Top 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shōnai Town, Yamagata Prefecture — Refresh Yourself in a Town Surrounded by Abundant Nature!

Located on the Sea of Japan side of Yamagata Prefecture and near the center of the Shōnai region, Shōnai Town is home to Mount Gassan, one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa (Dewa Sanzan). From Mount Gassan flows the Tachiyazawa River, which was selected as one of the "Heisei’s 100 Famous Waters of Japan." The town of Shōnai enjoys the blessings of this rich natural environment and is surrounded by captivating nature.
Because great natural landscapes are believed to hold mystical powers, Mount Gassan and the other mountains of the Dewa Sanzan have historically been sites of Shugendō, a Japanese spiritual tradition involving mountain worship. For centuries, many have visited these mountains for spiritual training.
In this article, we introduce five recommended tourist spots in Shōnai Town, where you can fully enjoy its magnificent nature, deep history, and delicious local cuisine.

1. Gassan Shrine

A must-visit spiritual power spot is Gassan Shrine, located at the summit of Mount Gassan, just as the name suggests. Revered since ancient times, it is a sacred site of Shugendō, where practitioners isolate themselves in the mountains to train and attain enlightenment. It is the only former "Kanpei-taisha" (imperial shrine) in the Tōhoku region and enshrines the deity Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto.
Gassan Shrine is not only a spiritual destination but also loved by many tourists for the breathtaking views it offers from the summit. From there, you can see the Shōnai Plain, Mount Chōkai, and the Asahi and Iide mountain ranges. On clear days, even distant peaks like Hachimantai and Mount Iwaki are visible. The famed haiku poet Matsuo Bashō once composed poems inspired by these views.
Another reason for its popularity is the abundance of alpine plants. Rare species like Ozegawa Nuphar, which are only found on Mt. Gassan and in Oze on the mainland, bloom in various spots. The trail to the summit itself offers scenic views, making this spot perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

2. Tateyama Park

Tateyama Park in Shōnai Town is one of the best cherry blossom spots not only in the town but in all of Yamagata Prefecture. It’s located on the former site of Kariyagawa Castle, which was turned into a park in 1915 to commemorate the Emperor’s enthronement.
Perched on a small hill above the Shōnai Plain, the park offers sweeping views of the townscape. You can see the Mogami River winding below, as well as the Asahi and Zao mountain ranges. The wide bend of the Mogami River, in particular, is considered one of its most scenic points, drawing tourists, photographers, and painters from outside the prefecture.
The park is especially famous in spring for its cherry blossoms, earning first place in a tourism vote organized by the Yamagata Newspaper and being officially designated as a representative scenic spot of Yamagata.
And it's not just spring that captivates! In winter, the snow quietly blankets the area, and the glowing lights from homes give the region a serene, dreamlike atmosphere.

3. Haguro Old Road (Haguro Kodō)

Recently, trekking has become popular, especially among young women. Unlike mountain climbing, which aims to reach the summit, trekking is about enjoying walking through the mountains—making it more approachable.
Trekking offers a way to refresh yourself while staying fit, which is part of its appeal. The Haguro Old Road is an ideal trekking location that offers both natural beauty and historical significance. Guided trekking tours are also available, highlighting its growing popularity.
Mount Haguro is home to the Five-Story Pagoda, a national treasure. At the summit are the Haguro Reisaiden (for ancestral rites) and the Sanjin Gōsaiden, which enshrines the deities of the Three Mountains of Dewa. Along the path, you’ll also find scenic views of the Shōnai Plain and the Sea of Japan. This spot is perfect for travelers looking to refresh and connect with nature and history.

4. Shōnai Town Gallery Onsen Machiyu

While sightseeing is fun, relaxing in a hot spring adds to the travel experience. Although Shōnai Town isn't widely known for its hot springs, it is home to a stylish facility called Gallery Onsen Machiyu.
This onsen blends modern architecture with traditional Japanese design. Inspired by historic Japanese structures found in the town, it reflects Shōnai’s culture through its artistic design. As a gallery onsen, the rest areas display and sell works related to Yamagata and Shōnai.
Beyond the hot spring itself, you can also enjoy local cuisine. At the in-house Machiyu Cafeteria, you’ll find a wide variety of meals. One standout dish is the curry rice, made with slow-cooked onions, premium Shōnai pork, and "Seiryūmai" rice grown with the clean waters of the Tachiyazawa River—a dish that captures the essence of Shōnai.

5. Koidenuma Agricultural Park

Koidenuma Agricultural Park is a great spot for families with kids. On clear days, Mount Chōkai stands beautifully in the background, and the waters of the plaza reflect the blue sky—offering stunning views. Like Tateyama Park, it's also a cherry blossom hotspot, with koinobori (carp streamers) flying in spring.
Nearby is the Koidenuma Family Farm, where sheep and goats roam freely—delighting children. Every early September, the Koidenuma Waterfront Festival is held with various fun events. A highlight of the festival is the delicious local Genghis Khan (grilled mutton dish).

◎ Summary of Shōnai’s Top Tourist Spots

This concludes our introduction to the top 5 recommended tourist destinations in Shōnai Town. With its rich natural beauty and deep history, Shōnai is an ideal place for those looking to refresh and unwind.
You can also rejuvenate yourself with the area’s delicious food, nurtured by its pristine rivers like Tachiyazawa and Mogami and its fertile soil. For this reason, Shōnai is often called “The Hometown of Japan’s Best-Tasting Rice.”
If you’re seeking a trip that combines nature, culture, and cuisine, consider visiting Shōnai Town and enjoy all that it has to offer.

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Top 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shōnai Town, Yamagata Prefecture — Refresh Yourself in a Town Surrounded by Abundant Nature!