Yamagata

Hello,

on February the 11th my wife and I will be in Kaminoyama-Onsen (Yamagata prefecture) for the Kasedori annual festival and I will sleep the night in Yamagata city. The day after, the 12th, we plan to visit Yamadera temple.

I am scared that an entire day in Kaminoyama-Onsen for the festival will be quite boring and would like to know if you advise me some activity or interesting spot in that area.

I have no rental car, just JR pass and my wife does not ski.

Thanks!

If you got time for another side trip Feb is a good time to see those Juhyo snow monsters in Zao.

http://zaoropeway.co.jp/en/

Thanks for your answer, but it seems that the light event is not working on Tuesdays: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/events/2019/01/08/things-to-do/traditiona... :(

do you think it is still worth the visit?

Even if you canft be there for the evening light-up itfs still worth going as those snow monsters is a unique sight. We went for it during daytime and then continue north to spend the night in beautiful Ginzan Onsen.

Thanks William!

I too stayed 1 night at kaminoyama onsen last year and there was really nothing much to do. We had a late lunch at this small bar/cafe beside our onsen hotel selling western-Asian fusion food (Bolognafs steam egg, carbonara steam egg) and was really yummy. The chef/owner tried his very best to speak English to us.