The Atlas Obscura Guide To Yamagata

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Yamagata, Japan

Updated October 31, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Yamagata

Yamadera, the mountain temple of Yamagata.

Yamagata, Japan

Yamadera Temple Complex

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

One of the most scenic, yet lesser-visited sights in Yamagata.

Yamagata, Japan

Tarumizu Sanctuary

A sacred place for ascetic training, set in a honeycomb-walled cliffside cave deep in the woods.

Yamagata, Japan

Night-Crying Sumo Wrestlers

A quartet of temple guardian statues that allegedly cry at night for being forbidden from wrestling.

Are we missing something unusual?

The heart seen from the viewing area level with it.

Sendai, Japan

Nozokibashi Heart

A heart-shaped rock hollow amid lush scenery in Japan.

21 miles from Yamagata

A closer look at the stone

Shiroishi, Japan

Shinseki Shiroishi (God Stone of Shiroishi)

A town's namesake rock has served as a spiritual matchmaker for hundreds of years.

23 miles from Yamagata

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Stairs 1

Wrestling 1

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