Have you ever been to Yamagata in Japan?
Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan.
It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo to Yamagata Station by Shinkansen bullet train.
There are many attractions such as hot springs, dining, nature and history!
The area around Yamagata Station has many lodging hotels, pubs, and restaurants.
If you want to know learn more about Yamagata, we recommend renting a car and touring around the area.
Incidentally, Yamagata Prefecture is a major rice-producing area, centering on the Shonai Plain, which has been famous for rice cultivation since the Heian Period.
Rice is also a must for sake lovers.
In this issue, I’m introducing the charms of Yamagata through our experience of traveling there.
This article introduces Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture!
Yudono Shrine -湯殿神社-
This shrine is located deep in the mountains. 湯殿 called not Yuden but Yudono. Yudono, a sacred site of Shugendo, is a 1500-meter-high, gently sloping ridge of mountain that runs along the southwestern flank of Mt. The main hall of Yudono Shrine, which is considered the inner shrine of the three mountains of Dewa, is a rare shrine that we can visit, where photography is prohibited and visitors are strictly forbidden to walk on the ground. Only those who go there can see and experience it. This photo shows the main entrance. From here it is about a 30-minute walk up the mountain to the main shrine. The path is paved, but there is a slope, so those who are unsure are advised to take a bus. You can take from parking area.(about 7 minute to main shrine) I did walk. I had really good experience but little tired. If you walk to the site, you will be able to see beautiful waterfalls and experience nature. Yudono Shrine
Kamo aquarium -加茂水族館-
Another recommended spot is the Kamo aquarium.
This picture is not illumination.
In fact, jellyfish are swimming in a large tank.
It is the only aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture that exhibits more than about 60 species of jellyfish, making it one of the largest jellyfish in the world.
The main exhibit is the large aquarium in the photo.
Lucky visitors might get to see a performance in front of the tank!
It is really romantic and healing place.
Kamo aquarium
SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE -ショウナイホテル スイデンテラス-
SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE" is a hotel floating in the rice paddies, recommended as a place to stay. In a simple and cozy space with the warmth of wood, you can enjoy the scent of wood, nature, Onsen (hot springs), and meals that focus on Yamagata Prefecture products. The photo was taken on the hotel terrace at sunset time.
The photo was taken behind garden the hotel at sunset time.
Rooms are also simple and lean, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time!
There have SAKE lounge and Bar. You can enjoy Japanese Sake, Wine, Beer of Yamagata.
This is the library space. Approximately 2,000 books are available in the library and can be read freely. In the library space, you can also freely eat drinks and ice cream purchased in the museum. You can read a book or just admire the view while having a drink!
Please make a reservation with breakfast included. Enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring Yamagata Prefecture local cuisine and vegetables grown etc in Yamagata Prefecture. If the weather permits, you can eat on the terrace. You can relax on a quiet morning while listening to the sounds of birds and insects. SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE -ショウナイホテル スイデンテラス-
What is “Dadacha mame”? -だだちゃ豆-
The foods I want you to eat are “Dadacha Mame(beans)” !
Huh?
It’s similar to Edamame.
Are you going to introduce edamame ?
Did you think so?
Actually… You are correct!
Well Why is this edamame called “Dadacha mame”?
Dadacha-mame is an edamame, a native vegetable of the Hakusan area near Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is a specialty grown only in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The seeds have been carefully protected and cultivated since the Edo period.
As a side note “Dadacha” means “father” in the Shonai dialect.
There are various theories, but it is said that the name comes from a lord of the Shonai Domain who once ate dadacha beans and was so impressed with the taste that he said, “I want to eat the beans made by that dadacha.
The more you chew, the more flavorful the bean becomes, and you can taste the bean’s true flavor and sweetness.
If you find Dadachamame Let’s try it!
If you want to buy some souvenirs, I recommend some Dadacha mame flavored snacks!
Tsuruoka City in Yamagata