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The Mainichi
15 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Tallest plunge waterfall in Japan's Yamagata Pref. enchants visitors with illumination
SAKATA, Yamagata -- A 63-meter plunge waterfall, the tallest of its kind in Yamagata Prefecture, is being illuminated each night, captivating visitors escaping the summer heat. Tamasudare no Taki in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, is a straight-drop waterfall where water plunges vertically without touching the rockface. The lighting, which creates a magical nighttime scene distinct from the daytime view, was started in 2000 by the Masuda neighborhood association as a community revitalization effort during Golden Week in the spring and August Bon holiday period. Yoshimi Wakagi, 51, who visited with his family, said, "We could watch from so close that the spray hit us, and I was overwhelmed by the power of nature." The illumination runs through Aug. 17, from sunset to 9 p.m. each night. Organizers ask visitors to make a 100-yen (about 68 cents) donation per person to help sustain the event. (Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau)
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- The Mainichi
Japan's Yamagata Hanagasa Festival opens, with 14,000 dancers expected to join
YAMAGATA -- The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, one of the Tohoku region's leading summer events, began in this northeast Japan city on Aug. 5. Over the three-day festival, 147 groups and about 14,000 dancers are scheduled to participate. The parade started shortly after 6 p.m., with dancers carrying "hanagasa" hats adorned with artificial red safflowers marching to a chant of "yassho, makasho." The approximately 800-meter parade route was lined with many tourists, and the venue was filled with excitement. Each day during the festival, from 1:30 p.m., the Yamagata Creative City Center Q1 multi-purpose facility hosts events featuring dance performances and lessons by the "hanagasa dance troupe." Meanwhile, as the first anti-heatstroke measure of its kind, the local River and National Highway Office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is circulating groundwater through pipes of a snow-melting system under part of the parade route's sidewalk to lower the surface temperature. An official commented, "We hope this will help reduce the heat around the spectators' feet, even if just a little." (Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau)
The Mainichi
06-07-2025
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Former hospital with unique design in Yamagata enthralls visitors
Go to photos YAMAGATA -- A local history museum with a unique tetradecagon cloister design in this northern Japan city has been fascinating visitors, recording a record number in fiscal 2024. Located in the heart of Yamagata's urban area, the Yamagata Castle ruins, known as Kajo Park, are home to the Yamagata City Local History Museum, formerly the Saiseikan Hospital main building, which is located in a corner of the park and is surrounded by lush greenery. This building is an example of "pseudo-Western architecture," where Japanese craftspeople from the end of the Edo period (1603-1867) to early Meiji era (1868-1912) imitated Western styles with a focus on modernization. Constructed in 1878 by Michitsune Mishima, the first governor of Yamagata Prefecture, it originally served as a hospital. Though a four-story wooden structure, its appearance is that of a three-tiered building. It features a unique doughnut-shaped cloister design with fourteen sides, around which eight rooms are aligned. The building showcases a fusion of Japanese and Western architectural techniques, with elements such as a tiled roof, stained glass and decorative eaves and pillars. Inside, visitors can view Edo-period medical books and precious medical equipment used in the former hospital. Designated as a national important cultural property in 1966, the building was later relocated to Kajo Park and reopened as the city's local history museum in 1971. In fiscal 2024, the museum attracted more than 42,000 visitors, the highest number ever, driven by an increase in international tourists. The museum continues to captivate with its timeless charm. (Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on June 15, 2025. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
The Mainichi
12-05-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Unique hybrid cherry tree in full bloom at botanical garden in Japan's Yamagata
YAMAGATA -- The Miyamakasumizakura cherry tree, known as the "only cherry tree of its kind in the world," is in full bloom at a botanical garden here, delighting visitors. The Miyamakasumizakura at Yamagata City Wildflower Park originated from natural hybridization of the Miyamazakura tree and the Kasumizakura tree. In 2004, the staff at the time noticed that it was different from other cherry trees, and in 2012 it was officially recognized as a new species. The unique tree is approximately 8 meters tall and over 50 years old. It combines the flowering style of Miyamazakura trees and the petal shapes of Kasumizakura trees. The blossoms began to bloom on May 4, a week later than last year, and are expected to be at their peak until around May 14. Hiroo Igarashi, deputy director of the facility, says, "We hope people will visit the garden to see this precious cherry tree that blooms only here." (Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau)
The Mainichi
05-05-2025
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Japan Photo Journal: Cherry blossoms flower in deep-snow village in Yamagata Pref.
Cherry blossoms bloom over a snow-covered field in the village of Okura, Yamagata Prefecture, on May 1, 2025. Known as one of Japan's heaviest snowfall areas, the village is experiencing the blossoms at their peak amid lingering snow, as visitors take in the arrival of spring. Fifteen cherry trees, including the North Japanese hill cherry, are planted at a park golf course near the Hijiori Onsen hot spring resort. The pink petals stand out against the white snow. Last year, record-low snowfall made it difficult to view the flowers and snow together, but this year's abundant snowfall has brought the spectacle back. Hiroyuki Yakuwa, 68, of the nonprofit organization Ohkura Sport, which manages the Kankaneno Park Golf Country, commented, "After a harsh winter, seeing this scenery makes me feel that the long-awaited spring has finally arrived." (Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau)
