2025 Nanyo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

This time, we will introduce a power spot for matchmaking in Tohoku, located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Its name is Kumano Taisha Shrine. It is also called the Ise Shrine of Tohoku, and boasts a history of 1,200 years. This shrine enshrines the first god to propose in mythology, and is said to be a blessing in matchmaking💍. From June to September, the shrine holds the matchmaking prayer festival "Kanade," where people entrust their wishes to wind chimes, and the grounds are decorated with colorful wind chimes, which are very photogenic📷. The sound of the wind chimes is very tasteful and gives a sense of charm🎐 We also introduced the wonderful cafe "icho cafe" located in the grounds of Kumano Taisha Shrine! Since we visited during the hot season, we had shaved ice🍧☺️ The other dishes using ingredients from Yamagata also looked delicious! 🍛 Please come and visit us☺️🌸 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 🔖Kumano Taisha Shrine ⚪︎Address: 3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture ⚪︎Opening days: Open everyday ⚪︎Fee: Free admission ⚪︎Parking: Available #Yamagata #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Prefecture #Kumano Taisha Shrine #Wind Chime Festival #Wind Chime Festival #Shrine

#cherryblossom25 Enjoy the 20 cherry blossom viewing spots located along this 43-kilometer route, including Eboshiyama Senbonzakura, one of the largest clusters of Edo Higan cherry blossoms in Japan, the Yakushi-zakura, a giant 1,200-year-old cherry blossom tree, as well as the Mogami Riverbank Senbonzakura and Sakura-Zutsumi cherry blossoms, a superb spot where you can admire the picturesque view of the cherry blossoms that line the banks of the Mogami River backed by the lingering snow of Mt. Asahi! The Okitama Sakura Corridor is a route lined with various cherry blossom viewing spots that runs through Nanyo City, Nagai City, and Shirataka Town, all located in Yamagata Prefecture. You can usually see these cherry blossoms at their best from around mid-April🌸 Come and enjoy cherry blossom viewing by train, car, or bicycle, taking in all of this breathtaking scenery✨including the huge cherry tree with its majestic outstretched branches, the clusters of cherry blossoms that dye the entire mountain a pale pink, and the spectacular combination of cherry blossoms with snow-capped mountains in the distance🌸 #japantravel #travel #japanview #japan_vacations #tohokutourism #japantrip #japan #tohokujapan #tohoku #explorejapan #amazingjapan #sakura #senbonzakura #eboshiyama #yakushizakura #mogamiriver #yamagata #cherryblossom #sakuraspot #springtrip #tohokusakura #pinkscenery #photospot

#japantrip Nanyo City in Yamagata Prefecture is a hidden gem offering a delightful mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. Renowned for its onsen, particularly Akayu Onsen, the city attracts visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of its hot springs. Nanyo’s cultural highlights include the historic Kumano Taisha Shrine, one of the region’s most revered spiritual sites, and the Hachimanbara Tulip Festival in spring, which showcases stunning floral displays. The area is also famous for its agricultural products, such as sweet cherries and locally crafted wines. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and seasonal landscapes, Nanyo provides a serene getaway where traditional charm meets modern comforts.

#japantrip Nanyo City, located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, is a charming destination blending natural beauty, rich culture, and soothing hot springs. Known as the “Land of Hot Springs,” it boasts famed onsen areas like Akayu Onsen, celebrated for its healing waters and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore historic sites, such as Kumano Taisha Shrine, and seasonal attractions, like the stunning cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Nanyo is also famous for its locally produced wine and cherries, offering unique flavors of the region. With its tranquil ambiance and cultural richness, Nanyo City is a perfect retreat for relaxation and exploration.

I went to Akayu Onsen the other day😊 The inn I stayed at was really nice and warm, so I'd like to introduce it to you. Address: 989 Akayu, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-2211 Parking: Free (80 spaces, first come first served) About a 5-minute drive from Akayu Station ( •ө•) Reservations are required, but there is a free shuttle. There are 12 hot springs, which are replaced every day, so they are very clean♨️ There is a tasting of local wine and sake, coffee service, cake service, and Ramune service after the bath. (Limited time) Everything you could ask for🥺 At the armor storehouse, you can wear armor from the Sengoku period. A rare experience ( /•ө•)/ The food is also made with Yonezawa beef and local ingredients, so it looks beautiful and makes me happy ( •ө•)♥️ Yamagata has clean air and water, so the rice is really delicious! ! Enjoy the whole day and be more than satisfied 💮 Recommended as a daily treat ♥️ #Akayu #Akayu Onsen #Yamagata Ryokan #0 yen trip November

