February is ice monster season in Yamagata, Japan where huge trees taken on weird shapes as they become covered in snow. Skiing and snowboarding are available in this beautiful area and your hotel room can be reserved using EasyToBook.com for the best possible hotel prices. Why not spend some après ski time at the nearby Zao Hot Springs to loosen the muscles and relax in front of a magnificent mountain range.
Yamagata is a well known agricultural centre, producing most of the grapes and cherries in Japan. Enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. For a cultural experience visit the Yamadera Temple which is carved into the mountainside near Yamagata and a major tourist attraction. The Dewa Sanzan are three holy mountains where many pilgrims visit and which offer interesting walking for those who love to follow mountain trails. In August the city of Yamagata celebrates with the Hanagasa Matsuri Dance in the centre which is an event not to be missed.