Ryokan in Yamagata

山形

A prefecture of mountains in Tohoku, on the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo. Its best-known ryokan are at Ginzan Onsen, a former silver-mining village of wooden ryokan along a river, about 200 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen to Oishida and 35 minutes by bus. Zao Onsen has its own page.

Choosing an area in Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen 銀山温泉
Wooden ryokan on both banks of the Ginzan River, lit by gas lamps at night.
Kaminoyama Onsen かみのやま温泉
A castle-town hot spring with its own stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen, south of Yamagata city.
Yamadera 山寺
The mountain temple of Risshaku-ji, climbed by a thousand steps, north-east of the city.

Yamagata through the year

Spring春
March to May
From May to October, Hanagasa dancers perform on the bridge at Ginzan Onsen every weekend.
Summer夏
June to August
On 5 to 7 August more than 10,000 dancers parade through Yamagata city for the Hanagasa Festival.
Autumn秋
September to November
The maples around the temple buildings of Yamadera are usually at their best from late October to early November.
Winter冬
December to February
Heavy snow settles on Ginzan's roofs. From 19 December 2026 to 7 March 2027 day visitors need a shuttle reservation, but overnight guests do not.