If you go to Yamagata City in Gifu Prefecture, here are 7 must-visit tourist spots!

Yamagata City is a small town located in the western part of Gifu Prefecture, with a population of about 26,000 people. It borders Gifu City and has good access, and is known for Ijirako, an artificial lake created in 1969 (Showa 44) by damming the Ijira River, which is a famous tourist attraction.
In Yamagata City, you can enjoy activities such as exploring precious aquatic life and leisure by the water, as well as participating in local handmade craft experiences and camping, which are all popular activities. Here are 7 must-visit tourist spots you should definitely check out when visiting Yamagata City!

1. A Place to Calm Your Heart – Tokoji Temple

Tokoji Temple, located in Ogura, Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture, belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It was built on sacred land where, according to legend, a dragon once appeared and ascended to the heavens. The principal deity enshrined here is Sho-Kannon Bosatsu (Sacred Kannon Bodhisattva), and the temple boasts a long history dating back to the Muromachi period.
Within the spacious 3,000-tsubo (about 9,900 square meters) temple grounds, you’ll find a Zen temple with a proud 500-year history, an elegant main hall surrounded by a vast garden, and the renowned three giant cedar trees (Sanbon-sugi). All of these elements harmonize beautifully, creating a serene atmosphere. The temple is tucked away in a somewhat hard-to-find location, so there are usually very few tourists. This makes for a quiet and peaceful stroll through the grounds.
Many visitors have shared that as they walk slowly through nature, they feel “refreshed” and “their hearts become calm.” The entire temple grounds feel like a garden, and a visit here is sure to bring a sense of peace.

2. Beautiful Nature and Water – Hariyo Park

Have you ever heard of a fish called Hariyo? It’s a small freshwater fish, mainly found in Europe and North America, usually about 5 to 7 centimeters in length. In Japan, this rare and endangered fish now only exists in limited areas of Gifu and Shiga Prefectures.
Hariyo Park, located in Omori, Yamagata City, was developed to revive the Hariyo population that once thrived in this region and to serve as a place for ecological education. True to its motto of "Beautiful Nature and Water," the park uses clean underground water from the Ijira River to create ponds where Hariyo are bred and can be observed.
Because the Hariyo fish are active throughout the year, you can observe these precious creatures any time you visit. In June, you can also enjoy the colorful blooms of Japanese irises (Hanashobu) within the park, making it an especially recommended time to visit.

3. A Relaxing Hidden Gem – Ijirako-so (Ijira Agricultural Products Direct Sales Shop)

Located by a large artificial lake created for flood control, this area offers various facilities, including a campsite, boat dock, and restaurant. It’s a spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature: cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall, and smelt (wakasa) fishing in winter.
Even on holidays, it tends to be less crowded, making it a relaxing hidden gem for couples, families, and visitors of all kinds. It’s a great place to walk or jog around the lake, and there are also 30 hand-rowing boats available, letting you enjoy the peaceful waters to your heart's content.
Particularly famous is wakasagi fishing, which opens in October and peaks during winter. The scenery is also charming, with autumn leaves coloring the lake’s surface and the sight of dried persimmons hanging from the eaves of village houses in winter.
At the rest house, you can enjoy local specialties like the “Wakasagi Don” (smelt rice bowl) and “Shishi Nabe” (wild boar hot pot). Surrounded by seasonal beauty, it’s the perfect place to refresh your mind and body! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking.

4. Popular Golf Course – Yamagata Golf Club, Miyama Course

This is a highly popular golf course that’s hard to get into through online reservations. It's known as a course where “it’s impossible to hit an OB (out of bounds) even if you try,” and boasts an expansive layout perfect for players who take pride in their long-distance drives.
The course is flat and long, with a 7,503-yard monster tee that lets you enjoy dynamic and powerful play. The greens are also flat and well-maintained, providing a highly satisfying and professional golfing experience.
The club features excellent facilities, including remote-controlled carts and a high-quality approach practice area. There are also showers and lockers available, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable playtime.
Ranked in the top 10 of Gifu Prefecture’s most difficult course ratings, it might be a bit challenging for beginners. But if you’re looking for a liberating and exciting game, it’s definitely worth a visit!

5. A Sacred Spot – Hakusan Shrine

Hakusan Shrine, said to have been built in 1502 (Bunki 2), is a historically significant shrine designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Despite its simple construction, it holds deep cultural and historical value. Nestled in a quiet area surrounded by greenery, you can find it by following Route 256 and turning onto Prefectural Road 196. Two giant cedar trees mark its discreet location.
Though the shrine grounds are small, the worship hall is impressive. Especially notable is its traditional Japanese roof called hiwada-buki (cypress bark thatching), a roofing style handed down from ancient times. The gentle slope and the elegantly upturned corners of the roof are characteristic of the Muromachi period and are considered highly valuable architectural features.
It’s a quiet spot with few tourists, giving it a somewhat lonely but serene atmosphere. If you’re a fan of shrines or traditional architecture, this is a rare and fascinating place worth visiting. The striking red torii gate and the surrounding cedar trees make for a peaceful and sacred experience during your visit.

6. Create a One-of-a-Kind Leather Wallet! – TWO-SPIRITES

Located inside the Indian Village in Okuwa, Yamagata City, TWO-SPIRITES specializes in handmade leather crafts and silver crafts carved from solid metal. Skilled artisans offer full custom orders, personalized designs, and repairs, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind leather wallet, bag, or silver accessory. It’s a popular shop for both men and women.
In addition to selling their creations, they also offer leather and silver craft workshops. You can make items like key cases or coin purses on-site, even if you’re a beginner. The friendly and detailed instruction makes these classes popular with kids and couples alike.
They also sell craft materials, tools, old coins, Native American jewelry, vintage clothing, and imported accessories. If you love leather goods or silverwork, this is definitely a place you should visit at least once!
Name: TWO-SPIRITES

7. Great Nature – Green Plaza Miyama

Green Plaza Miyama is an accommodation facility equipped with a cottage village and a campsite. It’s located in the heart of nature—upstream of Semikyo Gorge and downstream of the Kanzaki River. Surrounded by vast, mountainous scenery, it’s the perfect place to enjoy camping. You can also have a day-trip barbecue, go fishing, or play in the river without any hassle.
The facility includes a training room that can accommodate around 100 people, making it a great venue for weddings and various kinds of parties. There are also fun experiences like baking pizza in a stone oven, a 167-meter-long roller slide, and shuttle services to nearby popular attractions—offering a wide variety of activities to enjoy.
It’s well-equipped with rental gear, clean shower rooms, and washrooms, which makes it especially comfortable for women. The charmingly designed bungalows are also very popular, attracting many repeat visitors. At night, you can enjoy a breathtaking starry sky—something you could never see in the city. Surrounded by crisp, clear air, you’ll be able to fully relax and refresh here.

◎ Summary

How was it? In Yamagata City, you’ll find not only abundant nature but also many tourist spots that offer something for everyone—from rare wildlife to vast golf courses. There are all kinds of ways to enjoy yourself here! Even if you have to go a little out of your way, these places are definitely worth a visit.
If you ever have the chance to visit Yamagata City, make sure to check out some information in advance and enjoy your trip to the fullest!