1. About Yuza Town

The town of Yuza is located at the foot of Mt. Chokai and is known as the “Village of Spring Water.” It is a town rich in nature.

The area is also part of the “Mt. Chokai-Tobishima island Geopark,” which has the theme of the circulation of water and life created by the Sea of Japan and the earth.

・The charm of Yuza Town

The biggest attraction is being able to enjoy culture, activities and food while experiencing the great outdoors of the sea, mountains and rivers.

In addition, Yuza town has 12 springs selected for the “Yamagata 100 Famous Village Waters,” which selects excellent springs and other waters within Yamagata prefecture, the most in the prefecture.

The beautiful scenery and delicious food of Yuza Town can be considered a blessing born from nature that has taken a long time to form.

2. One-day tour of Yuza Town [Tourist Spot Introduction]

Yuza Town has many tourist spots where you can enjoy nature.

There are many ways to enjoy yourself, such as being active and trekking in the mountains and rivers, savoring food made with fresh local ingredients, and touring historical and historic sites.

Be sure to find a style of sightseeing that suits you.

① JR Yuza Station

The starting point of the journey is JR Yuza Station.

This is a “townspeople’s station” operated under contract by JR East.

You can rent an E-Bike here, so you don’t need to use secondary transportation from the station.

This service was started with the idea of allowing people to enjoy traveling as an activity while feeling the breeze of Shonai, so it is recommended for tourists.

There are about 12 bikes in total, of which there are two types: cross bikes and mountain bikes.

In addition, reservations are required for both E-Bike rentals and guided tours.

Due to unfortunate weather, we toured by car instead of using the E-Bike.

② Green Store

Our next stop was Green Store, a popular supermarket known for its handmade fruit sandwiches and side dishes.

Shortly after the shop opened, there were many customers looking for fruit sandwiches, and it seemed to be quite popular.

There are about 20 kinds of fruit sandwiches lined up on the shelves, and the juicy cut surfaces of the fruit are sure to catch your eye.

After some hesitation, I decided to buy strawberry and Oreo banana this time.

With the desire to “make it easy for people of all ages, from children to the elderly, to enjoy seasonal fruits,” the shop offers a carefully selected range of delicious local fruits as well as fruits from all over the country.

They also spend their days researching the composition and softness of the cream so that the fruit can be enjoyed in the most delicious way.

There is an eat-in space outside the store, so you can eat your purchases immediately after purchase.

③ Juroku Rakan Rocks and Kamaiso Beach

Juroku Rakan Rocks is a scenic spot along the Sea of Japan.

The strong sea breeze and the sound of the waves along the way were deeply felt.

The total of 22 rock-carved Buddha statues were completed in 1868 after a period of about five years, as a memorial for the fishermen and as a prayer for safety at sea.

The splashing waves in the background were incredible, making the scene seem even more majestic.

Kamaiso Beach is nearby.

This is a rare spot even in Japan where you can see spring water (fresh water) bubbling up from the sandy beach and the seabed.

Especially in the summer season, many people come to enjoy swimming in the sea, and it is known for offering a panoramic view of beautiful sunsets.

④ Maruike Pond

If you visit Yuza Town, you cannot miss the Maruike Pond.

The emerald green surface of the water was fantastical, and the beauty of how its appearance changed depending on the light was like something out of an anime world.

The shrine’s official name is Maruike Shrine, and the pond itself has been worshipped as a sacred object since ancient times.

In autumn, many salmon can be seen in the Ushiwatari River, which flows next to Maruike Pond.

It is a mysterious spot where nature and history come together.

⑤ Nakayama River Park

For those who want to spend some relaxing time along the river, we recommend the Nakayama River Park.

We spent a relaxing time gazing at the beautiful river that flows through the underground waters of Mt. Chokai.

In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the place becomes bustling with tourists.

Near the park, you can also see the majestic Mt. Chokai, which stretches out as far as the eye can see.

⑥ Yuza Curry (inside JR Yuza Station)

Finally, we returned to JR Yuza Station and enjoyed some “Yuza Curry.”

This time I tried the most popular dish, “Yuza Vegetable Curry.”

Here, they serve locally grown rice cooked in underground water from Mt. Chokai and local additive-free curry made with a generous amount of locally grown vegetables.

It is topped with around 10 types of vegetables that change with the season, including local specialties such as paprika, yam, and sweet potato, and its appeal lies in the simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the ingredients.

There are various menus to choose from when enjoying Yuza curry, so you can choose according to your taste.

Additionally, the store is located inside the station, making it easy to access and popular with people of all ages.

3. Conclusion

After spending a day touring Yuza, I realized that it is a charming town where abundant nature harmonizes with the culture and food created by the local people.

Whether you’re by the sea, mountains, or river, you’ll feel a dignified atmosphere as the clear air envelops your mind and body.

We had so much to enjoy, with food made with local ingredients and historical spots, that one day just wasn’t enough.

If you visit Yuza Town, be sure to experience its charm for yourself.