Vol.03A Trip to Historically Rich Yamagata and Cutting-Edge Tokyo

Day One

9:00 Start Off With a Breakfast That Incorporates the Concept of Food Sustainability

First we’ll fly to Yamagata’s Shonai Airport from Haneda Airport. Once we have landed, we will take a bus to the Tokyo Daiichi Hotel-Tsuruoka and have breakfast. Here we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Restaurant Monami on the hotel premises. Their menu incorporates “Shonai Smart Terroir,” an economic zone in Yamagata’s Shonai Region promoted by the Yamagata University Department of Agriculture, whose goal is to promote local food sustainability. The menu has also adopted the concept of local food production for local consumption with a focus on ingredients and food products from Shonai.

Once we’ve had a satisfying breakfast, it’s time to get ready for our upcoming trip.

10:30 Experience a “Journey of Rebirth” at Dewa Sanzan

After breakfast we’ll hop on a bus headed for Mt. Haguro.

The approach to Dewa Sanzan Shrine starts at Zuishinmon Gate and extends all the way up to Mt. Haguro’s summit. Continuing alongside the approach are 350 to 500-year-old cedar trees that have been designated Special Natural Monuments by the Japanese government. After our ascent up the mountain amid the sacred atmosphere, we will finally reach Dewa Sanzan Shrine!

Dewa Sanzan has a long history and is said to have been founded in the sixth century. Since ancient times, visitors have been making pilgrimages to Dewa Sanzan for a “Journey of Rebirth” via the past, present, and future. Mt. Haguro is said to represent the presentーa mountain where people pray for happiness in this current world; Mt. Gassan represents the pastーa place to pray for peace in the afterlife; and Mt. Yudono represents the futureーa place to pray for rebirth. The three gods of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono are enshrined together at Dewa Sanzan Shrine, located at Mt. Haguro’ summit. So it’s been said that if you make a visit here, you have in fact visited Sanzan- all three mountains.

11:45 Try Vegetarian Temple Cuisine at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge

For lunch we’ll have Shojin Ryoriーtraditional Japanese temple food which strictly refrains from using any animal-based ingredients.

Mt. Haguro-Saikan is a temple lodging that allows guests to experience the local climate and culture of the Yamabushi* (mountain ascetics). Here you can eat carefully prepared Shojin Ryori through which the traditions of Yamabushi have been passed down from generation to generation.

*Yamabushi: Religious practitioners who worship the mountain as a god and undergo ascetic training here.

In a space that’s enveloped by a mysterious atmosphere, enjoy a leisurely meal that’s prepared with seasonal wild vegetables and mushrooms freshly picked at the base of Mt. Haguro.

14:30 Learn about Tsuruoka’s History and Culture at the Chido Museum

After our mountain worship experience, we’ll head for the Chido Museum. This facility displays cultural assets handed down by the former Shonai province rulers, the Sakai family, and abundant materials that allow you to feel the history and culture of the Shonai area. Three impressive buildings that are cultural properties have been relocated, preserved, and made public here.

The Former Tsuruoka Police Station building with its impressive light blue exterior is one of the highlights. From the balcony on the second floor, you can enjoy views of the city and Mount Gassan. Additionally, the rare Shoin-zukuri style (*) Sakai Family Garden and the storage facility for important tangible folk cultural properties related to the lifestyle and culture of the Shonai area are must-see attractions in the Tohoku region.

*Shoin-zukuri: A traditional style of Japanese residential architecture.

15:30 See a Historic Residence That’s Also Famous as a Movie Location

Heishindo was built in 1896 as a shop and residence for the Kazama family. The Kazama family grew as an official merchant of the Shonai clan at Tsuruoka Castle, and later became the city’s wealthiest merchant.

The residence features a stone roof made from about 40,000 paved stones. Centered around the main house are four storehouses, a large room with a wooden floor, and the central pillar. These buildings give onlookers a glimpse into how the complex looked at the time. When you gaze out at the garden from the Japanese-style sitting room it feels just like you’ve gone back in time.

17:00 Stay the Night at Suiden Terrasseーthe Symbol of Shonai

For the evening’s accommodation we recommend Suiden Terrasse. It was designed to make it look like it’s floating on a rice paddy (see photo below).

The flooded rice paddy before planting becomes like a water mirror on windless days, reflecting the nearby buildings and scenery. Visitors can enjoy a view just like the Uyuni Salt Flats. This facility warmly welcomes travelers with a variety of attractive features. These include simple guest rooms with wooden accents, and a natural hot spring and sauna. The hot spring receives water directly from the hot spring source, pumped up from 1,200 meters underground. There’s also a restaurant that serves up cuisine using locally grown ingredients.

Yamagata’s Shonai Region is surrounded by mountains and the sea. So the area offers an abundance of activities including trekking and fishing. So, depending on the person, there are many interesting and fun ways to spend time here.

Day Two

9:45 Enjoy Breakfast and Souvenir Shopping at a Lively Market

From Tsuruoka we will head to Sakata and go to a bustling market by rent-a-cycle. The Sakata Seafood Market is located right near Sakata Port. The market is lined with fresh fish caught locally just off the shores of Shonai Beach. They also have processed food products that make ideal souvenirs, so let’s go and do some shopping as we enjoy the market’s fun atmosphere.

