Nishi-Zao Park

Conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from central Yamagata City, this park lies on the slopes of the Zao mountain range. Enjoy a variety of recreational activities amid the changing natural scenery.

Children will find an array of distinctive playground equipment, including a 230-foot roller slide at the Forest Playground, designed to take advantage of the hilly terrain, as well as a wide slide and three-dimensional maze at Adventure Plaza. The spacious Lawn Plaza and Open Plaza offer plenty of room to relax. At the tree-lined campground (reservations required) and barbecue area, visitors can experience the pleasures of the outdoors while listening to birdsong.

The Observation Plaza is particularly worth visiting and has been designated a viewpoint in the Yamagata Scenic Story project. Perched on elevated ground with few obstructions, it overlooks the cityscape of Yamagata, with the majestic peaks of Mt. Gassan and the Asahi mountain range beyond. The scenery changes throughout the day, from refreshing views beneath clear blue skies to the dreamlike atmosphere created by the soft light at dusk and romantic nighttime views filled with twinkling lights. The nighttime view from the observation deck is also recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage site, making this one of the area's premier viewpoints for experiencing the vastness of Yamagata's landscape.

The Garden of Japanese Flowers is another highlight, filled with flowers that change with the seasons. With so much to offer across its extensive grounds, the park makes a worthwhile addition to a travel itinerary or a convenient stop on a scenic drive.