Yonezawa ABC

Yonezawa: The coolest little town you’ve never heard of. In the mountains of Northeast Japan. Welcome to Yonezawa!
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We are a small city surrounded by mountains in Yamagata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region. As well as producers of one of Japan's top three rated brands wagyu beef, world-class sake and Yoneori fabrics, Yonezawa is a wonderful place to take a break from city life. With eight onsen resorts just a short drive away we have plenty of places in which to enjoy our "Asiatic Arcadia" as it changes with

the season. In the meantime, we hope you will join us as we introduce the coolest little town you've never heard of😃

Support Yonezawa producers and craftspeople through the Furusato Nozei tax deduction program and receive amazing gifts for you, your family and friends. Japanese
https://furusato-yonezawa.jp/

Google Translate
https://bit.ly/YonezawaFurusatoNozei

02/08/2025

Take a Break. Take a Swing.
Unleash your swing at “Yonezawa Koshien”! ⚾

Sure, sightseeing is fun—but have you ever thought: "I want to try something a little different on my trip"?

Located along Route 13 in Yamagata Prefecture, Yonezawa Koshien is a retro-style batting center with a nostalgic vibe.

No glove, no bat, no problem—just show up and swing!👌 For just ¥100, you get 12 pitches to let it all out.

From baseball-loving kids to adults swinging off stress after work, this spot is beloved by locals of all ages. 😊

✨ Relaxed, easy-to-play setup with a retro charm
⚾ Adjustable pitch speeds from 85 to 135 km/h—great for beginners
🎯 Hit a home run or perfect pitch and win bonus plays!

Whether you want to sneak in a little adventure or refresh your body between travel stops, this low-key, 100-yen experience is just the thing.

Batting centers may not be rare—but swinging a bat in a brand new place? That’s a special kind of memory. 🌟

Got a break in your travel schedule? Take a swing and feel the rush! 😎

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🏠 Yonezawa Koshien
📍 1952 Nakata-machi, Yonezawa, Yamagata, Japan
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/x3K8yBPATqCjEkHV8
🕕 Hours: Weekdays 11:00–20:30 / Weekends & holidays 10:00–21:00 (closed in snowy season)
🎫 Batting: ¥100 for 12 balls / Pitching: ¥200 for 12 throws
🚙 About 15 min from JR Yonezawa Station by car, 5 min from Yonezawa-Kita IC
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (approx. 2 hours via Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa")
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04/07/2025

A former elementary school turned into an experiential lodging facility!🏫
Limitless ways to enjoy your stay at "Tokokoto," Yonezawa Misawa Elementary School♾️

Located in the satoyama countryside of Yonezawa, Yamagata, this old school building
—once Misawa Tōbu Elementary School—
ended its role in 2023.
Now, it's been reborn as Tokokoto, a place for connection and creativity,
while still retaining the nostalgic charm of its original form.

With classrooms, a library, and a gymnasium repurposed for guests, the facility can accommodate up to 18 men and 18 women🛌🛌
Laundry and kitchen spaces are also available for longer stays.

Rent the entire place and enjoy bonfires, BBQs, sports events, or even workshops on local culture🔥

Ever dreamed of walking through a school like the ones you see in Japanese anime and manga?
At Tokokoto, you might just get to live that dream📚✨

The facility has only recently opened,
with more services and programs to come.
Reservations start on August 1st!🎫

From nostalgic playtime to brand-new cultural discoveries,
why not step into this one-of-a-kind space,
and uncover something to learn along the way?🌿

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🏠 Yonezawa Misawa Elementary School | Tokokoto
📍 3401 Yanazawa, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
🕕 Hours: Varies depending on the plan (overnight stays, day programs, etc.)
🎫 Payment: Advance payment only for both overnight and day-use plans
IG)

🚙 About 20 min by car from JR Yonezawa Station or Yonezawa-Chuo IC
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (Approx. 2 hours via Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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10/06/2025

A taste of Yamagata’s seasonal flavors🍨🍦
Cool down with gelato from “Grace”!

June has arrived, and already
the summer heat is here!🌞
Even in Yonezawa, the sun’s been
shining down day after day.

