Explore Japan’s Beautiful Traditional Scenery! 15 Popular Tourist Spots in the Shonai Area

The Shonai area has different charms in every season, but if you visit, we recommend autumn.
As the summer heat begins to ease, the weather becomes comfortable and there are many clear days, making it an ideal sightseeing season.
The biggest draw is the beautiful autumn foliage, and you can enjoy fall scenery at many famous spots such as Tsuruma Pond and Chokai Forest.
You may also want to plan a trip where you can enjoy famous hot springs while admiring the contrast of fall colors and the harvest in the fields.
Also, since many foods come into season one after another, food lovers are sure to enjoy it as well.

Yamagata Prefecture has two airports, and one of them is Shonai Airport, located in the Shonai area.
Spanning Sakata City and Tsuruoka City, the airport serves as the aerial gateway to the Shonai region.
Currently, only domestic flights from Haneda Airport operate there, but the system for accepting international flights is also being strengthened.
You can reach Shonai Airport in Approx. 1 hour by direct flight from Tokyo (Haneda Airport), and in Approx. 3 hours 10 minutes from Osaka (Itami Airport) via Haneda Airport.
After arriving at the airport, you can take a bus to Sakata in about 45 minutes or to Tsuruoka in about 30 minutes.

The only aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture, located along the coast of Tsuruoka City. It displays more than 60 species of jellyfish and is known as the aquarium with the world’s largest variety of jellyfish on display and in captivity.
The biggest highlight is the 5-meter-diameter tank called the Jellyfish Dream Theater. The sight of Approx. 10,000 moon jellyfish drifting in the giant tank is something you can only see here.

A 414-meter mountain located northwest of Mt. Gassan, the main peak of Dewa Sanzan.
A few minutes along the mountain path from Zuishinmon Gate, where the bus stop is located, stands a 29-meter five-story pagoda that seems to blend into the cedar forest.
It is said to have been founded by Taira no Masakado in 938, and is one of the few remaining Buddhist structures on Mt. Haguro from the era of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. In 1966, it was designated a National Treasure.

Dewa Sanzan is one of Tohoku’s leading sacred sites of mountain worship and Shugendo. It is the collective name for the three mountains of Mt. Haguro, representing the present, Mt. Gassan, representing the past, and Mt. Yudono, representing the future. Over a history of more than 1,430 years since its founding, diverse forms of faith have developed there, and it remains one of Japan’s foremost sacred sites.
The Sanjingosaiden Hall at the summit of Mt. Haguro enshrines the three deities of the three mountains of Dewa Sanzan.

An art museum where nature and art come together, standing quietly on a small hill.
It is divided into several sections, including permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions, and a citizen gallery, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of art.
In particular, the museum’s displays center on works by major figures in Japanese Western-style painting such as Shigeru Morita and Sakata-born Western-style painter Tsunero Kokuryo.
The expansive grounds are surrounded by greenery on all sides, and the open space that brings in natural light, along with the design that harmonizes with the surrounding scenery, is also impressive.
A standout example is the white marble sculpture Shosei placed in the courtyard, and on clear days one of the museum’s great attractions is the magnificent borrowed scenery of Mt. Chokai and Dewa Sanzan beyond the garden.
It is also easy to access, located Approx. 25 minutes from Sakata Station by cooperative bus and Approx. 10 minutes by taxi.

A facility that displays and preserves art and craftworks collected by the Homma family, who became famous as wealthy merchants and major landowners from the Edo period (1603–1868) onward.
Its collection covers a wide range of genres, mainly Japanese and East Asian antiques, and totals Approx. 3,000 items.
Its appeal also lies in the many objects bestowed by feudal lords, historically valuable documents, Important Cultural Properties, and Important Art Objects.
The collection spans from the Nara period (710–794) to the Showa period, so through the exhibits you can experience Japanese art across the ages firsthand.
Also not to be missed are Kakubuen, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty that changes with the seasons, and Seienkaku, a beautifully detailed Kyoto-style building.
The view from the garden is exceptional, so it is recommended to stop by the museum’s café and spend some relaxing time there.

Japan’s first museum dedicated exclusively to photography, exhibiting works by Ken Domon, the master photographer from Sakata City.
Born in 1909, Domon was a valuable figure who witnessed Japan before and after World War II, and his lens captured everything from everyday scenes to dramatic moments in the turbulent Showa era (1926–1989).
His works reflect universal human emotions and social conditions, and by viewing them, you can sense both Japan at the time and the spirit of its people.
His major works include Hiroshima, Pilgrimage to Ancient Temples, and The Children of Chikuho, and many aspects of them still resonate today, likely speaking to your own life and values.
The museum is spacious and has sofas placed throughout, so take your time and appreciate the works while reflecting in your own way.