Introducing a mysterious shrine in Yamagata that you definitely want to visit✍🏻 (All photos are from August 2024) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ This is Kumano Taisha Shrine in Yamagata Prefecture Behind the main hall of this lush shrine are three rabbits carved into it🐇 It is said that anyone who finds the three rabbits will have their wish granted and will be happy. But the third rabbit is very difficult!!! I couldn't find it🥲 Moreover, it is said that if you ask about the last rabbit from someone else or tell them where it is, the blessings will be lost...! Everyone, try looking for it on your own💡 Besides the rabbits behind the main hall, the rabbit fortune-telling slips were also very cute🐰🤍 The wind chime festival was also happening at the time, and the sound was soothing🎐 It's colorful and cute🌈 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✍🏻 ᴛʀɪᴘ ᴛɪᴘs ˊ˗ The parking lot was right in front of me🚙 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✍🏻 ɪɴғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (As of October 2024 ) Kumano Taisha Shrine 📍Address: 3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture 🚐Parking: Available ⏰Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Domestic travel #Yamagata tourism #Yamagata trip #tripdomestic travel

#AccommodationTrip I stayed at "SAKURA03" A large cherry tree stands in front of the window overlooking the garden, and the room has an open-air bath carved into a huge Zao stone boulder! Apparently, this inn has three bath attendants They manage the temperature of the water that reaches the room directly without ever coming into contact with air! They continue to protect the happiness of those who bathe in the water ~ Thank you 😭 The original cuisine, which uses plenty of ingredients from Yamagata, was also very delicious ♪ The 400-year-old Yakuimon gate that greets you at the entrance is a wonder! It is said that Date Masamune passed through it! ◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦ Spot information 📍In the Heian period, soldiers such as Minamoto no Yoshitsuna soaked their wounds in the hot springs after battle, and their wounds healed instantly and turned red with blood, which is said to be the origin of Akayu Onsen. About 5 minutes by taxi from JR Akayu Station (Shinkansen stops here) #Hot springs #Yamagata #Domestic travel #Tohoku

2024.4.19 I missed the flowering season, and most of the flowers have fallen on the day I came. I will just treat this cloudy day as a mountain hike. Just when I had given up hope, the sun came out, and a gust of wind blew, bringing down a lot of petals and happiness~

In Japanese anime, summer often features the sound of 'wind chimes.' In the second season of 'Natsume's Book of Friends,' titled 'Humans and Yokai,' characters gather in the courtyard to enjoy snacks and flowers, with wind chimes ringing in the breeze. Every time the wind blows and the chimes ring, it feels like a voice saying 'hello!' Especially on sweltering nights, the sound of wind chimes brings a refreshing coolness. Every July and August, various wind chime festivals are held across Japan. Let's take a look! 01 Kumano Taisha Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival Since ancient times, wind chimes in Japan have been used to convey wishes and thoughts. The famous haiku poet Santoka Taneda once wrote, 'As if you want to come and see me, I hear the wind chimes now.' The Kumano Wind Chime Summer Festival focuses on wishes for romantic relationships. As the summer breeze gently blows, it makes lovers' hearts flutter and helps singles find good matches. 02 Hōtokuji 'Feel the Coolness' Wind Chime Festival Starting July 13, about 3,000 wind chimes will be hung along the wind chime path at Hōtokuji, swaying in the wind like a dazzling rainbow. The ancient temple's dry landscape garden creates a picturesque summer scene. Additionally, there are wishes for warding off bad luck and ensuring safety! From August 31 to September 16, weekend evenings will feature a light show, offering another wonderful experience. 03 Sakura-yama Wind Chime Festival Sakura-yama Hachiman Shrine in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's famous matchmaking shrines. During the wind chime festival, the ema hall of Sakura-yama Hachiman Shrine will be adorned with about 2,000 wind chimes in summer colors, creating a dreamy atmosphere that complements the beautiful flower water nearby. Thousands of wind chimes ring in the wind, like a symphony of summer, creating a magical experience! Every Saturday evening from July 27 to August 24, a lighting event will be held, allowing visitors to enjoy the enchanting wind chimes under the night sky. The simultaneous ringing of the wind chimes makes one forget the summer heat. 04 Minase Shrine Good Fortune Wind Chime Festival It is said that the sound of wind chimes was originally used to ward off disasters brought by the wind and to pray for safety. From late July to early September, Osaka's Minase Shrine hosts a wind chime festival focused on wishes for good fortune. Visitors hang their written wishes on the wind chime path and then proceed to the main hall to pray. Located in Shimamoto Town, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture, Minase Shrine is known for its blessings for academic and athletic success. It also features 'Rikyu Water,' selected as one of Japan's 'Top 100 Famous Waters,' which is said to make tea leaves more fragrant. 05 Sannoji Wind Chime Festival Sannoji Temple in Fukuoka Prefecture is famous as one of the 88 sacred sites of Sasaguri Shikoku. Due to the numerous cute tanuki (raccoon dog) figurines found throughout the temple, it is also known as 'Tanuki Temple.' From May to early October each year, Sannoji holds a wind chime festival. The 4,000 colorful wind chimes decorated by the temple's priests create a spectacular and resonant scene! In September, the evening lights make the night view even more stunning. Visitors can also paint and offer their own wind chimes on-site. 06 Kobō Kannon Wind Chime Festival Located in Nara Prefecture, Kōbō Kannon Temple of the Kōyasan Shingon sect holds a wind chime festival from early July to late September each year, with over 2,500 wind chimes decorating the temple. These wind chimes come from all over Japan, including Ryukyu glass wind chimes from Okinawa, Beppu wind chimes combining wind chimes and bamboo crafts, and Kiyomizu ware wind chimes from Kyoto. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this a showcase of Japanese wind chime craftsmanship. Additionally, visitors can purchase about 90 types of wind chimes from all over Japan, including Nara wind chimes, Odawara wind chimes from Kanagawa, and Nambu wind chimes from Iwate, at the wind chime exhibition and sale in front of the temple office. This summer, make sure to visit Japan for a wind chime festival! As the wind chimes sway, may all your wishes come true.

