Away from the bustling Zao—Experience tranquility and authenticity with another Zao experience from Kaminoyama City

When most travelers hear the name Zao, they think of the ski resorts and hot spring towns on the Yamagata City side. However, due to its popularity, the high season can be crowded and noisy, which may be a little stifling for travelers who want to take their time to enjoy nature and culture.

Amidst this, the Boda-ira Plateau on the Kamiyama City side of the Zao mountain range offers a completely different pace of life. With its clear air, vast landscapes, and untouched natural environment, this area provides a “different Zao” that resonates with travelers seeking tranquility.

Kamishiro City flourished as a castle town during the Edo period and is also known as a hot spring resort that continues to preserve the hot spring culture of the past. This town, where local food culture, agriculture, and coexistence with nature remain deeply rooted, quietly reveals the rich layers of life in Japan's regional areas to travelers. Here, the “beauty of everyday life in Japan,” often overlooked in guidebooks and on social media, truly thrives.

On this page, we will continue to introduce unique experiences rooted in the region, such as recovery hot springs that rejuvenate the mind and body, lodges where you can savor the bounty of the highlands, and wineries that reflect the beautiful landscape. This town, where new discoveries await with each visit, is the ideal destination for a “second journey” for travelers who have already explored the major sights and historical sites.