Explore Yamagata
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Top things to do in Yamagata

【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen・Zao Ropeway & Ice Monsters・Okama Crater・Seasonal Fruit Picking・Special Lunch One-Day Tour (Departing from Sendai)
Tours • From Sendai

【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen・Zao Ropeway & Ice Monsters・Okama Crater・Seasonal Fruit Picking・Special Lunch One-Day Tour (Departing from Sendai)

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(154) • 3K+ booked
€ 101.59
Sale 30% off
Private English and Chinese ski lessons and photography services at Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Klook's choice
Outdoor & sports activities • From Katta

Private English and Chinese ski lessons and photography services at Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Morning departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(52) • 300+ booked
From
€ 269.85
Sale 15% off
Sendai Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour
Tours • From Sendai

Sendai Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour

Private tour
English guided
Free cancellation
4.8 / 5
(51) • 1K+ booked
€ 128.49
Winter wonderland in the Northeast|Ginzan Hot Springs, Zao Ice Trees, Fox Village, Onihira Edo-chu 2-day tour (including breakfast and dinner at the hot spring hotel)|Depart from Tokyo
Fall Special
€ 208.79
Sale 40% off
2-Day Tour to Ginzan Onsen, Zao Chuo Ropeway, Miyagi Zao Fox Village, and Ouchi-juku (Departing from Shinjuku)
Tours • From Tokyo

2-Day Tour to Ginzan Onsen, Zao Chuo Ropeway, Miyagi Zao Fox Village, and Ouchi-juku (Departing from Shinjuku)

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(480) • 2K+ booked
€ 197.50
Sale 30% off
Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Zao Fox Village 2-Day Tour
Tours • From Tokyo

Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Zao Fox Village 2-Day Tour

English guided
Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(70) • 900+ booked
€ 208.80
Sale 30% off
Sendai: Ginzan Onsen Tour|2-Day Small Group Tour|Zao Ropeway+ Fox Village + Yamadera + Mogami River Cruise|Optional Hote
€ 232.95
Sale 40% off
Zao Onsen Ski Resort | Ski Equipment Rental
Outdoor & sports activities • Yamagata

Zao Onsen Ski Resort | Ski Equipment Rental

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(50) • 1K+ booked
€ 27.89
Sale 5% off
Zao Onsen Ski Lesson with Gear / Chinese Private Group (1-4)
Outdoor & sports activities • Yamagata

Zao Onsen Ski Lesson with Gear / Chinese Private Group (1-4)

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(5) • 100+ booked
€ 337.85
2-Day Authentic Japan Tour from Tokyo: Ginzan Onsen, Zao Snow Monsters, Yamadera & Fox Village Seasonal Scenery
€ 356.95
JR Whole Japan Rail Pass
Rail passes • From Tokyo

JR Whole Japan Rail Pass

Book now for today
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(29.2K) • 700K+ booked
From
€ 286.45
JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Fall Special
Rail passes • From Hakodate

JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Book now for today
Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(786) • 10K+ booked
€ 180.59
Freebies
Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata
Car charters • From Tokyo

Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(92) • 1K+ booked
€ 385.09
Retail: € 425.49
Sendai Airport <-> Yamagata City Airport Bus Tickets
Airport trains & buses • From Sendai

Sendai Airport <-> Yamagata City Airport Bus Tickets

Book now for tomorrow
Instant confirmation
€ 12.00
Tokyo to Yamagata - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Tokyo

Tokyo to Yamagata - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
€ 61.65
Yamagata to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Yamagata

Yamagata to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
€ 61.65

Hotels in Yamagata

Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata
Hotels • Yamagata

Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.0K)
From
€ 64.02
Daiwa Roynet Hotel YAMAGATA EKIMAE
Hotels • Yamagata

Daiwa Roynet Hotel YAMAGATA EKIMAE

Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(412)
From
€ 62.39
€ 66.77
Super Hotel Yamagataeki Nishiguchi Natural Hot Springs
Hotels • Yamagata

Super Hotel Yamagataeki Nishiguchi Natural Hot Springs

Instant confirmation
4.1 / 5
(68)
From
€ 42.81
€ 45.74
Richmond Hotel Yamagata Ekimae
Hotels • Yamagata

