This special promotional article for Japan Today surveys the highlights of the Dewa Sanzan area of Yamagata, which is featured on the Japan Heritage website. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Category: Yamagata
Traditional sake brewing is best in winter
Traditionally, sake is brewed in winter. This isn't just because the process begins shortly after rice is harvested. Rather, it's because the fermentation process works best at constant cool temperatures (ie, below 15C). Perhaps for this reason, the Japan's snowy Tohoku region is thought to produce some of the best sake in the country. A … Continue reading Traditional sake brewing is best in winter
Yonezawa Textiles: top quality interwoven with centuries of history and tradition
Sometimes a destination can be enjoyed more by understanding its economic past and present. This article describes a visit to a small textile factory in the Yamagata city of Yonezawa, which is famous for its beautiful silks. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
5 Days Exploring Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures with the JR East Pass
This article provides a fun and interesting five day itinerary for taking advantage of the incredible bargain of the JR East Pass while getting acquainted with the amazing diversity of the "lower" half of the Tohoku region. (Archived article; originally published in Gaijinpot)
Finding Meiji Modernization History in Tohoku
This article takes the theme of Japan's post-feudal modernization and goes in search of extant buildings across the Tohoku region that represent that modernization. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Ancient Temples of the Deep North: Some of Tohoku’s Most Historical Temples
This article provides history and other information on four Ninth century temples in the Tohoku region that are still popular destinations for tourists and religious devotees alike. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Cherries in Japan: more than a springtime blossom
Every spring Japan celebrates the pale pink petal of the cherry blossom. And justifiably. But there is much more to cherries than just the delicate springtime blossom. In early summer, Yamagata Prefecture is popping with the fruit itself, little red balls of sweet juiciness. Further north, in Akita Prefecture, the bark of the mountain cherry, … Continue reading Cherries in Japan: more than a springtime blossom
A different kind of “Iron Man”
Japan has a long history of various kinds of metallurgy beginning with swordmaking, but certainly not ending there. I have learned that Japan has an appreciation for cast iron cookware similar to what my mother instilled in me, although, like many things with Japan, they've taken it to a different level. When I was a … Continue reading A different kind of “Iron Man”
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