With some terrific day trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes good sense. Without one, it’d be much more difficult to enjoy everything that Yamagata, 19 miles away, has to offer. Among your first few stops here should be Lina World, Yamagata Castle and Kajo Park. Don’t skip Kaminoyama either! Just 25 miles away, Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort, Zao Sanroku Ropeway and Zao Chuo Ropeway are must-sees here.