Tourism in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture! 5 spots packed with the charm of a rare hot spring castle town in Japan

Located in the southeastern part of Yamagata Prefecture, the “Kaminoyama City” has a population of about 32,000 and is home to many sightseeing spots in the prefecture. Moreover, Kaminoyama is a city that combines three rare features in Japan: a hot spring town, a castle town, and a post town.

Today, Kaminoyama is best known as “Kaminoyama Onsen,” attracting many tourists from all over the country. Additionally, because the city lies at the foot of Mount Zao, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities year-round.

Here, we introduce five sightseeing spots in Kaminoyama that are especially popular, enjoyable, and recommended even for first-time visitors.

1. Kaminoyama Onsen

When you think of Kaminoyama City, “Kaminoyama Onsen” is the most famous attraction. Many tourists visit Kaminoyama specifically for this hot spring area. The term “Kaminoyama Onsen” refers collectively to the hot spring districts in the city, including Tokamachi, Yumachi, Shinyu, Kawasaki, Hayama, and Takamatsu.

Each district has its own unique charm, with over 20 accommodations ranging from large hotels to traditional Japanese inns, allowing visitors to find a stay that suits their preferences. The Shinyu and Yumachi districts flourished as castle towns, preserving a nostalgic atmosphere filled with hot spring charm. There are also modern inns, and the area is always lively with tourists.

On the other hand, the Hayama and Takamatsu districts are located on quiet hillsides away from the city center, offering outstanding views of the Zao mountain range. Temples and shrines, which are also sightseeing spots in Kaminoyama, are scattered throughout these areas, creating a classic and old-fashioned ambiance throughout the hot spring town. If you are looking for a calm and relaxing trip, staying in this area is recommended. A stroll in a yukata is also a great experience.

The water quality of “Kaminoyama Onsen” is mostly chloride spring, which is very warming. Foot baths can also be found throughout the town, and many tourists enjoy going on foot bath tours. You can relax and unwind in the scenic streets while fully savoring the charm of the hot springs.

2. Kaminoyama Castle

Kaminoyama City is also known as a castle town. Tourists interested in history and castles should not miss “Kaminoyama Castle.” This castle once served as a fortress of the Mogami clan and was a site of battles with the Uesugi clan and the Date clan of Yonezawa. Later, it became the residence of the domain lord and, under the governance of the Toki clan, was known as the “famous castle of Ushu.”

Today, remnants of its stone walls and moats still remain. The current “Kaminoyama Castle” was reconstructed in reinforced concrete in 1982, and its interior now serves as a local history museum featuring exhibits on natural science, history, industry, and multimedia displays. From the popular observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kaminoyama City and the Zao mountain range.

The castle is equipped with an elevator to the top observatory, making it accessible even for seniors or those with limited stamina. In spring, the collaboration of blooming cherry blossoms with “Kaminoyama Castle” creates a stunning view that delights visitors.

Currently, a special passport allows entry to three sightseeing spots: “Kaminoyama Castle,” the “Mokichi Saito Memorial Museum,” and “Kasedendo.” Only 1,500 copies are available, so get one early to enjoy a more affordable tour of the city.

(Information as of January 23, 2017)

3. Kasedendo

A popular sightseeing spot in Kaminoyama, “Kasedendo,” is a museum located in the Kaminoyama Onsen district. It displays a collection of artworks and crafts that Mr. Kenzo Hasegawa, who was engaged in the sericulture business in Kaminoyama, collected throughout his life. This is a private museum, not operated by the city of Kaminoyama.

Inside the museum, approximately 4,000 pieces of art and crafts are on display, including Japanese swords, Chinese lacquerware, armor, and photographs. Some of these are designated Important Cultural Properties, and many are carefully preserved.

The museum also features an irori (traditional sunken hearth), and the Taisho-era traditional Japanese house atmosphere is popular among visitors, providing a place to enjoy sightseeing in Kaminoyama at a relaxed pace. There is also a Japanese garden with azaleas, pines, yew trees, and a pond where grass carp live. Exhibits also include Chinese lacquerware designated as Important Cultural Properties, such as the “Tsuisyu In-Tansu” (carved red-lacquer stamp chest).

One highly recommended highlight is the section displaying Japanese swords and small tools, which is the pride of Kasedendo’s collection. Japanese swords are works of art, crafted with great effort and time. Just seeing these swords makes visiting Kaminoyama worthwhile.

4. Takeda Winery

Kaminoyama City once recorded Japan’s highest temperature, yet winters here are extremely cold. This sharp temperature difference, along with abundant rainfall, makes Kaminoyama an ideal climate for grape cultivation. Additionally, the area has many slopes and favorable sunlight conditions.

“Takeda Winery,” located in this perfect environment for winemaking, grows wine grapes in its own vineyards and produces its own wine.

A popular wine among tourists is the “Zao Star Wine.” “Cuvée Yoshiko” is Japan’s first sparkling wine made using traditional French methods. There are also other wines such as “Château Takeda,” a limited-edition wine highly rated by experts, allowing visitors to enjoy rich and matured flavors.

The area around Kaminoyama was originally volcanic ash clay acidic soil, which was considered unsuitable for growing grapes. However, through years of research and soil improvement, the environment was transformed into one capable of producing high-quality wines, and the winery has become a popular destination for many tourists visiting Kaminoyama.

Located at the foot of the Zao mountain range, it is not far from “Kaminoyama Onsen,” making it a convenient stop for travelers who often buy wine as a souvenir. It is one of the classic sightseeing spots, so be sure to visit.

5. Lina World

“Lina World,” located in Kaminoyama City, is one of the largest amusement parks in the Tohoku region and is considered one of the three major amusement parks of Tohoku. It is a classic sightseeing spot in Kaminoyama, popular with children, seniors, couples, and families alike.

At Lina World, you can enjoy attractions such as the long-standing and most popular roller coaster “Discovery,” the “Kite Flyer” where kids can experience flying in the sky, and the “Fairy Kitty Carousel” merry-go-round for the whole family. There are also hands-on experiences where you can create souvenirs to remember your trip.

During weekends and long holidays, the park hosts numerous events on its plaza and stage, including character shows and hero shows. In the summer, “Lina Beach” opens, featuring two thrilling water slides, one large and one small. As a comprehensive leisure land in Kaminoyama, this is the place to enjoy your visit!

During major holidays, heavy traffic occurs around Lina World. If you plan to visit Kaminoyama, especially Lina World, during peak seasons, it is best to start your day early. Note that the park is closed during the winter season, from late November to mid-March.

◎ Summary

In addition to the sightseeing spots introduced above, Kaminoyama offers another unique experience called “Kurort Style.” “Kurort” is a German word meaning “spa resort” or “therapeutic resort.” It is a way to enjoy Kaminoyama’s rich nature, fresh ingredients, high-quality hot springs, and scientifically based walking programs. In particular, the health walking courses include eight different routes with varying levels of physical intensity, the first in Japan to be certified by the University of Munich.

Kaminoyama is also close to Zao, where visitors can soak in extremely acidic sulfur hot springs that are rare even worldwide. In winter, you can fully enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other fun snow experiences. Kaminoyama is full of charming sightseeing spots that will make you want to visit again and again!

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Tourism in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture! 5 spots packed with the charm of a rare hot spring castle town in Japan