Collectively, we are so used to seeing Japan as squeaky clean streets, gracious and polite residents and – almost – not a hair out of place. Cherry blossoms. Mount Fuji. Bullet trains. Mind-blowing food.
And, of course all of that is correct. But there are some places in Japan that don’t always bubble up to the front of our conciousness. One of which is Yamagata.
Yamagata prefecture is often described as ‘hidden’ Japan. Well off any tourist route, Yamagata nevertheless has a wealth of experiences for those with the will to seek them out.
Home to amazing unspoilt scenery, ancient temples, world class skiing, superb local food, summer festivals and some of the best onsen (hot springs) in Japan, Yamagata is a real change for the visitor who believes that Japan is best understood in the municipal centres of Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto.