A multipurpose complex built amid the beautiful rural scenery in the center of the Shonai Plain.
It includes a variety of facilities, such as Shonai Mikawa Roadside Station, which provides tourist information, Wanpaku Hiroba, a free play area with large playground equipment, and the shopping center LaCos.
It also serves as a place for community interaction, hosting seasonal events and sports tournaments on an irregular basis.
One highlight here is Den Den, a hot spring facility built in the traditional village headman style.
It draws from two types of spring water, a colorless, transparent salt spring and the somewhat unusual cloudy brownish strong salt spring, and soaking in the large bath or open-air bath lets you relax to your heart’s content.
There are also dining and lodging options, making it a good base for sightseeing in Mikawa Town.

In 1978, rapeseed blossoms were designated as the official flower of Mikawa Town. Since 1983, the Nanohana Festival has been held every year, and the flowers are also cultivated for food and oil, making them a beloved symbol of the town.
Next to the Iroribi no Sato mentioned above, there is a rapeseed field where these flowers bloom across a vast 133.4 hectares of land. The best time to visit is usually from late April to early May.
If you are sightseeing in Mikawa Town in spring, this sea of rapeseed blossoms stretching across your field of vision is a must-see.

A cultural museum known as a filming location for the Academy Award-winning movie Departures, specifically for the encoffining scenes.
It was completed in 1928 based on a design by Saichiro Miyajima, who worked on many buildings related to the Imperial Household.
Its official name is Mikawa Town Cultural Exchange Hall, but it was given its current name through a public contest because Tokusaburo Abe, who taught at Yamagata University and elsewhere, was affectionately known during his lifetime as Atoku Sensei.
Showcasing master craftsmanship, the museum is characterized by modern Japanese-style architecture, with a single-story all-cypress structure and a copper-sheet roof.
Its dignified atmosphere is enhanced by its appearance blending into the landscape and its beautifully maintained stroll garden with a central pond.
Another nice point is that you can tour the interior for free and experience the charm of the early Showa period today.

One of the largest permanent JAF-certified racing kart courses in the Tohoku region.
Here, you can take on authentic motorsports on a 1,063-meter course.
With sweeping views of the Mogami River and magnificent natural scenery right in front of you, it offers an exhilarating experience that is also perfect for refreshing yourself.
In particular, on the longest straight section of 170 meters, you can fully enjoy speeds of up to 70 km/h and a felt speed of 140 km/h, making you feel like an F1 racer.
There are also family-friendly two-seater battery carts and leisure carts, so parents and children, as well as families with small children, can enjoy it casually.
*Operating period: April–November (as a rule, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays on weekdays)

Amarume Hachiman Shrine is one of the three major Hachiman shrines of Shonai and has long been worshipped as the guardian shrine of the region.
The shrine building, constructed in 1814, is in the same style as the Sanjingosaiden Hall of Mt. Haguro, and its worship hall and inner sanctuary are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Shonai Town.
You can enjoy it even more by paying attention to the beautiful design, including intricate carvings and rich colors created with great care.
Another notable highlight is the traditional Amarume Festival.
Held every year over three days on September 14 (eve festival), September 15 (main festival), and September 16 (thanksgiving festival), it draws large crowds and creates a lively atmosphere.
If your timing works out, be sure to see the mikoshi procession walking to the tune of Umakatabushi, miko dances, lion dances, and various other events.

A shrine standing at the summit of Mt. Gassan, 1,984 meters above sea level.
Founded in 593 and listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, it has a long history and has been deeply revered by ordinary people since ancient times as a sacred site of Shugendo.
Even today, many mountain ascetics and worshippers visit, and because the main sanctuary is a special sacred area, photography is prohibited and purification is required before worship.
The shrine enshrines Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, and it is said that worshipping there in a leap year brings 12 years’ worth of divine blessings.
Another attraction is the view from the summit, where spectacular scenery stretches as far as the eye can see, including the Shonai Plain and the Asahi-Iide mountain range.
Also, near the summit, rare alpine plants such as Ozekohone and Urajiroyoraku bloom here and there, making them worth a look.
*Mountain opening season: usually from July 1 to early September, proper climbing gear required

The main shrine stands at the summit of Mt. Chokai, while two gateway shrines, Fukura Kuchi no Miya and Warabioka Kuchi no Miya, stand at the foot of the mountain.
Mt. Chokai is a sacred peak on the border of Yamagata and Akita prefectures, rising 2,236 meters above sea level.
At the summit stands the main inner sanctuary of Chokaisan Omonoimi Shrine, founded in 564 during the reign of Emperor Kinmei.
Many climbers and worshippers visit in search of the revered blessings of the ichinomiya of Dewa Province, and you can also stay overnight at the Omuro pilgrimage lodge with a reservation during summer only.