At Kaisen Donya Tobishima on the second floor, you can savor cuisine using fresh fish as you look out over Sakata Port. Please enjoy the bounty from the Shonai ocean waters.

10:30 A High-Class Japanese Restaurant That Exudes Traditional Culture

After our delicious breakfast we’ll go to Sanno Club. Previously a traditional high-class restaurant (ryotei) representing the Port City of Sakata, it has even been nationally designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Sanno Club broadly introduces the ancient Ryotei culture, the history of Sakata, and other pertinent information. From the latter half of February until early November, they hold an exhibit featuring “Kasafuku”ーone of Japan’s three major hanging decorations.

It is said that each and every one of these hanging decorations has a special meaning and also contains a wish. There’s also a studio workshop where visitors can try their hand at making one of these cute decorations.

Once we’ve enjoyed Yamagata to our heart’s content, we’ll make our way back to Tokyo. From Sakata Station we’ll take an airport shuttle bus to Shonai Airport. From there it will take one hour and five minutes to get to Haneda Airport.

15:00 Soothe Your Tired Body at a Hot Spring in the Heart of Tokyo

Now that we’re back in Tokyo, first of all let’s go and relax our tired bodies at the Tokyo Dome Natural Hot Spring Spa LaQua in Korakuen. Isn’t it great that you can enjoy a natural hot spring even in the city! Here the amber-colored hot spring water is pumped up from 1,700 meters below the ground. It contains an abundance of healthy minerals from the sea and is a 100% all natural hot spring. Not only is this effective for stiff shoulders, cold sensitivity, and fatigue, but it’s also excellent for body moisture and heat retention. These hot spring waters are also known as “slimming baths” and “beauty baths.”

To commemorate 20 years in business, Spa LaQua recently held a renewal opening in 2023. This appealing space is a modern interpretation of Japan’s traditional hot springs. In addition to a restaurant and cafe, there’s also a treatment salon and a spacious lounge so visitors can spend some relaxing time here.

17:00 Stay in a Hotel That’s Been Officially Certified Environmentally Friendly

After a relaxing bath in the hot spring, we’ll go to Hotel Niwa Tokyo located right near Tokyo Dome.

This is a hotel that balances a Japanese-style atmosphere with functionality. The four gardens are a special feature that allows guests to feel the nature of each season. The hotel premises incorporate Japanese accents such as shoji sliding screen doors and Japanese washi paper, so guests can spend some relaxing time here while feeling the traditional beauty of Japan.

Hotel Niwa is also an environmentally friendly hotel. It strives to recycle paper, glass, plastic waste, restaurant food waste, and other items, as well as to promote energy and water conservation. Additionally, the hotel uses compost made from fallen leaves in the garden and offers organically grown vegetables cultivated on the hotel’s rooftop in the restaurant.

Day Three

11:00 Buy a Souvenir That’s Organic and Made From Nature

Shiodome Italian Town, a stylish oasis in the center of Tokyo’s business district, is home to an organic specialty shop called natural style BIO SOPRA Tokyo.

The shop is lined with 200 specialty items that were carefully selected by buyers. These include miscellaneous and daily goods, cosmetics, and food items to name just a few. In particular, we recommend the non-caffeine chocolate that doesn’t contain any white sugar, emulsifiers, or preservatives, and also the aojiru green juice that uses homegrown vegetables. Consumers who are highly conscious of their health and the environment will be sure to find the perfect souvenir.

12:30 Creative French Cuisine That Focuses on Sustainability

After our fun shopping trip we’ll go for lunch at Noeud TOKYO. The creative French cuisine that’s served here allows diners to experience SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

The shop’s main concept is “The Circle of Food.” As such, they use ingredients that are in line with the concept of “local food production and consumption,” employing cooking methods that minimize food loss, and creating dishes that make full use of the food environment and flavor of the ingredients without overthinking the whole process.

Not only is the food here delicious, but it’s also healthy for your body and soul. So please try tasting dishes that make you feel connected to the environment.

14:00 Experience Artworks Created through Digital Technology at teamLab Planets TOKYO

A must-see popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo is teamLab Planets TOKYO. Here you can marvel at their cutting-edge digital artwork.

teamLab, Floating Flower Garden: Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One © teamLab

teamLab, Floating Flower Garden: Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One © teamLab uses more than 13,000 actual orchids. Depending on the time of day, the expression of the flowers and also the aroma of the orchids changes. In the Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity, the movement of the koi is influenced by the viewer’s movements and also other koi.

teamLab, Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity © teamLab

Each exhibit gives participants a deep sense of being immersed in the art piece itselfーviewers can experience a curious and mysterious kind of feeling, as if their own body and the art piece have become one.

17:00 Let’s Travel the World With the Help of Virtual Reality

For the final leg of our trip, let’s experience the feeling of travel even further via First Airlines!

Here, in this unique facility, visitors will first be seated in first class. Then with the help of VR (virtual reality) they’ll be able to experience a simulated domestic or international trip. While enjoying an authentic in-flight meal, you’ll feel like you’ve been to famous tourist destinations around the world.

With this interesting experience you’ll rediscover the joy of traveling, making you want to go on more trips in the future!

*MATCHA Published in December 2023 *Information as of November 2023