The Complete Guide to the Jade Adventure

When the British explorer Isabella Bird arrived in Yamagata Prefecture in 1878 to purchase jade, she was in awe of the mountainous terrain and vividly called the land “the paradise of Asia.” In fact, the landscape stretching all the way to southern Yamagata Prefecture is utopian: snow-capped mountains, vast rice paddies, and a plethora of hot springs rumored to have magical healing properties.

Most visitors associate Yamagata with its ski resorts and the always-crowded Ginzan Onsen, but Ochitama offers a surprisingly idyllic destination full of adventure opportunities. Head to Chiyu on your next adventure and see for yourself why this area wows visitors time and time again.

adventure outing

With vast expanses of lush nature to explore, Chiyu is filled with activities for adventure lovers. Here are some of the highlights of the area, as well as tours offered by the following companies Yamagata Experience Iito Canoe Club.

Flying in a hot air balloon

Take a hot air balloon ride to see the mountains of Chiyu from a different perspective. Depending on weather conditions, visitors may see a sea of ​​clouds.

Kayak through the underwater forest

From spring to early summer, when melting snow from the mountains flows into Shirakawa Lake, causing the water level to rise, Chiyu will see a beautiful phenomenon called “flooded forest.” Beginner-friendly tours allow you to kayak through this unique aquatic landscape.

White River Lake Paddleboarding

If you’re looking for a more active outdoor activity than canoeing, paddling on White River Lake is also a great option. Especially recommended for use in summer.

Cycling through rice fields

Cycling through Chiyu’s vast rice fields and admiring the scenery. As part of the route, you can stop at the local Kiunji Temple to admire the seasonal foliage.

Trek over ice falls

Take a moderately difficult hike at the Qianrenze Ice Park and witness the majestic scenery of the 30-meter-high frozen waterfall.

local culture

The Chitama area is rich in local heritage, including samurai history, spiritual sites, healing hot springs and craft heritage.

hot spring township

Like much of Yamagata, Ochitama is a top destination for hot springs. it has a lot Youquan Those deep in the unknown mountains. While it’s a long trek to get there, the hot springs’ unspoiled nature and privacy make it worth the trip.

In the Nanyang area of ​​Zhiyu City, there is a hot spring town with a history of nearly 1,000 years – Chitang Hot Spring. Legend has it that at the end of the Heian period, a wounded samurai discovered the hot springs during a battle. Soaking the injury in water, he recovered quickly. The water reportedly turned red from blood, hence the name of the hot spring (Akayu translates to “red water”). Despite this, the water at Akayu Onsen is actually colorless and clear.

Kumano Taisha Shrine

There are several spiritual sites in Ochitama worth visiting, including the magnificent Kumano Taisha Shrine. Kumano Taisha Shrine is dedicated to 30 gods and is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon exploring. It is dedicated to the two main gods Izanagi and Izanami, considered the creators of the Japanese archipelago, making it a popular destination for couples and people looking for love.

At Kumano Taisha Shrine, guests can become part of a particularly immersive experience priest or priestess of a shrine one day. You can wear a shrine priest or miko Wear a (miko) costume, participate in an amulet-making experience, learn how to pray properly, and take photos while wearing the miko costume.

Marudai Fanya

access Marudai FanyaIt is the historical residence of the Naganuma clan and is now designated as a tangible cultural property by Yamagata Prefecture. It hosts art exhibitions throughout the year, giving you a glimpse into the life of a nearly 400-year-old Japanese family.

local paper crafts

In Nishiki Tama, visitors can experience the heritage of Japanese paper crafts at the Miyama Washi Center in Shirakaka Town. This tradition dates back to the Edo period more than 400 years ago. Visitors can make their own Miyayama Washi using the area’s famous red flowers and mulberry bark. They can also try Senkiri-e Make your own art to take home by tearing and sticking paper.

local food

Rich in natural scenery and mountain springs, Ochitama is famous for its delicious sake, beef and rice, as well as its long-standing culinary traditions, such as Belief and koi fish stew.

Yonezawa beef

Yonezawa beef is named after the Yonezawa area. It is high-quality Wagyu beef raised in the Chitama Snow Mountains with an excellent meat-to-fat ratio. It is a must-try delicacy for carnivores when they come to buy jade.

Belief

Imoni, which translates as potato stew, is a potato and broth soup eaten in the Northeast. This is a staple food in Yamagata and a must-try on your trip to Otama.

Tsuhimehime rice

Yamagata is famous for its rice, which includes Tsuyahime, a premium variety with a lustrous (explaining its name, meaning “shining princess”) and sweet stickiness.

Stewed Koi

Yamagata residents have a history of eating koi as a reliable source of protein. Koi eaten as sashimi can be very tough and chewy, so Ochitama locals choose to cook it in a sweet and savory soy-based stew before eating it. Adventurous diners can sample koi at local restaurants and get a taste of history.

Recommended accommodation and restaurants in Chitama

Filled with unique facilities and high-quality onsen ryokans, Chitama is known for its warm hospitality and offering some of the best local cuisine in the area.

Iidecho Wakanoi Brewery

access Wakanoi Brewery Learn how Ochitama’s best sake is brewed using careful craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. In addition to delicious sake, the brewery also offers delicacies such as koji pudding and kimchi.

Sun Canteen

access Sun Canteen Enjoy a meal that makes you feel right at home. Magokoro Shokudo is a cozy, casual restaurant serving only 10 meals a day, located in a traditional family home, offering comfort meals made with fresh ingredients from Ochidama.

Akayu Onsen Yamagata Takimi

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay Yamagata Takiami. The spacious onsen ryokan features private hot springs from pure Akayu Onsen in each room, as well as large public baths, and the facilities are surrounded by plenty of natural scenery to truly rejuvenate your body and mind. The on-site catering is incredible too, offering delicious dinners and breakfasts that highlight Chiyu’s high-quality seasonal ingredients.

Onogawa Ongawa Ongawa Ryokan

calculate This is a hot spring hotel that fully utilizes the abundant water resources of Onogawa Onsen. It also offers delicious dishes that showcase the flavor of Yamagata.

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