A rare waterfall where underground water from Mt. Chokai gushes out from a rocky area, and one of Yuza Town’s well-known tourist spots.
It was named Doppara Falls after the expression “doppaра,” referring to the body.
The sight of a large volume of pure water flowing out is not only beautiful, but the natural water is also free of impurities and has been selected as one of Yamagata’s 100 Famous Waters of the Countryside.
Not only local residents but also people from inside and outside the prefecture regularly line up here to collect the famous water.
With Fudoson in the center, two streams flow on either side, and one of the waterfall’s unique features is that the spring water is said to taste different on the left and right.
Some people prefer the right side, some the left, and some mix both, which makes it interesting to compare personal tastes.
There is a well-maintained walking path around the falls, so enjoy a stroll in nature.
*Best season for visiting: late May to early November

Twenty-two magaibutsu cliff carvings, or Buddhist images carved into rock faces, completed in 1868 after five years of work beginning in 1864 by local stonemasons praying for safety at sea and for the souls of fishermen.
In addition to 16 rakan statues, there are also carvings of Shakyamuni Buddha, Monju Bosatsu, and Fugen Bosatsu.
The sight of these large-scale cliff carvings lined up together is said to be unique on the Sea of Japan coast, making Jurokurakan Rocks a historically precious site. *Selected by the Fisheries Agency as a historical and cultural asset of fishing villages to preserve for the future
There is an observation deck with inscribed poetry and haiku monuments, where you can also enjoy beautiful views such as the carvings enduring the rough waves of the Sea of Japan while blending into nature, and their silhouette at sunset.
It is also a popular tourist destination, and the Jurokurakan Festival held in late July is lively every year.

A hot spring area located a 30-minute walk from Atsumi Onsen Station in Tsuruoka City, or Approx. 5 minutes by taxi.
This famous hot spring has a long history and is said to have begun 1,200 years ago when a crane healed its wounds there.
The sodium-calcium chloride-sulfate spring water is said to help with neuralgia and promote blood circulation, and can be expected to provide relaxing effects for both body and mind.
The hot spring town has a charming atmosphere enhanced by the pleasant sound of the clear stream, with three public bathhouses for day use, a drinking fountain, footbaths, welcoming inns, and retro sweet shops.
There are also benches along the riverside promenade where you can sit and relax, so be sure to enjoy a stroll as well.
Also recommended is the Atsumi Onsen Morning Market, held every morning from April to November, where local specialties and souvenirs are sold and tourists in yukata gather.

A hot spring resort said to have spread based on an old story from the Tenki era (1053–1058), when a local fisherman discovered a turtle warming itself in the hot water by the sea.
It is one of Yamagata Prefecture’s leading hot spring resorts, with inns and hotels lining the coast facing the Sea of Japan.
The spring water is a chloride spring with a faint salty taste. Soaking in it warms the body to the core and helps prevent chills after bathing. The salt content is also said to have a sterilizing effect and help heal wounds.

A quiet, old-fashioned hot spring resort with more than 1,300 years of history.
Surrounded by bamboo groves and plum groves, this atmospheric hot spring is often called Tsuruoka’s inner retreat and has long been loved by many literary figures.
Today, it is known as a therapeutic hot spring area, and in 2001 it was designated by the Ministry of the Environment as a National Health Onsen Resort.
Its freely flowing spring water, considered among the best in Japan, is a colorless, clear, odorless sulfate spring that is easy to bathe in and is said to be effective for cuts, burns, and high blood pressure.
The hot spring town has two public bathhouses and one footbath, and another attraction is that its seven distinctive inns serve local gourmet dishes and mountain vegetable cuisine made with regional ingredients.
It is also easily accessible from the city center, Approx. 30 minutes by bus from Tsuruoka Station, so it is lively with many tourists year-round.