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

07/12/2025

❄️The Beginning of Winter — Yonezawa’s “Yukigakoi” Wrapped in Snow 🌲

As December arrives, Yonezawa is once again entering its full winter season⛄️
It’s been about two weeks since the first snowfall, and today brings the second snowy landscape of the year❄️

In Yonezawa and other heavy-snow regions of Japan, preparations for Yukigakoi (also called Fuyugakoi) begin even before the snow starts to fall🌿

Yukigakoi is a traditional technique used to keep plants from withering in the cold and to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of snow.
Wooden poles, boards, bamboo, and ropes are carefully arranged by hand to support and protect them🪵

It is also used to shield homes—such as windows and entrances—as well as important structures like stone lanterns and statues from winter damage🏠

One of the most beautiful sights of the season is the soft silhouette created when these snow-covered frames are illuminated by winter light—a natural work of art that can be seen only at this time of year❄️

The shape of yukigakoi varies depending on the type of tree and its surroundings.
Strolling through the park and noticing these subtle differences is one of the quiet pleasures of winter in Japan’s snow country🌲

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🏠 Matsugasaki Park / Yonezawa Castle Ruins
📍 Marunouchi 1, Yonezawa City, Yamagata
🚙 About 10 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station
🚅 Tokyo Station ⇄ Yonezawa Station
(approx. 2 hours by Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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25/11/2025

Architecture and Yokai Art —
Discovering the world of Chuta Ito from Yonezawa 🏛️

Chuta Ito (1867–1954) designed major Japanese shrines,
including Tsukiji Hongan-ji and Meiji Jingu.
He is regarded as a key figure in modern Japanese architecture.

And he was born right here in Yonezawa.
Uesugi Shrine—one of the city’s most visited spots—
and its treasure hall “Keishoden” were both designed by him. ⛩️🏛️

Look closely and you’ll find small metal fittings on the roofs and gates,
and komainu that don’t face each other—details that give the shrine
a subtly different atmosphere from many others.

Perhaps these touches reflect Ito’s playful eye
and attention to detail.

Another surprising side of him—
Ito created over 300 yokai drawings.
Originally hoping to be a painter, he sketched the imaginary beings
he loved since childhood, giving them wonderfully unique forms. 👹

His yokai art still inspires creators today, and since last year,
Yonezawa has hosted the exhibition
“Creating Art with Chuta Ito’s Yokai Drawings”
organized by Yonezawa Denshokan NPO and the Chuta Ito Association.

A multi-talented figure loved across generations—
Ito left behind worlds both imagined and built.
Come experience them here in Yonezawa. ✨

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⛩️ Uesugi Shrine / Keishoden
📍 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa
🚙 approx. 10 min from Yonezawa St.
🚌 approx. 12 min by bus

🎨 “Chuta Ito Yokai Art” 2025
🕕 Nov 18 (Thu) – 24 (Mon)
🔗 https://uesugi-jinja.or.jp/
📍 Yonezawa Civic Gallery (NaseBA 1F),
1-10-6 Chuo
🚙 approx. 7 min from Yonezawa St.

🚅 Tokyo St. ⇄ Yonezawa St.
(approx. 2 hrs by Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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10/11/2025

Take a big bite of that juicy sausage! 🌭
We stopped by ChopChaps, a hotdog specialty café in Yonezawa 🏃‍♂️

Yonezawa is full of unique and flavorful restaurants, and this time we visited one of the newest additions—ChopChaps, which opened earlier this year.
It’s quite rare to find a place dedicated entirely to hotdogs around here! 🌭

Step inside and you’re greeted by a large motorbike and bicycle, setting a truly American vibe 🗽
The tables and chairs, seemingly made from steel drums, add a stylish industrial touch that makes you want to snap a photo 📸

Their sausage, so big it barely fits in the bun, is homemade using Tengen Pork, a premium local brand from Yonezawa.
Each bite bursts with juicy flavor and herbs that spread through your mouth 😋

Despite the hearty look, it’s surprisingly light.
Even with plenty of cheese and ketchup, the nutty flavor of the whole-grain bun still shines through.