On days like these, nothing beats
a cool, refreshing scoop of gelato❄️

So today, we’re featuring
“Gelato Kobo Grace,”
a local shop offering artisan gelato
made with local pride!🍨

Each flavor is crafted by
a certified Gelato Maestro,
using seasonal ingredients
from Yamagata✨

From local apples and cherries
to vegetables like edamame and pumpkin,
even bold flavors like “Umaitare” sauce—
a Yonezawa favorite—and traditional greens
like Ukogi!🌿

Unique and full of character,
these flavors offer surprises in every bite😳
Here are two we tried:👇

🍜【Yamagata Soba】
Made with “Dewakaori” buckwheat flour & tea.
You can’t slurp it like noodles,
but the deep soba aroma is unforgettable!

🌾【Tsuyahime Rice】
Featuring Yamagata’s prized rice,
this one blends chewy grains
into smooth milk gelato—
a taste and texture like no other!

Grace gelato is available not only at the shop,
but also at souvenir stores and markets
around Yonezawa🛍️

As the heat builds, it’s the perfect treat
for a summer walk through town🍃

Don’t miss this local-only experience—
gelato made in Yonezawa!✨

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🏠 Gelato Kobo Grace
📍 2-67 Tokumachi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🕕 10:00–18:00 (L.O. 17:45)
📅 Closed on Tuesdays
※Check their website or Instagram
for up-to-date business hours.
🔗 https://grace-gelato.com/
IG) https://www.instagram.com/yonezawagelato.grace/

🚗 About 10 min by car from JR Yonezawa Station
🚅 About 2 hours from Tokyo by Yamagata Shinkansen
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01/06/2025

⛰️ A Taste of Yamagata’s Natural Bounty
Wild mountain vegetables like warabi (bracken fern)
are now in season and lining shop shelves🌿🌿

Right now in Yonezawa, you’ll find plenty of
fresh sansai (wild veggies) at roadside stations,
markets, and farmers' stands.

Among them, warabi is one of the most iconic—
Did you know Yamagata leads Japan in warabi production?
The Okitama region, including Yonezawa, is a key area✨

Another favorite, tara-no-me (angelica shoots),
is also widely grown in Yamagata
and loved as a classic spring flavor.

Here, locals not only buy sansai—
they also go out into the mountains
to gather them by hand🌱

To enjoy warabi, a process called aku-nuki
(removing bitterness/toxins) is essential.

Here’s a simple step-by-step👇

1⃣ Remove the tips and tough base
2⃣ Sprinkle baking soda and pour boiling water
　(Ash was used traditionally)
3⃣ Let it sit overnight to cool
4⃣ Rinse thoroughly and soak in water

Once properly prepared, warabi
can be used in simmered dishes, ohitashi,
or even miso soup🍲😋

It has a crisp bite with a hint of slipperiness—
a unique springtime taste that’s easy to love😋

If you’re visiting Yonezawa,
the easiest way to try these mountain flavors
is at a local restaurant or ryokan🍽️

Some shops also sell pre-prepared warabi
(mizuni, boiled and ready to use).
Perfect as a souvenir🛒

A short-season delicacy from Yamagata’s forests—
don’t miss the chance to enjoy it at its peak.

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🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa Station
(Approx. 2 hrs via Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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25/05/2025

It feels like stepping into the pages of an insect encyclopedia📘🦋
Welcome to the Yonezawa Insect Museum—
a hidden gem nestled in nature near the Onogawa Onsen area.

Here you’ll find rare and fascinating insect specimens from all over the world✨
Including the ones not on display, the collection reportedly holds around 100,000 items!😲

Such a remarkable archive exists thanks to local entomologists connected to Yonezawa.
Many specimens were donated by Bun-ni Yamaya and Yoshikazu Ogata, true insect lovers.

You’ll come across bugs you've only seen on TV or in books—
some so unique in color and shape, you’ll wonder,
"Is that really an insect!?"👀✨

Even if you're not a fan of insects,
you might find yourself staring in awe.
The quiet space invites close, careful observation🔍

Handwritten notes and handmade displays line the walls,
filled with surprising facts that stop you in your tracks:

“They live there?”
“They do that to survive!?”

—You’ll end up reading every word📖
especially if you're curious by nature.

