If you’re after a day-trip destination, we know just the place. Located 25 miles away, Yamagata is worth the drive. Explore the area starting with Lina World, Yamagata Castle and Kajo Park. The locals are also likely to point you in the direction of Tsuruoka, 30 miles away. If you can only find time for one attraction here, make sure it’s Shonai Shrine. (But we’d also recommend Tsuruoka Park and Dainichibo Temple.)