#cherryblossom2024 The best time of the year in Japan Ebosiyama Park is an ideal place for those who seek solitude and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Yamagata City. It is most pleasant to visit the park in spring, when many magnificent sakura trees bloom here. How to get there Ebosiyama Park is located near Akayu Station on the Yamagata Shinkasen Line and the Ou Main Line. Akayu Station can be reached from Tokyo by Yamagata Shinkasen. Cities in the Tohoku region, including Fukushima, Dzao, Yamagata and Akita, can be reached via the Ou Main Line. Do not forget that the trip along this regional line will be quite long. From Akayu Station, Ebosiyama Park can be reached in five minutes by car and in 25 minutes on foot. It is interesting Ebosiyama Park is included in the list of the 100 best places to admire the cherry blossom in Japan There are many trees in the park that are more than 100 years old Admission to the park is free An unforgettable view Grab everything you need for a picnic and go admire the amazing view of the city of Yonezawa in the ring of the Azuma Mountains. Flowering trees against the background of melting mountain snows is a sight that cannot be forgotten. There are about a thousand cherry trees growing in the park. This makes Ebosiyama an ideal place to walk in the spring. During the cherry blossom season — from mid-April to May 5 — illumination is lit in the park in the evenings.

Kumano Taisha Shrine is located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is also known as the Ise Shrine of Tohoku, and is a famous power spot for matchmaking. The god of Kumano Taisha Shrine is said to be the first god in Japan to propose and marry. From June to the end of September, a prayer festival called Kanade is held, in which worshippers entrust their wishes to wind chimes, and you can worship while listening to the refreshing sound of the wind chimes. There are many types of goshuin, omamori, and omikuji. This time I received a limited goshuin. There were many things with rabbit motifs. And after visiting the main shrine, please go to the back of the main shrine. There are three rabbits carved into the carving on the back of the main shrine, and it is said that if you can find all three, your wish will come true. Rabbits hop around, so even if you find three, if you tell someone, happiness will jump out of you, so even if you find three, please keep it in your heart. It's a wonderful shrine, so please visit it once. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture 🚃10 minutes walk from Miyauchi Station on the Flower Nagai Line 🚗10 minutes from JR Akayu Station #Yamagata #Yamagata Prefecture #Tohoku #Shrine #Shrine Tour #Shrines and Temples #Kumano Taisha Shrine #Power Spot #Matchmaking #Travel #Domestic Travel #Winter Travel

Address: 1425 Kotaki, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture This is a recommended soba restaurant in Yamagata. It is a spacious renovated old house that has a charming atmosphere, like visiting grandma's house. We had the specialty Furuppa soba and the summer-only Sudachi soba. Furuppa soba is chicken soba, and you can choose to have it hot or cold. Personally, I recommend the hot one because the broth has a full aroma. Sudachi soba is recommended in the summer for its refreshing broth. They open at 11:00, but we recommend arriving a little earlier than opening time. They are open until 2:00, but if they run out of soba, they will close earlier, so be careful.

The season of yellow leaves depends on the weather of each region, it comes early or late in Japan... The weather is not too cold, sunny and windy, perfect for seeing yellow leaves! The time is from the end of October to the end of November 🍁🍁🍁