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

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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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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住所

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

ウェブサイト

https://bit.ly/YonezawaFurusatoNozei

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