I have about 3 hours until my Shinkansen departs from Yamagata Station.
I don’t mind taking a train or bus, so if there are any places I can visit for sightseeing, please let me know.
I’ve already visited the Juhyo
(ice monsters) and Yamadera this morning, so I’d appreciate suggestions other than those.
So, there I was, standing at Yamagata Station with three hours to kill before my Shinkansen zoomed off to my next destination. I’d already had an incredible morning hiking up Yamadera (my calves were still screaming at me) and marveling at the otherworldly Juhyo ice monsters. But now, with time to spare, I was itching to explore a little more. I decided to hop on a local train to Ginzan Onsen, a quaint hot spring town about an hour away. The ride itself was a treat—rolling hills, snowy landscapes, and the occasional glimpse of locals going about their day. I may or may not have overindulged in a bag of matcha Kit Kats I’d bought at the station (oops, no regrets). When I arrived, I felt like I’d stepped into a postcard. The town is lined with charming wooden ryokans and footbridges, all lit up by gas lamps that give it this magical, old-world vibe. I wandered along the river, snapping way too many photos, and even dipped my feet into one of the public foot baths. The water was just the right temperature, and I ended up chatting with a sweet elderly couple who were also soaking their feet. They told me about how the town used to be a bustling silver mining hub back in the day. Who knew? I also stumbled upon a tiny shop selling handmade soba noodles. The owner, a cheerful woman with a contagious laugh, insisted I try their specialty—cold soba with a side of tempura. It was so good I almost missed my train back to Yamagata Station. (Okay, fine, I did miss it by like two minutes, but it gave me an excuse to grab another snack while I waited for the next one.) By the time I made it back to Yamagata Station, I was full, relaxed, and slightly sunburned (note to self: wear sunscreen even in winter). Those three hours turned into one of the most unexpectedly delightful parts of my trip. If you ever find yourself with a few hours to spare in Yamagata, I highly recommend Ginzan Onsen. It’s the perfect mix of history, relaxation, and charm. And if you’re a snack enthusiast like me, well, you’re in for a treat. What about you? Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while killing time during a trip? Or maybe you’ve got other recommendations for Yamagata? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
