1. Yamadera (Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple) (Yamagata City)

It is an ancient temple of the Tendai sect that was opened by Ennin, the third leader of the Tendai sect, under the command of Emperor Seiwa in 860, and has been nicknamed “Yamadera” for a long time.

The view of Yamadera, which can be seen from the train window of the JR Senzan Line, shows various expressions in each season.
Among them, the autumn outfit is exceptionally beautiful!

We also recommend climbing the stairs leading to Oku-no-in temple and seeing the view from the Godaido hall on the way.
Souvenir shops and restaurants are lined up along the approach, and “riki konjac,” which is soaked in soup stock and soy sauce, is also a specialty of Yamadera.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late October to early November
Hours : 8:00~17:00
Entrance fee : 300 yen (high school student and over)
200 yen (junior high school student)
100 yen (elementary school student)
Parking Lot : None (paid parking lot available nearby)
Access : Approximately 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Station or approximately 20 minutes by train on the Senzan Line

2. Omoshiroyama Momiji River Valley (Yamagata City)

As its name suggests, the Momiji river valley is one of the best spots among many for enjoying autumn leaves (“momiji” in Japanese).
There is a walking course of about 2 km from the Omoshiroyama Kogen Station on the JR Senzan Line going toward Yamadera Station, full  of crossing thrilling narrow roads and bridges on the way. Therefore, some equipment such as athletic shoes and easy-to-move clothes is required.

It is a 5-minute walk from Omoshiroyama Station to the entrance of the valley, and you can return to Yamagata or Sendai from the Yamadera Station on the JR Senzan Line.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late October to early November
Parking Lot : Yes
Access : 5 minutes walk from Omoshiroyama Kogen Station on the Senzan Line or 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Kita IC

3. Zao

・Zao Chuo Ropeway

Zao Chuo Ropeway is located in Zao Onsen and operates between the Onsen Station and the Torikabuto Station.
The time required to go up is 7 minutes and 30 seconds, the distance 1,787m, and the altitude difference 524 m.

The view of the autumn leaves from the air is exceptionally beautiful, just like a brocade carpet!
Coloring begins around the end of September every year, and the best time to see it is around mid-October.

After getting off at Torikabuto Station, it is also recommended to go trekking to the Mt. Torikabuto Observatory and the Dokkonuma pond.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late September to mid-October
[Zao Chuo Ropeway]
Hours : 8:30~17:00 (until October 31)
8:30~16:30 (November 1 ~ 4)
8:30~16:00 (November 5 ~ December 20)
Fee :
One way = Adult 800 yen / Child 400 yen / Pet 300 yen
Round trip = Adult 1,500 yen / Child 750 yen / Pet 500 yen
* Adult… junior high school students and above * Child… elementary school student
Parking Lot : Yes (paying on weekends and holidays)
Access : Approximately 35 minutes by car from Yamagata Station

・ Katakainuma pond

The katakainuma pond is 35 minutes away on foot headed toward the Tony Sailer Monument from the Torikabuto Station of the Zao Chuo Ropeway. Come enjoy this leisurely stroll around the Torikabuto Station.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late September to mid-October
Access : Take Zao Chuo Ropeway and get off at Torikabuto Station. About 35 minutes on foot.

4. Mt. Gassan Hanagasa Line (Nishikawa Town to Tsuruoka City)

This road that connects the inland region of Yamagata prefecture and the Shonai region, and has been selected as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan.”

The route that passes through the steep mountainous areas centered on Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono has fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, and beautiful colored leaves in autumn, bringing wonderful scenery in each season.
The autumn foliage season is especially popular, and many people park their cars and enjoy the foliage along the way.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Mid-October to early November
Access : Immediately from Mt. Gassan IC on the Yamagata Expressway via R112 toward Tsuruoka

5. Akashiba Gorge (Oguni Town)

Akashiba Gorge is a 15-minute drive from Oguni Station.
Beech trees, maples and Japanese sumac trees create beautiful red colors on both banks of the valley that stretches over the Arakawa River.

There is also a bench on the promenade, which is about 1.2 km one way and can be walked in about 30 minutes, so it is recommended for a break during the drive.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Mid-October to early November
Parking Lot : Yes (20 cars)
Access : 15 minutes by city bus bound for Umekakinso from Oguni Station on the JR Yonesaka Line, and get off at Akashiba Gorge.
Sea of Japan Tohoku Expressway Arakawa-Taina IC, take National Highway 113 toward Oguni, 34 km by car

6. Nagai Dam (Nagai City)

Nagai Dam is also known as “Nagai Hyakushu Lake” and was completed in 2011.
With a height of 125.5m, it is the second largest dam in the Tohoku region after the Isawa Dam in Iwate Prefecture.

The lake and dam surrounded by mountains are very beautiful and this is a popular and relaxing place especially during the autumn foliage season.

Pleasure boats are also operated according to the season of autumn leaves.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Mid-October to early November
Access : 25 minutes by car from Nagai Station on the Flower Nagai Line

* Pleasure boat Inquiry
Yamagata Arcadia Tourism Bureau ☎: 0238-88-1831

7. Mt. Chokai Blue Line (Yuza Town)

The Mt. Chokai Blue Line is a mountain road that climbs from 0 to 1,100 meters above sea level.
As the altitude rises, the colors of the trees change and the beautiful autumn leaves road continues.

From the Ohira Sanso Observatory at the 4th station, you can see the Shonai Plain, remote islands such as Tobishima island (Yamagata) and Awashima (Niigata), and the Oga Peninsula in Akita.
In addition, the sunset over the Sea of Japan is very beautiful, and it is also an astronomical observation spot where you can see the starry sky at night.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Mid-late October
Opening period : Late April to late October
Access : From Yamagata Expressway Sakata Minato IC via R7 toward Akita, 15 minutes to the Chokai Blue Line entrance

8. Sankyo Soko (Sakata City)

The Sankyo Soko are rice storage warehouses built in 1893.
There are 9 buildings with white walls and earthenware, and they are still used as active agricultural warehouses.

Zelkova trees over 150 years old are lined up on the premises, and their colors change with the seasons and fascinate the hearts of many people.

In addition, the Sakata City Tourist Product Center Sakata Yume no Club and the Shonai Rice History Museum are located on the premises of this popular tourist spot.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late October to early November
Opening hours: 9:00~18:00
* Closed from December to February
Closed: January 1 for Sakata Yume no Club
Parking Lot: 27 cars, 3 buses
Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Sakata Station
About 15 minutes by car from Sakata IC on the Sea of Japan Tohoku Expressway

9. Bonji River (Tsuruoka City)

The road between the Mt. Gassan roadside rest area Gassan Asahi Museum and the Komenoko Waterfall drive-inn is a promenade with a view, which is recommended for a leisurely stroll. It is a course with a total length of 800 meters and requires about 30 minutes to cover.

In particular, the Bonji River Valley overlooking from the Nabira Snow Suspension Bridge is a recommended spot for autumn leaves! !!

After a walk, you can stop by the roadside rest area and enjoy souvenirs and sweets made with the specialty mountain grapes.

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late October to early November
Parking Lot : Yes
Access : Approximately 10 minutes by car from Shonai Asahi IC, Approximately 30 minutes by car from Mt. Gassan Asahi IC

10. Mogami Gorge (Tozawa Village)

The Mogami river is one of the three major torrents in Japan, and flows from the central part of Yamagata prefecture to Shinjo City, then turns west toward Sakata City to reach the Sea of Japan.

It is the longest river in Japan that that covers only one prefecture as its basin.

It has been an important river for Yamagata residents for a long time, and prospered as a transportation route for the safflower trade during the Edo period.

Located downstream of the Mogami river, Mogami Gorge extends from the Furukuchi district of Tozawa Village to the Kiyokawa district of Shonai Town for a total length of 15 km.
Especially famous is the “Mogami river boat ride”

The scenery of the canyon that shows each season fascinates the hearts of many people.
Why don’t you enjoy the scenery of Mogami Gorge in autumn while enjoying the boat ride?

Best time to see the autumn leaves : Late October to early November
Access : 5 minutes walk from Furukuchi Station
About 90 minutes by car from Yamagata Station