Nestled in the mountains of Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture, the small city of Yamagata is a hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists in favour of more popular destinations. But those who make the effort to visit will be rewarded with a charming and picturesque town, surrounded by pristine forests and snow-capped mountains. The city centre is home to a lively and vibrant market, where locals and visitors can buy all kinds of fresh produce, including local delicacies like chestnuts and sake. There are also a number of temples and shrines in the city, including the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And for those who love the great outdoors, Yamagata is the perfect place to explore the region’s stunning natural scenery.