During Golden Week and summer vacation,
you can even meet live insects at special events🐛
Perfect for school projects or just summer fun✍️🌿

Set in the middle of rice fields and mountains,
this museum offers a different kind of experience—
one that brings you closer to the world of insects than any city museum ever could🍃

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🏠 Yonezawa Insect Museum
📍 1776-1 Yanasawa, Yonezawa City, Yamagata
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/kiSmxHq6acDkdJS6A
🕕 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
📅 Closed on Wednesdays. May also close during winter.
※ Please check the official website for the latest opening info before your visit.
🔗 https://yonekoncyu.wixsite.com/yonekonkomisui
IG) https://www.instagram.com/yonezawakonchukan/

🚗 About 20 minutes by car from JR Yonezawa Station
🚅 Tokyo Station ⇄ Yonezawa Station (Approx. 2 hrs via Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa")
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16/05/2025

🥚 A hidden egg-lover’s paradise at the foot of the mountains—
Ufu uhu garden is the name, and it’s just as charming as it sounds!🐣

One of the biggest draws is their ultra-fresh family pack of eggs,
hugely popular with locals and sold in limited quantities every day✨

Each box holds about 60 eggs,
and only 50 boxes are available daily!

When we visited, there was already a crowd gathering in the morning—
everyone was after those eggs!
It’s clear how much the community loves the real, local flavor 🧡

At the on-site café, the fluffy omelet rice is the star of the menu🍽️
The silky eggs and rich demi-glace sauce are a perfect match—
one bite and we couldn’t stop saying “delicious!”

We were honestly surprised by how eggs could take center stage
and become such a highlight of the meal😳

Inside the shop, you’ll also find adorable egg-themed goods,
like mugs and handkerchiefs subtly decorated with egg illustrations.

The designs are tasteful and calming—
just looking at them brings a smile 😊
They’re the kind of gifts you’d want to give… or keep for yourself🎁

Surrounded by nature, the whole place has a peaceful, rural vibe
that feels completely different from city cafés.
It’s truly an egg sanctuary where the quality of ingredients shines.

A perfect spot for slow, relaxing weekend moments🌿

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🏠 ufu uhu garden
📍 1627-1 Akashiba-machi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/so8CCL5yRtJGmxM38
🕕10:00 AM – 5:00 PM　
📅 Closed: Every Tuesday, and 1st / 3rd / 5th Wednesdays
※ Please check their social media for the latest opening info before visiting.
🔗 https://www.ufuuhugarden.com/
FB) https://www.facebook.com/ufuuhu/
IG) https://www.instagram.com/ufuuhugarden/
🚗 About 15 min by car from Yonezawa Station
🚅 Around 2 hrs from Tokyo Station to Yonezawa via Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa"
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12/05/2025

✨ Even more beautiful with time.
Uesugi Hakushakutei marks 100 years since its reconstruction.

From the early 17th to 19th centuries, this area was ruled by the Yonezawa Domain🏯

The last lord, Count Mochinori Uesugi, once lived in what is now Uesugi Hakushakutei.

Originally built in 1896, the residence was later destroyed in the Great Yonezawa Fire😢

The current building was rebuilt in 1925—celebrating its 100th anniversary this year🎉

With a copper-tiled roof and hinoki cypress Irimoya-style design,
this elegant structure is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property📜

Rich in history, the residence is now open to the public,
offering both a tour inside and a taste of local Yonezawa cuisine🍱

The view from the house is also remarkable🌿
The garden is said to be inspired by Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Gardens,
once owned by the Tokugawa shogunate.

Lush greenery, koi swimming peacefully🐟,
and moss-covered stone towers create a timeless scene⌛

Rather than fading, the beauty of this place has only deepened over the century✨

To celebrate the centennial, special exhibitions and guided tours are now available🎤

Nearby at Denkoku no Mori, a limited-time exhibition explores the “Palace of the Uesugi Family”🏛️(until June 22).

Come experience the traditions and history of Yonezawa with all five senses.

If you’re in the area, be sure to visit Uesugi Hakushakutei😊

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🏠 Uesugi Memorial Hall – Uesugi Hakushakutei
📍 1-3-60 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/fMxGFsjiNoZqCUPC8
🕕 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
※ After 2:00 PM, reservations are required
※ When not reserved for private use, the interior is open for free self-guided tours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
📅 Closed on Wednesdays
🔗 https://hakusyakutei.jp/en/

🚗 About 10 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station
🚅 Approx. 2 hours from Tokyo Station to Yonezawa Station via the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa"

03/05/2025

Yamagata is known as a sacred land of sake🍶
And the city of Yonezawa is home to
a number of unique and charming breweries✨

Today we’re introducing one of them—
Kousaka Shuzou, the brewery behind
the beloved local sake “Koubai”🏔️

Founded in 1923, this long-established brewery
has been preserving the tradition of
cold-weather sake brewing unique to snowy Yonezawa❄️

They use crystal-clear melted snowwater🌿
to produce crisp, dry sake
with a clean and straightforward taste💫

Even in winter, the brewery maintains
a consistent temperature thanks to
ingenious design passed down through generations🏠
A true testament to the wisdom of the past👏

One of Kousaka Shuzou’s hallmarks
is their commitment to handcrafting👐
From preparation to bottling,
every step is done by hand.