We also loved that the ketchup and mustard are Heinz—a small but happy detail.
Just be careful not to overdo it! 💦

For dessert lovers, the Banana Dog topped with ice cream is a must 🍌🍦
A knife and fork are provided, so you can enjoy it without getting your hands messy 🍴

Their homemade, additive-free craft cola looks like lemonade but has a rich, spicy flavor that refreshes your palate perfectly 🥤

I thought it looked a bit heavy at first, but once I started, I couldn’t stop—before I knew it, the whole thing was gone! ✨

On weekends, the café stays open into the night and turns into a cozy bar.
Pair their house-made sausages with a good drink, and you’ve got the perfect night in Yonezawa 🍻

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🏠 ChopChaps HOTDOG CAFEBAR
📍 4-42 Horikawa-cho, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🕕 Mon & Thu 11:00–14:00 / Fri–Sun 11:00–21:00
📅 Closed Tue & Wed
🚙 10 min from JR Yonezawa Station
🚅 2 hrs from Tokyo via Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”
IG) https://www.instagram.com/chopchaps_hotdog/
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25/10/2025

A rice fairy? Nope—it’s a snow monster.
Meet Koiki-san, the hidden mascot of Yonezawa!❄️❄️

Winter in Tohoku brings a stunning sight—Juhyo, trees covered in snow and ice, also known as Japan’s mysterious “Snow Monsters.” Among them, Zao’s ice giants are the largest and most famous⛄✨

Inspired by these frosty formations, Koiki-san was born as one of the “Juhyo Family” mascots, and he’s said to be the younger brother of Taiki-kun from Zao Onsen.

Other members like Muhyoko-chan and Jukki-kun promote towns across Yamagata, while Koiki-san’s domain is Yonezawa—though it’s not exactly official😅

At local festivals, he livens up the crowd with witty talk and unpredictable moves🎉 Sometimes his energy is so wild that kids end up crying in surprise!😂

But he has another side—Koiki-san is also a denim remake artisan👖🧵

Inspired by his signature overalls, he collects used jeans and denim scraps, turning them into pockets, coin purses, and bags♻️💙

His dream? To add one more letter to Yonezawa’s “ABC.” Apple 🍎, Beef 🥩, and Carp 🐟—and now D for Denim!

Denim collection boxes have appeared around town, where locals donate old jeans to support his creative mission. He’s working passionately—and maybe a bit crazily—to spread his handmade denim goods across Japan!🔥⛄

If you’ve got unused denim at home, why not join Koiki-san’s dream?👖❄️

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💙 Koiki-san's X
https://x.com/koiki_sun

👖 Denim Collection Spot
🏠 Hojyu-no-Yu Onsen (Onogawa Onsen)
📍 2584 Onogawa-machi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🕕 10:00–21:00 (Closed Wed.)
IG) https://www.instagram.com/hojunoyu/
👛Koiki-san goods available here!

🏠 Plat Yonezawa (inside Machi Studio)
📍 2-1-12 Honcho, Yonezawa City
🔔 Ring the doorbell at the 1st-floor entrance

🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (about 2 hrs by Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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05/10/2025

Good Old Days 🌮🌯
Hearty, authentic Mexican right in front of Uesugi Shrine!✨

Uesugi Shrine is one of Yonezawa’s must-visit spots⛩️
Just across the street, you’ll find Good Old Days—a colorful, retro-style restaurant serving generous portions of Mexican comfort food.

From spicy tacos and taco rice to curry, loco moco, and more, every dish is full of flavor and sure to fill you up😋 Drinks are plentiful too, making it a great spot for groups or casual nights out🍹

✔️ Recommended: taco + fries + drink set—perfect when you just want a quick bite with a drink.
🎓 Students get a free size-up on curry or taco rice with ID—already big, now even bigger!
📦 Takeout menu also available—bento, pizza, pasta, burgers—perfect for home parties or picnics🥂

That’s not all! The shop also sells vintage clothes and retro goods🛍️ Take your time to browse while waiting for your food or after your meal.

