Yamagata, one of the prefectures of Tohoku, is becoming increasingly popular for provincial town trips. You will enjoy a calm and warm cultural experience established in the cold northern regions.
Highlights
Yamagata Imono (Yamagata cast metal)
Yamagata cast metal is famous for the “thin-walled beauty” of its body. The surface has a lustrous lacquer finish and is much lighter than any other cast metal products. There is an interesting history behind Yamagata becoming a centre for casting. The area was rich in river sand, which was suitable for making moulds. Additionally, people needed to conserve iron because it was a rare material at that time. This is how the traditional slim-body style was initially established. With its fineness and simple design, it fits seamlessly into every kitchen. As you use and care for it, its colour deepens, reflecting the users’ lifestyle. This is not just ironware but a cultural product that integrates into your daily life.
Mogami Safflower (Benibana)
Would you imagine that this bright yellow flower produces vivid red dyes? Mogami safflower is known for its excellent quality and accounts for almost all domestic output. The Mogami River, which flows to the trading area, also aided transportation. The beautiful red colour made from the yellow flower has fascinated people for approximately 500 years. Surprisingly, the red pigment is extracted at only 1% from each petal of the flower. It has been used to dye fabrics and make lip stains as organic products. The lovely tint depends on how much you dissolve the dye in water. Thus, safflower dye contributes to the growth of both cultural and trade areas in Yamagata. The expression “Safflower dye is worth its weight in gold” aptly illustrates how treasured it was in history. The lip stain products and dyed fabrics made from this natural material enjoy strong popularity and demand as luxury items.
Risshakuji-temple (Yamadera)
Risshakuji Temple is also known by the name “Yamadera,” which means a temple located in the mountains. It is literally situated midway up a steep path, with over a thousand stone steps leading to breathtaking views. The path to the temple is known as a training route to cleanse your mind. It is said that you can wash away worldly desires the higher you climb the stone steps in your mind. Basho Matsuo, the haiku poet of the Edo period, wrote a poem about Risshakuji Temple. His renowned expression, “The silence that the voice of cicadas seeps into the rock,” is famous. The contrast of noise and tranquillity accurately describes its solemnity and mystique. You will see some historical landmarks, such as the statues of Basho and his disciple Sora. This was not only a place for Buddhist practices but also supported the safflower industry by providing agricultural land.
Bar-Hopping (Snack)
One type of Japanese bar is called “Snack,” as it was initially established as a place to enjoy small portions. There are female owners, known as “Mama,” who run these establishments. The atmosphere is casual and homely, allowing guests to enjoy conversations with Mama, the female staff, and other guests while drinking and having light meals. Additionally, an interesting feature is that you can sing karaoke there. It is a place where you will feel more like you are spending time merrily with your family or friends rather than in a formal setting. You will enjoy different company at each Snack, making it worthwhile to hop from one to another! The neon-lit signage at night paints the town, creating a unique nightlife atmosphere. Snack culture started with several important roles, such as providing opportunities for women to take active roles, bringing local people together, and facilitating interaction with people from foreign areas. These roles are still relevant today, as Snacks continue to help preserve local food culture.reas. These roles are still relevant today, as Snacks continue to help preserve local food culture.
Conclusion
You may already have some lovely ideas for souvenirs and how to enjoy a provincial town in Japan. As part of its name, “Yama” means mountains; the region is surrounded by abundant nature, yet the city centre is quite urban. If you would like to enjoy both nature and city experiences, Yamagata is absolutely for you.
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Resources:
やまがたへの旅 – 山形県公式観光サイト- https://yamagatakanko.com/
「山寺と紅花」推進協議会事務局（山形県観光文化スポーツ部 県民文化芸術振興課 日本遺産担当) – https://yamadera-
Hidden Japan – https://thehiddenjapan.com/yamagata-bar-hopping/
長文堂 – https://www.chobundo.jp/
Japan National Tourism Organization – https://www.japan.travel/en/