Even the labels are applied one by one
by skilled artisans using glue😲

You can find their sake—including “Koubai”—
at souvenir shops and restaurants around Yonezawa,
and of course, at their brewery’s direct shop🛍️

The brewery shop also sells original items
like ochoko sake cups, tokkuri flasks,
and even T-shirts as exclusive merchandise👕🍶

About once a month, they serve
their famous sake lees soup (kasu-jiru) for free🍲
Made with seasonal local ingredients
and their own premium sake lees,
it's a heartwarming treat that soothes the soul♨️

Whether you love sake,
want to try kasu-jiru, or enjoy sweet amazake,
there’s something for everyone—even non-drinkers😊

For opening hours and updates,
be sure to check their official Instagramshuzou 📱

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🏠 Kousaka Shuzou – Brewery Direct Shop
📍 7-3-10 Chuo, Yonezawa, Yamagata, Japan
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/pZyCRxqGJNYsvPBfA
🕕 Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
　 Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📅 Closed: Only during New Year holidays (Jan 1–3) *subject to change
🔗 https://kousaka-shuzo.com/
EC) https://ko-bai.stores.jp/ (Shipping within Japan only)
IG) https://www.instagram.com/kousaka.shuzou/

🚗 About 10 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station
🚅 Approx. 2 hours from Tokyo to Yonezawa via Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”
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25/04/2025

Samurai gather here—and you can become one too!
The Yonezawa Uesugi Festival is just around the corner! ⚔️🏯

After enduring a long and harsh winter, the people of Yonezawa celebrate the long-awaited arrival of spring with this traditional and beloved event—the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival.

The highlights of the festival come in its latter half, with two major events:
▶ May 2: Buteishiki (Samurai Ceremony)
▶ May 3: Battle of Kawanakajima Reenactment

On these days, the streets of Yonezawa fill with armored samurai warriors!
This dynamic reenactment recreates the legendary clashes between two famous warlords of the Sengoku era—Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen.
Around 700 participants take part, dividing into two opposing armies in a stunning display of power and tradition.

And it’s not just locals in armor—participants include visitors from all over Japan and abroad.
This year, over 100 people applied for just 55 available samurai spots! 😲

While the Samurai Experience Program is already sold out, tickets for grandstand seating—where you can enjoy the battle up close—are still available 🎫
Same-day tickets may also be sold depending on availability 😉

This is one of the largest and most unique samurai events in all of Japan.
Whether you're planning to watch this year or hoping to participate next year, be sure to check out the official website for details 👀

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🏯 Yonezawa Uesugi Festival
🕕 April 29 – May 3, 2025
📍 Around Uesugi Shrine, Matsugasaki Park, and the Matsukawa riverbed
💺 Grandstand Seats: ¥2,500 (advance) with drink & souvenir
※ ¥3,000 on the day *only if advance tickets are still available

🔗 Official Website
https://uesugi.yonezawa-matsuri.jp/
🎫 Ticket Sales
https://ticket.rakuten.co.jp/event/matsuri/RTY40R7/

🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (Approx. 2 hrs via Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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20/04/2025

🆕 A New Spot Along the Moat of Uesugi Shrine!
We visited “YOZANDO MARUNOUCHI” ☕

Uesugi Shrine, one of Yonezawa’s most iconic landmarks,
stands on the grounds where Yonezawa Castle once stood.
Every spring, the surrounding moat transforms into a breathtaking cherry blossom promenade 🌸

And now, right by this scenic moat,
a beautiful new shop & café has opened its doors.
Introducing “YOZANDO MARUNOUCHI,”
a café by Yamaguchi Orimono Tokoan-dō,
a brand that brings traditional Yonezawa textiles into modern life.

Sunlight pours gently through the windows,
spreading across a spacious area where a café and boutique blend seamlessly.
The interior features a warm mix of upcycled materials and vintage furniture,
including repurposed Japanese chests once used in old storehouses—
a space where tradition meets contemporary comfort 😊

The shop showcases textile artworks made using “shashin-ori”,
a weaving technique that combines Yonezawa’s traditional craftsmanship with digital design.
You’ll also find one-of-a-kind goods made with Komeori Komon fabrics,
and accessories crafted from genuine Yonezawa beef leather—
each item bursting with creativity and charm ✨

One standout piece was a T-shirt featuring AI-generated art woven into fabric using the shashin-ori method 👀
The image looked just like a black-and-white photo—
so detailed and realistic, you’d hardly believe it’s textile.

