Get your bags, exit the gates of Yamagata Airport (GAJ), and pick up your rental car. Which one you slide into depends on where you’re headed. If you’ll be spending a lot of time driving in downtown Yamagata, around 11 miles from the terminal, you’ll want something small and zippy. A compact car that’s easy to operate will be perfect for navigating those busy city streets. But with almost endless things to see, like the glorious bays of the region, there’s a good chance you’ll rack up those miles. A larger vehicle, like a full-size car or an SUV, will make lengthier road trips a joy.