Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)

The temple that is known for the haiku by Matsuo Basho, “the stillness, penetrating the rock, a cicada’s cry”, is commonly called “Yamadera”. The Konpon Chudo Hall, designated as an important cultural property by the national government, is considered to be the oldest beech wood building in Japan and is a well-preserved example of a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect.

Ginzan Onsen

The name “Nobesawa Ginzan” is derived from the name of “Nobesawa Silver Mine” which once flourished as a large silver mine in the early Edo period. The Western-style multi-story wooden inns built from the end of the Taisho era to the beginning of the Showa era are lined up along both banks of the Ginzan River, offering a unique old-fashioned nostalgic view.

Sankyo Soko

Built in the year 1893, the symbol of Shonai town, a rice-producing region. It tells the history of Sakata as a busy port always loading and unloading, and was used as a location for the NHK’s morning TV series “Oshin”. It also has the Shonai Rice History Museum, which attracts many tourists.

Kamo Aquarium

This is an aquarium where you can enjoy the sight of a variety of unique creatures. To promote the creatures and beach culture of Shonai Beach like jellyfish and more. The world-famous 5-meter-diameter water tank, Jellyfish Dream Theater, with its 10,000 floating jellyfish, is a sight to behold.

Imoni

This is a one-pot dish that is traditionally eaten in the autumn with ingredients such as potatoes, konnyaku(konjac), leeks, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. Taro, which comes into season when rice is harvested, has long been a popular delicacy for the common people, and Imoni (sweet potato stew) parties have been held outdoors around a large pot as a place for community exchange for about 300 years.

Sakata Ramen

The ratio of homemade noodles is the highest in Japan at over 80%, and the soup is characterized by its clear soy sauce broth made from kelp, dried seaweed, and other seafood. To further improve the technique and appeal to more people, a group was established and they are working hard to further improve the ramen in Sakata.

Cherry

It is the number one producer in Japan, accounting for about 75% of the nation’s total production. Cherries are grown in large quantities because of the suitable environment like hot summers, little rainfall during the rainy season, and not much wind. The cherries require a lot of effort to grow with rain, dense fog, and wild birds.

Dadacha Beans

The edamame that are grown only in the Hakusan district of Tsuruoka City are considered to be the real thing. It has a sweet aroma, a chestnut-like crunchiness, and a rich flavor that spreads to the palate. These edamame are only grown in a limited area and are very rare and hard to find even in the local area.

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

The lively shouts of “Yasshou, Makasho (Let’s do it. I got it.)” and the brave sounds of Hanagasa drums echo through the midsummer night. With gorgeously decorated floats in the forefront, dancers in lustrous costumes and safflower-decorated hats decorate the main street of Yamagata.

Sakata Festival

The festival has been held without a break since 1609 and features a parade of about 50 floats, including a large lion, lion cubs, and umbrella floats. The most popular event is the Lion Pacun, in which a child is placed in the mouth of a large lion float and “bitten”. The festival is crowded with about 350 stalls during the festival.