Of course, the café serves hand-dripped coffee brewed with carefully selected beans,
along with a tasty selection of food including bagels, waffles, and cookies 🥯🍪

Soon, cherry blossom season will be in full bloom here in Yonezawa.
If you’re strolling along the moat,
don’t miss the chance to stop by YOZANDO MARUNOUCHI for a moment of relaxation and discovery 😌

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🏠 YOZANDO MARUNOUCHI
📍 1-6-8 Marunouchi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🕕 10:00–18:00
📅 Closed on Tuesdays
🔗 http://yozando.jp/marunouchi/
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/4joZXRiR1VZ9Sm988
IG) https://www.instagram.com/yozando_marunouchi/

🚗 About 5 min by car from Yonezawa Station
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (Approx. 2 hrs via Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa")
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12/04/2025

From Mika Kuroda, the Satoyama Sommelier:
What Is “Neo-Katemono,” Food Wisdom for Uncertain Times? 🌿

Mika Kuroda lives in the satoyama of Minamihara, Yonezawa, where she carries forward traditional knowledge as a “Satoyama Sommelier.” Her mission is to connect the past with the future through nature and local culture.

Recently, NHK WORLD-JAPAN featured this area on a program with Peter Barakan, who visited to learn about “katemono.”

Katemono dates back to the 18th century, when Lord Uesugi Yōzan ruled Yonezawa. He compiled a guide of wild plants and herbs from the mountains, with ways to prepare them, to help his people through famine.

Even after his death, this wisdom saved lives during times like the Great Tenpō Famine and wartime Japan, when katemono was reprinted and distributed.

Today, Kuroda reimagines this legacy as “Neo-Katemono”—a modern take on traditional food knowledge, adapted to daily life.

Her satoyama is full of edible wild plants, many not found in the original guide. With creativity, she’s uncovering new uses.

With children, she explores the forest, creates recipes suited for modern tastes, and makes “Neo-Katemono Cards” to record their finds.

These playful moments with nature become lasting lessons.

Even familiar plants can seem unknown if we don’t know how they grow. But through hands-on experience, kids naturally learn and gain awareness.

In her gentle, steady way, Kuroda passes this wisdom on—shaping a future rooted in the land.

The legacy of Lord Yōzan is blooming again, beautifully revived through Kuroda’s hands.

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🚅 Tokyo Station ⇄ Yonezawa Station (Approx. 2 hours by Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa)
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06/04/2025

Faces of Yonezawa: Satoyama Sommelier – Mika Kuroda

From distant Denmark to Yonezawa—Mika Kuroda relocated with her family, drawn by the land and its people. Now, she lives a rich life, having opened up her own space in the satoyama.

Warm, energetic, and full of life, she welcomed us with kindness and shared her inspiring journey.

A former flight attendant, Kuroda was moved by Yonezawa’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Especially touching was her encounter with the community in Minamihara.

There, she saw how traditions, family heirlooms, and local wisdom were passed down with care and sincerity. Their deep respect for the past struck her.

“Preserving tradition means building it, little by little.”
“There are things only I can do, here. I chose to start now—not someday.”

With that spirit, she moved to Minamihara, once home to samurai who lived as both warriors and farmers. She began restoring a satoyama forest, creating new spaces for community life.

One of them, the Minamihara English Club, now welcomes over 60 local children. It’s become a lively hub for connection across generations.

“Once I decided to live here, doubt disappeared. My path became clear.”

Her way of life echoes the philosophy of Yonezawa’s great leader, Lord Uesugi Yōzan:
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

For those facing uncertainty, Kuroda’s story offers encouragement and clarity.

Among her many efforts, she’s also working to pass down “katemono”—a traditional food practice for times of hardship, rooted in Lord Yōzan’s wisdom.

It connects with today’s SDGs and continues to evolve.
We’ll share more about katemono in our next update—stay tuned! 😉

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Satoyama Sommelier | Official Website
https://satoyama.roselane.jp/

🚅 Tokyo Station ⇄ Yonezawa Station (Approx. 2 hours by Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa)
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住所

1-4-24 Matsugasaki
Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata
9920053

ウェブサイト

https://bit.ly/YonezawaFurusatoNozei

アラート

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