(Itinerary idea) 1 night, 2 days roadtrip to appreciate Tsuruoka’s red foliage

Far from the well known routes of Japan, the mountains of Tsuruoka preserve a slower and more intimate world shaped by waterfalls, ancient beliefs, forest hamlets, and the quiet resilience of rural life.

This two day journey invites travelers to discover the hidden valleys of the Asahi region, where thatched roof villages still cling to the mountainsides and centuries old temples safeguard the memory of Japan’s spiritual traditions. From encounters with the mysterious sokushinbutsu monks to peaceful Zen meditation surrounded by seasonal colors, the experience reveals a side of Japan rarely seen by international visitors.

Blending nature, spirituality, local gastronomy, and encounters with the people who continue to live in harmony with these landscapes, this itinerary offers a deeply authentic immersion into the cultural heart of rural Yamagata Prefecture. (peak season in the areas presented in this article: mid november)

(Day 1) Asahi area

Before 9:00
Arrival at Tsuruoka Station

9:30am Depart by private car toward the remote Asahi area, a mountainous region known for its deep forests, traditional hamlets, and spiritual heritage.

10:20 am Arrival at Komenoko Falls & Bonjinokura
Explore this unique cultural complex blending modern creativity and rural life:

A local bouldering gym
A natural history museum showcasing the region’s ecosystem & the history of the Rokujurigoe Kaido
A wine shop featuring local productions
A cozy café space

Have a yamabudo grape ice cream at Bonji Chaya

11:00 Go to Oami hamlet. Visit Dainichibō Temple, home to one of Japan’s rare sokushinbutsu (self-mummified monks), Shinnyokai Shonin.
A deeply moving encounter with the ascetic practices of Shugendō.
(Entrance: 800 yen)