Introduction to Instagram-Worthy Photos in Yamagata Prefecture
The snow-covered scenery of the Ginzan Onsen town, illuminated by gas lamps and reminiscent of the Edo period, feels like stepping into a Ghibli movie. Strolling through the retro streets in a yukata or taking photos from a room overlooking the onsen town captures a nostalgic atmosphere. Exploring the nearby silver mine tunnels also offers an extraordinary adventure that is perfect for social media.
Don’t miss the Hanagasa Festival, a summer tradition in Yamagata. Dancers holding brightly colored flower hats create a whirlwind of excitement in the streets. The dynamic dance, smiles, and vibrant costumes bring energy to your photos. The night illumination adds another charm, offering different expressions of the festival from day to night.
Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera) on the outskirts of Yamagata City is a mountain temple visited by Matsuo Basho, with a history spanning over 1000 years. The panoramic view from the summit showcases the majestic nature. The lush mountains viewed from here are breathtakingly beautiful. Capturing the historical buildings while climbing the stone steps results in photos that convey a solemn atmosphere.
Recently popular among foreigners, the Zao Mountain Range offers breathtaking views in every season. In winter, the mysterious ice trees, the emerald green Okama crater in spring and summer, and the fiery autumn leaves provide different experiences each time you visit.
Explore these spots and share your best moments from Yamagata.
Ginzan Onsen
The view from this location in Ginzan Onsen resembles the setting of the anime “Spirited Away” and is very popular among Miyazaki fans. It is also famous as the filming location for the NHK morning drama “Oshin” in 1983.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car recommended
Snowy Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is most beautiful on snowy nights, attracting many foreign travelers for photography. The snow-covered town is further enhanced by the illumination.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Winter
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car recommended
Silver Mine Tunnels
The silver mine tunnels in the onsen town, remnants of an old silver mine, are accessible. The illuminated and bridged interior offers a unique and quiet atmosphere.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car recommended
Hanagasa Festival
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, held annually from August 5th to 7th, is one of Tohoku’s major summer festivals, attracting about 1 million spectators. The famous “Hanagasa Ondo” dance, with 14,000 dancers shouting “Yassho, Makasho,” starts at 6 PM. The parade spans 1.2 km, with a float leading the way followed by a spectacular procession of dancers.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: August 5-7
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Held in central Yamagata City
Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)
Commonly known as Yamadera, this temple was established in 860 and is a representative tourist spot in Yamagata. The most impressive feature is the 1,015 stone steps believed to eliminate worldly desires. Surprisingly easy to walk, the round trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Especially during the autumn foliage season, it offers beautiful scenery and excellent photo opportunities.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Late November
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: A hike from Yamadera Station
Zao Mountain Range
The Zao Mountain Range, part of the Ou Mountains spanning the border between Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures, is known for its volcanic activity, including the Okama crater lake and fumaroles. The area is a major tourist destination with hot springs and ski resorts. The Zao Ropeway connects Zao Onsen with the mountain summit, offering views of the seasonal scenery, including spring greenery, summer star gazing, autumn foliage, and winter ice tree illumination. There is also a restaurant at the summit where you can enjoy meals with a magnificent view.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 45 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station
Zao Ice Trees
Zao’s unique climate and vegetation create rare ice and snow sculptures known as “snow monsters,” which are constantly changing and both grand and delicate.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Late January to February
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 45 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station
Zao Okama
The “Okama” is a circular crater lake surrounded by the Zao mountains, with a mystical atmosphere created by the rugged crater walls and emerald green lake surface. Known as one of Zao’s symbols along with the ice trees, it has experienced 26 eruptions, the latest in 1895. The lake is highly acidic, making it uninhabitable for life, and its color changes with the sunlight, earning it the name “Goshiki-numa” (Five Color Lake). Okama is only visible on clear days, with sudden fogs often obscuring the view. Even on overcast days, the weather can change, offering a perfect view of the lake.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring to autumn (closed in winter)
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car recommended
Zao Echo Line
The Zao Echo Line is known for sudden weather changes, so it’s recommended to check clothing, health, weather forecast, and vehicle condition before departure. On clear days, the beautiful autumn leaves can be enjoyed, but on rainy or cloudy days, the mountains may be shrouded in mist, obscuring the view. Driving requires caution in such conditions.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Early to mid-October
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car recommended
