Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture developed around the Mogami River and flourished during the Edo period as a producer of Benihana, a source of dye and lipstick. The castle town of Yonezawa is known as the reign of Uesugi Kagakatsu, who succeeded Uesugi Kenshin, and the history is still carried by the Uesugi Shrine. Hot spring resorts such as Ginzan and Tendo are also popular, and in Zao along with ski areas and hot springs, ice trees can be seen in winter when freezing drops hit trees and grow frozen. On the cultural side, the mountain temple (Tateishi-ji) is chanted by Matsuo Basho's "Oku no Hosomichi", which attracts many worshipers. Traditional crafts include shogi pieces and tendo woodworking, while in food culture, Yonezawa beef and cherries are famous.