When you think of Nagai City in Yamagata Prefecture, known as the town of water, greenery, and flowers, what comes to mind? Nagai City is famous as the birthplace of the Mogami River. The Mogami River is born from the confluence of the Matsukawa and Shirakawa rivers. This confluence point is a must-visit tourist spot when coming to Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture.
In addition to that, there are many tourist attractions where you can enjoy the charm of Nagai City, including delicious foods such as horse meat, soba, and miso mochi, as well as places to experience nature.
These tourist spots are great for sightseeing trips or just weekend outings. Here are 6 enjoyable and charming places to visit in Nagai City.
1. Birthplace of the Mogami River
If you go to Nagai City in Yamagata Prefecture, this is a place you absolutely must visit. It is said to be the birthplace of the Mogami River, as the Matsukawa River, which originates from the Azuma mountain range, and the Shirakawa River, which flows through Nagai City, merge here to form the Mogami River. This location was selected in 1998 by Yamagata Prefecture as the first "Mogami River Viewpoint." It is a spot where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery of Nagai City throughout the year.
Along the Mogami River, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in the fall. A walking footpath has been developed, so you can walk while feeling the changing seasons. It’s wonderful that you can enjoy it no matter when you visit.
There are many options like the Mogami River Cruise and the Mogami River Line Boat Ride, so find the best way for you to enjoy sightseeing in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Name: Birthplace of the Mogami River
Address: Toyoda District, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://kankou-nagai.jp/log/?l=309286
2. Ayame Park
Ayame Park in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, is home to 1 million irises of 500 varieties blooming within the park, making it one of Japan’s leading iris parks. The sight of them blooming across the vast land is a true feast for the eyes. The park is well-maintained and beautifully kept. There is a large waterwheel, and the sound of water brings peace to your heart.
From mid-June to July, the "Ayame Festival" is held, adding excitement. During the festival period, an admission fee is required, but you can enjoy the unique beauty of Nagai’s original iris varieties and the traditional Japanese aesthetic.
Outside of the blooming period, the park is open to the public free of charge. There are playgrounds for children, making it a popular spot for families. You can enjoy visiting Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, anytime of the year, which is great.
Name: Nagai Ayame Park
Address: 5 Yokomachi, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://yamagatakanko.com/eventdetail/?data_id=2893
3. Nagai Dam
Nagai Dam is located in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture. The lake created by the dam is called “Lake Hyakushu of Nagai.”
Nagai Dam, which offers spectacular scenery, is a great sightseeing spot where you can admire its dynamic appearance all year round, but it’s especially perfect during the autumn foliage season. The view is truly breathtaking! This is a tourist spot you definitely want to see when visiting Nagai City.
Name: Nagai Dam (Lake Hyakushu)
Address: 4164-9 Hirano Aza Kitawaki-no-sawa, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://kankou-nagai.jp/log/?l=309292
4. Matsugaike Park (Shiratsutsuji Park)
Matsugaike Park in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, is famous for its white azaleas that turn the entire park into a pure white world, earning it the nickname “Shirotsutsuji Park.” As the name suggests, white azaleas bloom throughout the park—about 3,000 bushes. The best viewing time is from mid to late May, and you can enjoy them for free. The White Azalea Festival adds to the excitement, especially the main concurrent event, the Nagai Black Lion Festival, which is a must-see. It’s a period filled with various events, so keep an eye out. During the festival, wheelchairs are available for rent, which is a thoughtful touch.
Besides the azalea season, the cherry blossoms also bloom, making it a great place for flower viewing. While the cherry blossom and azalea seasons may get crowded, it’s also a peaceful place to walk around during other times—so there are ways to enjoy it all year round!
There’s also a playground area for children and benches nearby for added peace of mind. The paths are flat and accessible to everyone, which is another thoughtful design feature. It’s an ideal spot for a family visit.
Name: Shirotsutsuji Park
Address: 3-38 Shinmei-cho, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://kankou-nagai.jp/log/?l=309361
5. Ancient Hill Jomon Village
The Ancient Hill Jomon Village in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a historically rich site where you can experience the atmosphere of the Jomon period. Surrounded by nature filled with negative ions, ruins dating from the Paleolithic era to the Warring States period have been discovered in the surrounding area! There is also a “Dogū Plaza” (clay figurine plaza) where humorous clay figures faithfully recreated in plastic are displayed. You can freely touch them. This alone makes for a fun sightseeing experience, but there’s also the “Ancient Hill Campground,” which attracts many people every summer.
In addition, the “Ancient Hill Museum” displays earthenware and stone tools excavated from these ruins, allowing visitors to feel the history from the Paleolithic to the Warring States period. The museum has free admission.
The Ancient Hill, where you can imagine the lives of people from long ago who lived on this land, is a must-visit tourist spot when in Nagai City.
Name: Ancient Hill Jomon Village
Address: 2768-1 Kusaoka, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://kankou-nagai.jp/log/?l=310212
6. Unohana Onsen Haginoyu
This is "Unohana Onsen Haginoyu" in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, offering both overnight stays and day trip plans. The bath water is 100% natural hot spring water and constantly flowing. As Nagai City’s long-awaited authentic hot spring, it is bustling every day and very well-received. There are two open-air baths: one named after the Princess Unohana and one called the Black Lion Bath, which features water flowing from the mouth of a powerful lion face—an impressive and unique design, custom-made with great attention to detail! There are also other baths like a large open-air bath and a rock bath where you can enjoy the scenery of each season. It’s perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
The hot spring has a wide range of health benefits including recovery from fatigue, post-illness recovery, arteriosclerosis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, neuralgia, joint pain, muscle pain, frozen shoulder, cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, hemorrhoids, chronic gynecological disorders, cold sensitivity, chronic digestive diseases, health promotion, children with weak constitution, and motor paralysis.
In addition, you can enjoy local Nagai cuisine and hospitality whether you stay overnight or drop by for a short visit, which makes it very appealing. Whether as a part of your sightseeing or on your way back, make sure to relax and unwind at Unohana Onsen Haginoyu in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Name: Hagien Unohana Onsen Haginoyu
Address: 2170-2 Narita, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: http://www.hagien.co.jp/
◎ Summary
Yamagata Prefecture is a peaceful place rich in nature. Nagai City perfectly embodies that image—a town full of natural beauty. While Nagai City’s tourist spots may not be widely known, that’s exactly why now is the perfect chance to visit. If you enjoy a relaxing sightseeing experience in the nature-rich Nagai City, you’ll surely feel refreshed. Even after returning home, you’ll be able to savor the lingering memories of Nagai City.
You’ll want to come back again! Nagai City has those kinds of tourist attractions. Let’s continue to keep an eye on the charming tourist spots of Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture!