Yamagata in Winter

Making the most of the snow

Amber Mezbourian Apr 07, 2013 - 1 min read

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.

Traditionally, people would wear these wara (straw) boots during the winter. Nowadays, most people prefer something a little sturdier!

A half-buried red torii shows the depth of the snowfall here.

Winter sports are extremely popular in Yamagata, and there are numerous resorts, both large and small, across the prefecture.

Zao is Yamagata's largest resort, with 34 lifts, and runs suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers / snowboarders.

Juhyou, or snow monsters, are a famous natural phenomenon found at the summit of Mount Zao. They are actually trees, but in the winter the snow and ice transforms them into mysterious shapes.

During the February full moon, you can walk down from the summit of Zao, amongst the snow monsters. On a clear night, it's an amazing experience, with the lights of Yamagata City spread out below.

Mount Gassan is one of the sacred Dewa Sanzan, and receives up to 8 metres of snow in some places. In fact, the chairlifts here only open in mid-April, and it's possible to ski or snowboard until July!

Hijiori is one of the oldest hot spring towns in Yamagata, and gets up to 4 metres of snow. In winter, it really feels like the middle of nowhere. Slip into a hot onsen and your troubles will melt away.

Yamadera is a famous mountain temple in Yamagata. It's usually busy, but in winter it's likely you'll have it all to yourself.

The view from the summit of Yamadera is beautiful in the snow.

On a clear day, the winter scenery in Yamagata is incredibly peaceful.

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

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...