Pop, colorful interiors, retro décor, and hearty plates—this is a place you’ll want to come back to again and again💛

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🏠 Kitchen & Café Bar Good Old Days
📍 1-5-30 Montō-machi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/NTvvfrM4rKDxa4fV7
🕕 Lunch 11:00–14:00 / 15:00
　 Dinner 17:00 / 18:00–22:00
🚙 About 6 min by car from JR Yonezawa Station
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (approx. 2 hrs via Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
🔗 https://fc9t8.crayonsite.info/
IG) https://www.instagram.com/yayoi2017.10.08
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27/09/2025

Minamihara Art Walk 🎨
—A town where life meets art.

Along the paths of Minamihara in Yonezawa City, you’ll see blue flags and signs🏳️—markers of the annual September art event, the Minamihara Art Walk🎨

Once home to samurai of the Yonezawa Domain who lived half as warriors and half as farmers, Minamihara still preserves proud traditions and rich nature🌿

In recent years, more artists have connected with this land, with some moving here to live and create. Residents, artists, the Yonezawa Junior Chamber, and the local government launched the Art Walk in 2021 to revitalize the community.

Studios in Minamihara and the Shirabu Onsen area, plus community centers, inns, and even private homes, became venues filled with diverse works. At some places visitors could meet the artists and hear the stories behind their works.

This year also featured a one-day Night Museum, where a quiet evening turned into a special art space🌙

I took time with etchings and Japanese paintings rarely seen, and paused to notice nameless flowers or mountains still green with summer🌸⛰️

Not so much new discoveries, but reminders of what we often overlook in daily life. That was the moment I felt here.

The Minamihara Art Walk runs until tomorrow, the 28th. It will return next September—come and experience Minamihara for yourself🎨

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🏠 Minamihara Art Walk 2025
📍 Minamihara & Shirabu Area, Yonezawa City, Yamagata, Japan
🕕 September 20–28, 2025, 10:00–16:00
Hours may vary depending on the venue.
🚅 Tokyo Station ⇄ Yonezawa Station (approx. 2 hours by Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
🚗 From JR Yonezawa Station: approx. 15 min. by car to Minamihara, 35 min. to Shirabu
🔗 https://www.minamihara-artwalk.com/
IG) https://www.instagram.com/minamihara_art/
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21/09/2025

A must-collect item!✨
Yonezawa’s latest local stickers are here

“Where should I go when sightseeing in Yonezawa?🤔”
If you’re wondering that, make sure to stop by the Yonezawa Tourism & Convention Bureau Information Center, located inside the grounds of Uesugi Shrine⛩️

Here you’ll not only find sightseeing tips, but you can also pick up souvenirs🎁
And recently, a brand-new item has joined the lineup!🆕

They’re called Yonezawa Local Great Figures Stickers.
The designs feature historical figures connected to Yonezawa, as well as the rare white Japanese macaque 🐒❄️ said to live only in this region—each illustrated in a unique and playful style.

But you don’t just choose your favorite—
it’s a lottery system at 330 yen per try🎟️
You’ll want to keep trying until the design you’re after appears🤩

If you’re lucky, you might score a dazzling gold or silver foil edition, or even an ultra-rare secret version!🎰

Stick them on your notebook, slip them into your phone case—
a little reminder of Yonezawa, anytime, anywhere🎁💖

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🏠 Yonezawa Tourism & Convention Bureau Information Center
📍 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
🕕 April–November: 9:00–17:00 (Closed December–March in winter)
🎫 Yonezawa Local Great Figures Sticker: 330 yen per draw
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (approx. 2 hours by Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa)
🚗 About 6 minutes by car from JR Yonezawa Station
🔗 https://yonezawa.info/
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13/09/2025

This summer, the “Curry Window” opened again in town! 🍛🪟

On the grass lawn, the air filled with steam, the aroma of spices 🍛, and music 💿.

