Yamagata, Must Stay Spot in Tohoku

Japagrit
11月5日
読了時間: 3分

Yamagata Prefecture in Japan has been selected by National Geographic as one of the “Best of the World” destinations to visit in 2026, standing out as the only Japanese region on this prestigious list.

Why Yamagata?

Unlike the bustling crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto, Yamagata offers calm, authentic travel experiences characterized by its rich traditions and mystical outdoor activities[8][1]. Visitors are drawn to lush landscapes, historic temples, and enchanting hot spring towns that evoke a fairy tale atmosphere.

Signature Highlights

Yamagata’s adventure tourism is especially striking. Winter brings world-class skiing and onsens in Zao, while all seasons offer the photogenic setting of Ginzan Onsen and the tranquility of Yamadera Temple. Notably, travelers can join spiritual walks with Yamabushi mountain priests in Dewa Sanzan, enjoy summer skiing on Mount Gassan, and witness vibrant traditional festivals such as the snow lantern festival at Uesugi Shrine and the colorful Yamagata Hanagasa Festival in August.

Canoeing Adventures

Yamagata is quickly gaining attention for its adventure tourism, particularly canoeing experiences. In places like Shirakawa Lake, visitors can immerse themselves in nature by gliding across calm waters in a canoe surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery—a perfect blend of serenity and excitement for nature-loving travelers.

International Acclaim

National Geographic’s selection highlights Yamagata as Japan’s “best-kept secret,” ideal for those seeking genuine local culture and extraordinary outdoor adventures without the crowds. The destination’s growing profile is supported by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), which sees international recognition as a springboard for further inbound tourism.

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For global travel agencies, Yamagata presents an outstanding opportunity to offer clients unforgettable journeys: authentic culture, seasonal festivals, and unique adventure activities like canoeing make it an undiscovered gem on the world travel map[2][8][6].

Let's Create a Unique Journey Together

Yamagata's greatest appeal lies in its tranquility, authentic culture, and the genuine warmth of its local residents—all untouched by overtourism.

If you require customized experiences that foster deep interaction with local artisans and residents, or if you are planning corporate training or themed business tours that your competitors cannot offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact：

office@miit-info.com

Why Do Business Elites Choose Japagrit travel?

Japagrit travel offers a unique travel experience that transcends mere sightseeing, incorporating a keen understanding of the business landscape.

* A Bridge for Business: We aim to spark future business opportunities through your travels in Japan, fostering connections within local communities to explore new avenues for growth.

* A Distinctive Network: Led by our representative, a founding member and current mentor at "BSJ" (Business Support in Japan), we leverage collaborations with experts across various fields, including accountants, immigration lawyers, real estate developers, and more, to provide comprehensive business support.

* Deep Local Connections: Beyond our marketing alliances with travel agencies, we maintain strong ties with local traditional artisans and those involved in cultural industries, enabling us to offer unparalleled and authentic experiences.

* A Global Perspective: Our experience in fostering B2B collaborations with marine travel companies in Italy, Portugal, Australia, and our membership in the Indian Chamber of Commerce Japan and the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan provide us with invaluable insights into the needs of international travelers, allowing us to propose the most suitable plans.

* Experience in Supporting Foreign Entrepreneurs: Our origins lie in providing business Japanese lessons to foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. This history has equipped us with a rich understanding of the challenges and success stories of doing business in Japan, which we apply to crafting insightful business travel itineraries.