Snowy Scenery is Beautiful, but the Night Sky is Stunning Too! Top 5 Recommended Night View Spots in Yamagata Prefecture

When you think of Yamagata Prefecture, it's famous as a gourmet paradise, known for luxurious Sato Nishiki cherries, La France pears, wine, sake, and Yonezawa beef. It also boasts many tourist attractions such as Zao Ski Resort, Ginzan Onsen, and Yamadera Temple.

But did you know that Yamagata also has stunning night views?

This time, we have carefully selected five of the best night view spots to introduce to you.

Get ready to discover mesmerizing nightscapes! Be sure to check them out for reference.

1.Chokai no Mori

Chokai no Mori is a leisure facility equipped with an astronomical observatory, a campsite, and accommodations, allowing visitors to enjoy various activities throughout the day. This place is also a popular night view spot where you can take in the breathtaking view of the Shonai Plain.

The recommended viewing spots are the observation deck and Hoshi no Hiroba (Star Plaza). Both are located at high altitudes, allowing you to enjoy both the night view and the starry sky. However, since the area around the observation deck is dark and rarely crowded, if you are visiting as a group of women, it is recommended to view the scenery from Hoshi no Hiroba. Also, avoid late-night visits and aim for an earlier time.

2.Onariyama Park

The biggest appeal of Onariyama Park is that you can enjoy the night view easily. Whether from your car or a bench, the view is fantastic, and the park is conveniently accessible. Due to this, it is popular among a wide range of visitors, from couples to families.

Onariyama Park is also famous for cherry blossoms, with around 1,000 cherry trees. During the cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the blossoms along with the night view, making it a bustling spot. It's rare to find a place where you can enjoy both cherry blossoms and a night view at the same time, so be sure to check it out!

3.Yuso no Oka

Yuso no Oka is a night view spot offering a panoramic view of Yamagata City. It is conveniently located near the city, allowing visitors to enjoy a close-up city nightscape. The best spots for viewing are Miharashi no Oka (Scenic Hill) and Tenku no Oka (Sky Hill).

Although you can see the night view from the parking lot and other areas, the view from the hilltop is truly special and worth visiting. The starry sky here also appears incredibly close. Additionally, Yuso no Oka hosts various events and workshops throughout the year, making it a great place to combine sightseeing with your visit.

4. Kajo Central

Kajo Central is a high-rise building adjacent to Yamagata Station. From the observation lobby on the 24th floor, you can enjoy a night view of Yamagata City 24 hours a day. Best of all, it's completely free—so there's no reason not to visit! While the night view is stunning, the daytime scenery is equally breathtaking.

This observation lobby is famous for offering a panoramic view of Yamagata City from all angles. However, note that the opening hours vary depending on the direction. The north-facing lobby is open 24 hours, but the south-facing lobby closes at 11:00 PM, so be sure to check before visiting.

5.Nishi Zao Park

"Nishi Zao Park" is a popular night view spot not only among locals but also for visitors from outside the prefecture. The observation area features a viewing deck, from which the night view of Yamagata City is said to be "one of the best in the entire Tohoku region."

However, the road leading to the observation area can be a bit complicated. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s best to arrive while there’s still daylight, rather than going late at night. Arriving in daylight can help reduce the risk of getting lost on the mountain roads. Always prioritize safety when visiting night view spots to avoid accidents.

◎ Summary

While Yamagata Prefecture is well known for its agriculture and tourist attractions, as you can see, it also has many spectacular night view spots.
Among them, "Nishi Zao Park" is said to be one of the best in the entire Tohoku region. Each location offers a unique and beautiful nightscape, so be sure to visit at least one of them!

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Snowy Scenery is Beautiful, but the Night Sky is Stunning Too! Top 5 Recommended Night View Spots in Yamagata Prefecture