At the end of August, the 3rd annual Curry Window took place ✨—a beloved food event where 9 shops from across Yamagata gathered to serve their pride-and-joy curries, each full of personality. 🍽️

With every bite, smiles and “Delicious!” spread across faces.
Kids couldn’t stop scooping with their spoons, while friends and families sat side by side enjoying their curry together. That warm scene stretched all across the park.

Every dish carried its own character, rich with spice.
One of the joys of this event is trying a bit of everything—you’re bound to discover the one that feels like your favorite plate. 🪟

And this year brought a Recycling Market, too ♻️
Take a stroll between curries and you might stumble upon nostalgic finds or unexpected treasures 👕👖.
Eating and discovering—the two joys blended together to turn the city into something special.

Eating and discovering.
Two “windows” opened on this summer day.

Next year, why not peek into this summer window yourself? 🌿

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🏠 Curry Window 2025
📍 Nishijo Tenman Park, 3-2-43 Montomachi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🕕 Saturday, August 30, 2025
Daytime: 12:00–15:00 / Evening: 17:00–20:00
🎫 ¥1,500 (includes 3 curries + 1 drink)
Bring your own plate for a discount / Extra curry ¥500 each
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (about 2 hrs on Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
IG) https://www.instagram.com/new.ginza/
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31/08/2025

Blossoms of light over the shrine moat 🎆
A fireworks festival cherished in Yonezawa ✨

August is coming to an end—how did you spend your summer? ☀️

In Japan, summer wouldn’t be complete without fireworks 🎇 Many festivals are held around Obon, a time to honor loved ones who have passed 🙏

Here in Yonezawa, the Yonezawa Summer Night Fireworks Festival was held on the first Friday of August!

What makes it unique is the setting—fireworks are launched from the moat of Uesugi Shrine, one of Yonezawa’s most iconic landmarks. With lush nature and historic architecture as the backdrop, about 5,000 fireworks lit up the night sky 🌌

The shrine approach was lined with food stalls, and though it’s a local festival, the fireworks exploding right overhead were truly powerful 👏

And there’s another fireworks event in Yonezawa! In October, the Yonezawa Sengoku Fireworks Festival brings together samurai performances, drone shows, and fireworks themed around Japan’s Warring States era ⚔️✨

You can see highlights from last year on the official website and Instagram —don’t miss it 👀
https://sengokuhanabi.com/

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🏠 62nd Yonezawa Summer Night Fireworks Festival
🕕 August 8, 2025 (Fri) 19:30–21:00
📍 Matsugasaki Park / Yonezawa Castle Ruins, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🚙 About 10 min by car from Yonezawa Station
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (approx. 2 hrs by Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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23/08/2025

Once a year, the doors open to the hidden world of craftsmanship👐✨ Born in Yamagata, this factory tour event is growing bigger every year!

Right now in Yonezawa—at JR Yonezawa Station, the roadside station, and even City Hall—you’ll see flags waving in the wind🏳️ marked with a “green circle.”

That’s the sign of the 360° Yonezawa Open Factory, held every September. This year, it runs for three days, September 11 (Thu)–13 (Sat)📅

An Open Factory is when manufacturers and artisans open their usually closed workshops and factories, inviting visitors inside🏭✨

Craftsmanship has been passed down here for generations, sustained by artisans who tirelessly hone their skills👩‍🏭👨‍🏭

This event, too, is built step by step, prepared by the very hands of these artisans and staff🤝

It’s like threads weaving together🧵 or rice, water, and microbes creating flavor🍚✨—many people supporting one another to open the factory doors.

Come and see for yourself🚶‍♀️ Meet the makers, talk with them, and touch the products crafted by their hands.

