By November, the mountains are covered with snow, reminding people that it's only a matter of time before winter properly arrives! This is Mount Chokai, Yamagata's highest mountain. (Photo: Amber Mezbourian)

Yamagata in Winter

Making the most of the snow

Amber Mezbourian   - 1 min read

Yamagata is a prefecture with very extreme seasons: in summer, temperatures regularly soar above 30°C, whilst in winter it receives some of the highest snowfall in Japan. The change in scenery is dramatic, and it really does feel like a different place once the snow arrives. However, with winter comes the opportunity to experience a different side to life here. With snow festivals, winter sports and plentiful onsen, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Amber Mezbourian

Amber Mezbourian @amber.mezbourian

I spent three years living in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher on the JET Programme, not knowing what to expect but with images of Tokyo, geisha and Mount Fuji in my mind. I was placed in Yamagata prefecture in a small rural town that I couldn't find in any guidebook. I learnt to sno...