arrive at a space surrounded by towering takahata stones, which is also used for events like taro stewing and as a concert hall.

Option 1: Itinerary (June 19th to July 11th) Uesugi Shrine, Toko Sake Cellar, Cherry Picking Experience

Trip duration 7 hours

9:30 Departure from Yamagata Station

11:00/13:00 Uesugi Shrine & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)

13:10/14:00 Dongguang Jiuzang School Meeting

15:00/16:00（まほろば観光园）＊June 19th~July 11th

Disbandment at Yamagata Station at 16:30

Option 2: Itinerary (June 19th to the end of September): Uesugi Shrine, Toko Sake Cellar, Yasuzu Hachiman Shrine & Urikiri Stone Garden Park

Trip duration 7 hours

9:30 Departure from Yamagata Station

11:00/13:00 Uesugi Shrine & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)

13:10/14:00 Dongguang Jiuzang School Meeting

15:00/16:00 Ankutsu Hachiman Shrine & Kuwari Stone Garden Park

Disbandment at Yamagata Station at 16:30

Option 3: Itinerary (July 1st to the end of October) A tour showcasing the unique features of Yamagata: Yudonoyama Shrine & Dewa Sanzan Shrine

The trip lasts 8.5 hours.

9:00 Departure from Yamagata Station

10:00/12:30 Yudonoyama Shrine & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)

14:00/15:30 Dewa Sanzan Shrine (National Treasure Five-Storied Pagoda & Dewa Sanzan Shrine Sanjin Festival Hall)

Disbandment at Yamagata Station at 17:30

Option 4: Itinerary: Mogami-Bashō Line Cruise & Ginzan Onsen

Trip duration 7 hours

Departure from Yamagata Station at 13:00

14:30/16:00 Mogami-Bashō Line Cruise & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)

17:00/18:40 Night view of Ginzan Onsen

Disband at Yamagata Station at 20:00

Option 5: Itinerary Route: Yamagata Zao & Ginzan Onsen Night View

Trip duration 7 hours

Departure from Yamagata Station at 13:00

13:30/15:30 Yamagata Zao Ropeway Ride & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)

17:00/18:40 Night view of Ginzan Onsen

Disband at Yamagata Station at 20:00