Richmond Hotel Yamagata Ekimae

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(278)
From
€ 51.24
Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel
Hotels • Yamagata

Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(190)
From
€ 158.59
Gokan no Yu Tsuruya
Hotels • Yamagata

Gokan no Yu Tsuruya

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(251)
From
€ 155.45
Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
Hotels • Yamagata

Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(101)
From
€ 252.73
Yamagata Grand Hotel
Hotels • Yamagata

Yamagata Grand Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.0 / 5
(315)
From
€ 26.67
Zao International Hotel
Hotels • Yamagata

Zao International Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(84)
From
€ 181.11
€ 190.11
Omiya Ryokan
Hotels • Yamagata

Omiya Ryokan

Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(174)
From
€ 136.03
€ 140.6
Hotel Crown Hills Yamagata
Hotels • Yamagata

Hotel Crown Hills Yamagata

Instant confirmation
3.8 / 5
(292)
From
€ 36.09
Meitoya So
Hotels • Yamagata

Meitoya So

Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(84)
From
€ 97.06

Reviews of Yamagata activities

Klook User
2026-09-23 08:08:58
Fantastic 5.0
recommend a seven day pass used it a lot in Kyoto for Thee Shinnkeen trains there and back to Kyoto.Locaotrainsand bus and a boat ride seat reservation process: Bery good and easy to use pass area coverage: Great coverage can use in Tokyo and Kyoto and outer areas price:Pricing great if you make the most of Troon public transport.So just check if it would be worth it for your individual trips
CHING ********
2026-07-08 03:59:50
Fantastic 5.0
The "Free Hong Kong Mail" for the voucher was delivered by SF Express. I placed the order today (Monday) and received it the next day (Tuesday), which is extremely efficient. The last time I visited Hokkaido via Sapporo Airport, I deliberately skipped Hakodate because taking the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, then transferring to the JR Hakodate Main Line to Hakodate Station, only takes about 1.5 hours. This is much more convenient than the over 3.5-hour journey from Sapporo to Hakodate. For a relaxed trip for middle-aged travelers, the route Sendai - Aomori - Hakodate - Hachinohe - Sendai, using a JR Pass to reserve seats for free at the designated seat ticket machines, allows you to enjoy leisurely times and various delicious foods. It's very cost-effective and worthwhile.
qian **
2026-08-10 23:51:40
Fantastic 5.0
Our tour guide also served as the driver and was very responsible, ensuring everything was well-arranged. The tickets he purchased were for the first row, which was an excellent spot and great value for money. The hotel arranged in the middle of the trip was an old Japanese inn, providing a wonderful experience. The other two attractions were also fantastic; the hot springs would have been perfect if visited in winter. The itinerary design was very good. If I had to point out a flaw, it would be that the hotel we returned to after the Nebuta Festival was quite far. While the tourists weren't too tired, sleeping through the journey, the driver worked incredibly hard, driving for several hours late into the night. I suggest optimizing this part of the route.
Kwan ********
2026-07-13 00:05:47
Fantastic 5.0
Although the weather was not perfect as we could only see nothing on Zao Cable car, the guide was helpful to try suggesting other routes. He was also a funny guide to make us feel relaxed during the whole journey. Also, the customers from Taiwan were so friendly to allow me mingle in their group🥹Recommend the tour to everyone who is planning to join. Better to bring a jacket to keep you warm on the Zao mountain!
LING ****
2026-09-29 03:49:07
Fantastic 5.0
The 2-day trip to Ginzan Onsen was an absolute 10/10! I strongly recommend staying overnight; the night view is truly breathtaking, making you feel like you've stepped right into the fairytale world of Spirited Away. The pace of the itinerary was very comfortable, with no rushed sightseeing. Staying at a ryokan, we enjoyed authentic Japanese meals for breakfast and dinner, and the hot spring water was of excellent quality—soaking in it left our whole bodies wonderfully warm. Strolling through the historic hot spring street during the day, watching the antique lamps light up at dusk, and experiencing the quiet, crowd-free town in the early morning made for amazing photos. The entire arrangement was smooth, worry-free, and effortless. It was an unforgettable trip, and I'd love to visit again next time!
廖 **
2026-09-25 09:02:02
Fantastic 5.0
Although we didn't visit during the winter, it was still very beautiful. The overall environment is peaceful with quite a few tourists. For visitors who plan to soak in the hot springs, it is recommended to bring your own towel to dry your feet. Sitting by the river to enjoy the scenery and relax is a wonderful experience.
鄭 **
2026-05-24 22:52:12
Fantastic 5.0
The tour guide was very thoughtful! We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel, and the nine-seater van was full. The timing was perfectly managed, and the guide even gave us a brief introduction to the sights. It's a shame it rained the whole time we were there, which made it a bit more challenging! Even so, we still felt that overall, it was a great one-day trip! Not tiring at all! Highly recommend it to everyone.
Sutee ***************
2026-04-08 21:05:13
Fantastic 5.0
Mr. Sato, our driver, was lovely and provided excellent service. He was very friendly and conversational, and his pick-up and drop-off were punctual. If anyone is interested in visiting Ginzan Onsen to see it at night, I highly recommend this transfer service.
Lee ******
2026-05-26 15:38:49
Fantastic 5.0
The hotel is conveniently located 3-5 minutes from Yamagata Station, offering excellent transportation access. The rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms feature separate wet and dry areas with large bathtubs, providing exceptional comfort. On the first floor, there's a 7-Eleven convenience store and a famous Yonezawa beef restaurant. Overall, its convenient location, modern facilities, and comfortable spaces make it highly recommended.

