Yamagata Station

Yamagata Station is a major terminal station and the main gateway for exploring Yamagata Prefecture.

The area around the station has a station building and several commercial buildings, so it is easy to find places to eat and shop.
Using buses and local trains, you can also travel easily to destinations across the prefecture, including Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera).

In this article, you will find information on how to get to Yamagata Station, the atmosphere around the station, sightseeing spots you can visit on foot or by train, and areas to enjoy at night.

As a base for exploring Yamagata, this guide will help you imagine how to use Yamagata Station and plan your trip.

How to Get to Yamagata Station

Yamagata Station is easy to access by public transportation from both Tokyo and Osaka.
As a base for exploring Yamagata Prefecture, it is often the first station that many travelers arrive at.

Here, we introduce the most common ways to get to Yamagata Station from Tokyo and Osaka, which are frequently used by international travelers.

From Tokyo to Yamagata Station

The simplest and most comfortable way to travel from Tokyo to Yamagata Station is by the Yamagata Shinkansen.

From Tokyo Station, you can take the Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa” and travel directly to Yamagata Station without any transfers.

The travel time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
The fare is 11,450 yen.

From Osaka to Yamagata Station

When traveling from Osaka to Yamagata Station, the standard route is to go via Tokyo.

First, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station.
After arriving at Tokyo Station, transfer to the Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa” and continue to Yamagata Station.

Since there is only one transfer at Tokyo Station, this route is not very difficult if you are used to traveling between major cities in Japan.

The total travel time is approximately 6 hours.
The fare is 23,090 yen.

The Area Around Yamagata Station

The area in front of Yamagata Station is well developed, with many station buildings and commercial buildings.

Since it is the largest station in Yamagata Prefecture, you can find a wide range of local food around the station.

There is also a bus rotary in front of the station, making it possible to travel to many different destinations by bus from Yamagata Station.

Sightseeing Spots Around Yamagata Station

Around Yamagata Station, there are both spots you can visit on foot and spots that require a short train ride.

Even with limited time, you can either take a short walk around the station area,
or spend half a day to a full day visiting major sights in the surrounding areas.

Here, we introduce some representative spots that are easy to reach from Yamagata Station.
Based on your available time and travel style, try to plan a route that works for you.

Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)

Address: Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 20 minutes by train from Yamagata Station (JR Senzan Line) + about 5 minutes on foot (from Yamadera Station)

Risshakuji Temple, also known as “Yamadera,” is one of Yamagata’s most famous landmarks.

As you climb the stone steps from the station, you will see halls and pagodas scattered along the mountainside and toward the summit.
From the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.

Many people visit for the view at the top, but some say that the scenery on the way down is actually more beautiful.

Since the entrance is only about a 5-minute walk from the nearest station (Yamadera Station),
it is easy to access and can be enjoyed as a day trip from Yamagata Station.

Station Building SPAL

Address: Kasumicho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access: Directly connected to JR Yamagata Station

SPAL is a station building directly connected to Yamagata Station.

It has restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, making it a convenient place to eat during your travels or buy gifts before leaving.

There are also shops selling Yamagata specialties such as imoni (taro stew), soba noodles, and sake,
so it is a good option for those who want to experience Yamagata’s local food in a short time.

Another advantage is that you can use it without going outside, even on rainy or snowy days.

Kajo Park

Address: Kajomachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access:

• About 10 minutes on foot from Yamagata Station (West Exit) to the South Gate

• About 15 minutes on foot from Yamagata Station (East Exit) to the Higashi-Otemon Gate

Kajo Park is a public park developed on the former site of Yamagata Castle.

Inside the park, you can still see moats and stone walls, as well as historical sites associated with Mogami Yoshiaki, who once ruled this area.

It is also known as a cherry blossom spot in spring, and the atmosphere changes completely with the seasons.

Since it is within walking distance of Yamagata Station,
it is a good place to take a light stroll between sightseeing spots.

Bunshokan

Address: Hatagomachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 25 minutes on foot

Bunshokan is a preserved building that was constructed in 1916 and formerly served as the Yamagata Prefectural Office and Prefectural Assembly Hall.

Its brick exterior is impressive, and the interior is open to the public while retaining the atmosphere of the time.

Today, it is used as exhibition space and a hall, and admission is free.

It is a good spot for people who are interested in modern architecture or who want to walk around in a calm, quiet environment.

Mogami Yoshiaki Museum

Address: Otemachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 15 minutes on foot

The Mogami Yoshiaki Museum introduces the life and achievements of Mogami Yoshiaki, a feudal lord who ruled Yamagata during the Warring States period.
Admission is free.

The museum displays armor, swords, and historical documents, making it a good place for those who want to learn more about Yamagata’s history.

Since it is located right next to Kajo Park,
it is easy to combine a visit here with a walk around the park.

Even if you are not especially interested in history,
it can still be enjoyed as a starting point for understanding how this city developed.

Goten-zeki

Address: Nanukamachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 19 minutes on foot

Goten-zeki is a small sightseeing area in central Yamagata that was developed along a waterway that dates back to the Edo period.

If you do not enter any of the shops, you can take a light walk here in about 10 minutes round trip.

Along the waterway, there are cafes, small shops, and restaurants,
making it an easy place to stop during a walk around the city.
It is also a nice spot to take a break at a cafe between sightseeing stops.

Rather than a typical tourist area,
it feels closer to a place that local people use in their daily lives,
so it is a good place to experience the everyday atmosphere of Yamagata.

Since there are many shops in the surrounding area,
it is easy to combine a walk here with shopping or a meal.

Nightlife Around Yamagata Station

Around Yamagata Station, there are several areas where you can enjoy the nightlife,
from casual izakaya bars to slightly retro drinking streets.

You can have a light drink in the lively station-front area,
or take a short walk to quieter streets with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Here, we introduce nightlife areas that are easy to reach from Yamagata Station.
Choose where to go based on your mood and how much time you have.

Yamagata Station Front

Address: Around 1-7 Kasumicho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 3 minutes on foot

There are many restaurants and bars lined up along small side streets.

Since there are many places within a 10- to 15-minute walking radius,
try walking around and looking for a place that catches your interest.

Hanakoji

Address: Nanukamachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 28 minutes on foot

Hanakoji is a slightly retro street.

There are not many shops, but it is a good place for people who want to escape the bustle of the station area.

Since it is close to Goten-zeki,
you can enjoy both areas together as part of the same walk.

Yamagata Yataimura

Address: 2-1-14-6 Nanukamachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture　View on Google Maps
Access: About 20 minutes on foot

Yamagata Yataimura is a facility that opened in June 2009.

In Japanese terms, it is a place where “aka-chochin” (red lantern) style shops are lined up.

There are about 10 to 15 small, nostalgic-style shops that feel very Japanese.

This article is based on information as of November 16, 2025.