Yamagata & Yamadera Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Yamagata! Well-known for its hot springs and scenic views, Yamagata is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Yamagata City is a cosmopolitan hub allowing visitors to delve into a fascinating corner of Japan boasting a rich culture, soothing hot springs, soaring mountains and ski fields. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. We can only accept up to 10 persons on a tour. We cannot combine multiple reservations to make a larger group.

1. 1

   Risshaku-ji Temple

   1 min

   Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera's sub-temples dot the slopes of Mt. Hoshu just 25 minutes from the city. A 1,000-step ascent through a mystic cedar forest brings you to the temple complex at the summit, with gorgeous views that are considered among the best in northern Japan. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Yamadera Temple. The colorful foliage of the surrounding forest and the mild temperatures help make the climb to the top a joy.

2. 2

   Yamadera Basho Memorial Hall

   1 min

   Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera's sub-temples dot the slopes of Mt. Hoshu just 25 minutes from the city. A 1,000-step ascent through a mystic cedar forest brings you to the temple complex at the summit, with gorgeous views that are considered among the best in northern Japan. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Yamadera Temple. The colorful foliage of the surrounding forest and the mild temperatures help make the climb to the top a joy.

3. 3

   Yamagata castle

   1 hour

   A short walk from the station, Kajo Park inside the walls of Yamagata Castle holds several events throughout the year. Every spring, revelers fill the park to picnic and view the hundreds of cherry trees in bloom.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 min

   Mt. Zao is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in northern Japan, with great hiking in the summer, top-notch skiing at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort in the winter and sigh-inducing soaks at its eponymous onsen, which operates year-round.

5. 5

   Tendo

   1 hour

   Tendo is Yamagata's fruit mecca, home to vast orchards of apples, peaches, pears, and of course, cherries. It's also one of the prefecture's premier hot spring resorts, with many outdoor baths. For fans of shogi, Japanese chess, the town produces the vast majority of Japan's game pieces. Their creation is a highly developed local craft dating back hundreds of years.

6. 6

   Kaminoyama Castle

   1 hour

   When you're finished, head up to Kaminoyama Castle , for views over the town and surrounding mountains. Originally built in 1535, the castle was once the headquarters of the Kaminoyama Domain. Today it houses a small museum paying homage to the warlords that once ruled the region.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.