Yamagata 8 Hour Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

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8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

Arriving in Yamagata and want to explore the region with ease? This private tour is perfect for you! With a government-licensed English-speaking guide and a private vehicle, discovering Yamagata is effortless.

Yamagata is a hidden gem of northern Japan, rich in sacred mountains, historic hot springs and refined culture. Begin at Yamadera Risshaku-ji, the breathtaking mountain temple whose stone steps climb through cedar forest to a hall with sweeping valley views, immortalized by the poet Basho. Stroll through Kajo Park, the grounds of former Yamagata Castle, and the elegant 1916 Bunshokan.

Enjoy famous hot-spring towns: the milky waters of Zao Onsen and the nostalgic gas-lamp streets of Ginzan Onsen. Take in the swift Mogami River, hilltop Kaminoyama Castle, and art at the Yamagata Museum of Art.

Choose 3 to 4 highlights to match your interests, with a knowledgeable local guide. This flexible 8-hour tour shows you the very best of Yamagata at your own pace.

What's Included

Private vehicle
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'Itinerary' list.
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under Itinerary

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

If your hotel or desired pick up point is not on the list, please contact us. Please be at your pick up point 10 minutes before the tour starts. This tour includes an English-speaking, Government-licensed guide and a private vehicle with a driver. Pick up and drop off are available at Yamagata Station and hotels in central Yamagata.

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Meeting point

The guide will be waiting with a name board.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Yamadera Senju-in Temple

    Visit Yamadera (Risshaku-ji), a mountain temple founded in 860 AD. Your guide leads you up the stone steps through ancient cedar forest to the Godaido hall, where you enjoy sweeping views over the valley made famous by the poet Matsuo Basho.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Kajo Park

    Visit Kajo Park, the grounds of former Yamagata Castle. Your guide walks you past the reconstructed Honmaru-Ichimonji gate and stone moats. It is a peaceful green space and one of the area's most beautiful cherry-blossom spots in spring.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Kaminoyama Castle

    Visit Kaminoyama Castle, a picturesque reconstructed hilltop castle in a historic onsen town. Inside are local history exhibits, and from the top you enjoy panoramic views over the Yamagata basin and surrounding mountains.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    Yamagata Museum of Art

    Discover the Yamagata Museum of Art, home to French Impressionist masterpieces alongside Japanese and regional works. Set in a tranquil garden near the castle park, it offers a relaxed cultural finale to your tour.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Risshaku-ji Temple

    Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera's sub-temples dot the slopes of Mt. Hoshu just 25 minutes from the city. A 1,000-step ascent through a mystic cedar forest brings you to the temple complex at the summit, with gorgeous views that are considered among the best in northern Japan. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Yamadera Temple. The colorful foliage of the surrounding forest and the mild temperatures help make the climb to the top a joy

    15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 6
    Yamadera Basho Memorial Hall

    Founded in the 9th century, Yamadera's sub-temples dot the slopes of Mt. Hoshu just 25 minutes from the city. A 1,000-step ascent through a mystic cedar forest brings you to the temple complex at the summit, with gorgeous views that are considered among the best in northern Japan.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 7
    Tendo

    Tendo is Yamagata's fruit mecca, home to vast orchards of apples, peaches, pears, and of course, cherries. It's also one of the prefecture's premier hot spring resorts, with many outdoor baths. For fans of shogi, Japanese chess, the town produces the vast majority of Japan's game pieces. Their creation is a highly developed local craft dating back hundreds of years. Read more about - Yamagata & Yamadera Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide - https://www.viator.com/tours/Yamagata-Prefecture/Yamagata-Yamadera-6hr-Private-Trip-with-Licensed-Guide/d50150-92136P338?mcid=56757

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Admire the Bunshokan, the elegant former Yamagata Prefectural Office, a beautifully preserved early-20th-century building of British Renaissance style.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Japan Guide Agency
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
City Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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