Yamagata at a glance

When is the busiest time to visit Yamagata?

Based on what travelers booked on Klook

Busier than usual Quieter than usual
+300%
+200%
+100%
Typical
-100%
+99%
Jan
Busiest +206%
Feb
+98%
Mar
-43%
Apr
-64%
May
-70%
Jun
-57%
Jul
-73% Quietest
Aug
-51%
Sep
-32%
Oct
-16%
Nov
+6%
Dec

Demand in Yamagata peaks in February (about 206% above a typical month) while August is quietest (roughly 73% lower), so travellers from Australia should book early for February and expect easier availability and fewer crowds in August. Based on Klook historical booking data.

When is Yamagata cheapest?

Find months that fit your budget.

$140
$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
Avg $108 Priciest $134 Cheapest $57
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Activities are typically cheapest in January at around USD 57, roughly 57% below the July peak (about USD 134); this lower-price January also falls in the quieter season, so you may find both lower prices and lighter crowds. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.

How far ahead should you book?

Plan ahead so you don’t miss out

5 daysLast-minute
10 daysTypical
21 daysEarly

Most travellers book about 10 days ahead, so planning with short notice is possible; however, during the February peak named in the demand data you may want to book earlier (around 21 days). Based on Klook booking data, February 2026 – July 2026.

Quick facts about Yamagata

Local weather

℉℃
  • DEC - FEB
    5°-3°

    Cold and snowy

  • MAR - MAY
    21°1°

    Cool spring weather

  • JUN - SEP
    30°17°

    Warm and humid

  • OCT - NOV
    18°5°

    Crisp autumn

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1EUR = 177.21JPY

  • Official languages

What to know before visiting Yamagata

Quick overview of Yamagata’s highlights and rhythm

Yamagata draws most bookings for outdoor and sports activities plus guided tours, and demand shows a clear seasonal rhythm through the year. Bookings peak in February and fall to a low in August, so the city alternates between a busy winter season and much quieter late-summer months.

When to visit for crowds and prices

According to Klook booking data, the busiest month is February while demand is lowest in August. Prices peak in July and stay high through early autumn, then drop sharply: Klook data show January as typically the cheapest month. That means the busiest month (February) does not line up with the priciest month (July) — you can experience peak-season atmosphere in February without paying the absolute top prices, while travellers seeking lower costs and smaller crowds should aim for January or later-summer trough months.

Tips for travellers from Australia

Most travellers from Australia typically book around ten days ahead, with a useful window for early planning at about three weeks and last-minute bookings possible roughly five days out. If you’re after outdoor activities or guided tours, consider locking in plans before peak periods named above; otherwise, many experiences can still be reserved at short notice on Klook.

FAQs about Yamagata

When is the best time to visit Yamagata?

When is the cheapest time to visit Yamagata?

How far ahead should I book Yamagata activities from Australia?

How much do activities in Yamagata typically cost?