Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Yamagata Prefecture (山形県)
Yamagata Prefecture (山形県) is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Yamagata. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Gas-lit Taisho-era ryokan along the river in Ginzan Onsen, cliffside Yamadera temple (Risshaku-ji), sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains, and Zao Onsen ski slopes.
How to get to Yamagata Prefecture
2h 45m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa through Yonezawa, Yamagata, Tendo, and Shinjo. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Yamagata
When visiting cities across Yamagata, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Imoni (taro & beef autumn stew)
- Yonezawa wagyu beef
- Hiyashi ramen (chilled ramen)
- Yamagata cherries (Sato Nishiki) & La France pears
- Tama konnyaku
Best time to visit Yamagata
June for cherry picking; October for mountain foliage and Imoni-kai riverside cookouts; January–February for Ginzan Onsen snow scenes and Zao 'snow monsters' (juhyo).
All 13 cities & municipalities in Yamagata Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamagata 山形市 | Core city | 255,370 | 381.34 km² | City guide → |
| Yonezawa 米沢市 | City | 91,704 | 548.74 km² | City guide → |
| Shinjō 新庄市 | City | 39,808 | 223.08 km² | City guide → |
| Sagae 寒河江市 | City | 43,299 | 139.08 km² | City guide → |
| Kaminoyama 上山市 | City | 35,086 | 240.95 km² | City guide → |
| Murayama 村山市 | City | 27,586 | 196.83 km² | City guide → |
| Nagai 長井市 | City | 30,285 | 214.69 km² | City guide → |
| Tendō 天童市 | City | 63,470 | 113.01 km² | City guide → |
| Higashine 東根市 | City | 46,141 | 207.17 km² | City guide → |
| Obanazawa 尾花沢市 | City | 19,937 | 372.32 km² | City guide → |
| Nan'yō 南陽市 | City | 34,542 | 160.70 km² | City guide → |
| Tsuruoka 鶴岡市 | City | 140,097 | 1,311.51 km² | City guide → |
| Sakata 酒田市 | City | 114,964 | 602.79 km² | City guide → |