Along with tours, you can join workshops to try making things yourself, and take part in community events🗣️

In Yonezawa, the city of craftsmanship, the circle is slowly opening and spreading wider🌏 Will you step inside and join us?😉

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360° Yonezawa Open Factory (The 3rd)
📅 September 11 (Thu) – 13 (Sat), 2025 | 9:00–17:00 (lunch break 12:00–13:00)
Program times may vary by company.
📍 Workshops & factories across Yonezawa City, Yamagata
🔗 https://www.360yonezawa.com/
IG) https://www.instagram.com/360yonezawa/
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (about 2h by Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”)
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17/08/2025

🌙 Sipping under the night breeze and neon pink lights
We dropped by Yonezawa Apéro Stand 🎧🍷

Chatting with friends or family, relaxing outdoors with drinks and small bites—
this is the “apéro” (short for apéritif) culture,
a stylish dining tradition beloved in France and across Europe.

Now, it’s become a summer tradition here in Yonezawa too🌟
Welcome to the annual Yonezawa Apéro Stand,
now in its 5th year! 🎊

🍽 Local favorites all in one place!
Spice curry, lamb dishes, spare ribs, pizza, yakitori—
a mouthwatering variety of food stalls.
Pair them with craft beer, wine,
or even a non-alcoholic mocktail🍸.

🎪 A neon-pink transformation
The venue glows with pink tables, signs,
a bar, swings, and even a DJ booth.
For just two nights, a quiet vacant lot turns
into a vibrant space filled with color, sound, and laughter.
There’s even a festival-style corner for kids and grown-ups alike! 😄

👫 With family, friends, partners, or coworkers—
people gather to share the same joyful moment.
New connections spark naturally at Apéro Stand 🤝

Already looking forward to enjoying this same apéro vibe again next summer 😉

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🏠 Yonezawa Apéro Stand
📍 Former “Popolo” site, east side of NASE-BA, 1-9-20 Chuo, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
🕕 Aug 1, 2025 (Fri) 17:00–21:00 / Aug 2 (Sat) 16:00–21:00
🚅 Tokyo Station ⇄ Yonezawa Station (approx. 2 hrs via Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa)
IG) https://www.instagram.com/yonezawa_aperostand/
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#東北 #山形 #米沢 #東北旅行 #ヨネザワアペロスタンド #アペロ #立ち飲み #5年目

09/08/2025

A place with two different faces—day and night ☀🌙
Retro café by day, cozy pub by night: Poppins 🍸

On a street lined with second-hand bookstores and flower shops, there’s a gentle, nostalgic charm.
Tucked into one corner is Poppins—a slightly mysterious yet utterly charming spot.

Drop by at lunchtime and you’ll find retro lighting, antique-style clocks, and a log-house-like interior. The warm atmosphere makes you feel instantly at home 😊

The daily lunch special (with salad and a drink!) is just ¥780—affordable, hearty, and full of flavor.
The rest of the menu is packed with nostalgic comfort foods: hamburg steak, Napolitan pasta, doria, lasagna… all the classics are here 🍽️☕

Everything is delicious, conversation flows, and before you know it, you’ve stayed longer than planned. It’s an easygoing spot where students, solo visitors, and anyone seeking a relaxed vibe can feel at ease 👍

When night falls, the mood changes completely.
The lights dim, the atmosphere turns elegant, and a different kind of time begins—quiet, mature, and indulgent.

The bar counter gleams with rows of bottles. From cocktails to whiskies, the drink selection is plentiful—perfect for slow, thoughtful conversations.

Whether for a private gathering or a peaceful solo night, you’ll find comfort here. The space is always spotless, and the staff are warm and kind 😌

Part café, part bar, Poppins reveals a new side of itself every time.
If you want a slightly special moment in Yonezawa, we hope you’ll think of us 😉

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🏠 PUB Restaurant Poppins
📍 2-4-2 Marunouchi, Yonezawa, Yamagata
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VaiWaj963tfc7JyE6
🕕 11:30–14:30 (L.O. 13:45), 17:30–23:00 (L.O. 21:45)
📅 Closed Tuesdays
🚙 About 7 min by car from JR Yonezawa Station
🚅 Tokyo ⇄ Yonezawa (about 2 hrs via 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

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