ishida(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a serene mountain retreat, stay at Ōishi-ten Onsen Ryokan, a classic Japanese inn nestled beside the Ōishi-ten River. Its private onsen baths offer panoramic views of forested hills, while the tatami rooms feature wooden beams and shoji screens. Guests enjoy authentic kaiseki meals made with local ingredients like Yamagata beef and wild mountain greens. The inn also hosts seasonal events such as sake tasting nights and forest bathing sessions. Located just steps from the town center, it blends tranquility with accessibility, perfect for disconnecting from city life.

The best time to visit Ōishi-ten for autumn foliage is from late October to mid-November, when the hillsides burst into fiery reds and golds. Head to Kōhaku Mountain Trail or the Ōishi-ten River Gorge for stunning photo opportunities. The Ōishi-ten Autumn Festival features lantern displays, local crafts, and traditional music under the canopy of maple trees. Early mornings bring misty valleys, enhancing the ethereal beauty. Don’t miss the Sakura no Sato Park, where illuminated pathways create a magical night experience among falling leaves.

Yes, participate in a handmade washi paper workshop at Ōishi-ten Craft Studio, where artisans teach you to craft paper using traditional techniques from local mulberry bark. You can take home your own creation. Additionally, join the local pottery-making class at Takagi Kiln Village, where you’ll shape clay vessels inspired by rural mountain aesthetics. The Ōishi-ten Folk Museum offers guided tours showcasing centuries-old farming tools, weaving methods, and woodcraft traditions. These immersive experiences provide deep insight into the town’s heritage.

Families will love Ōishi-ten Nature Kids Garden, featuring forest trails, bug-hunting zones, and a small animal farm with goats and rabbits. It includes a family camping cabin with kitchen facilities—perfect for overnight stays. Nearby, Ōishi-ten River Playground offers safe shallow waters for kids to splash and paddle. The Farm Experience Center lets children pick strawberries, milk cows, and feed chickens. All activities are supervised and designed for ages 3–12, making it ideal for a memorable, educational outing.

Stay at Yukino Mori Onsen Villa, renowned for its open-air baths overlooking the Ōishi-ten Valley. The heated stone pools blend seamlessly with nature, offering uninterrupted views of pine forests and distant peaks. Another top choice is Yama no Yado Ōishi-ten, where each room opens to a private balcony facing the Kōhaku Mountains. Both properties serve organic local cuisine and feature steam rooms infused with herbal essences. Their tranquil ambiance, combined with breathtaking vistas, makes them ideal for couples and wellness seekers.

Must-try dishes include Yamagata Beef Sukiyaki, tender cuts slow-cooked in a sweet soy broth with fresh vegetables. Try Ōishi-ten Tofu Hot Pot, made with locally produced tofu and seasonal mountain greens. For snacks, sample Ishi-ten Mochi Buns, crispy outer layers filled with sweet red bean paste. Visit the Ōishi-ten Morning Market for freshly baked Kōhaku Bread and local sake served warm. Don’t forget the mountain herb tea, brewed from wild plants gathered in spring.

Absolutely, Ōishi-ten is ideal for self-drive travel. Accessible via National Route 13 and the Yamagata Expressway, the town has well-marked roads and ample free parking near attractions. Rent a car at Yamagata Station and drive through scenic routes like Kōhaku Mountain Pass, stopping at viewpoints like Hana no Sato Lookout. Many guesthouses offer free shuttle services to the station. With low traffic and clear signage, exploring remote trails, waterfalls, and shrines like Matsugasaki Shrine is seamless and rewarding.

Capture the magic at Ōishi-ten River Gorge during sunrise, when mist rises above the water, creating dreamlike reflections. The Kōhaku Forest Path in fall is a photographer’s paradise with vibrant red and orange foliage. For night shots, visit Yukino Mori Onsen Villa’s illuminated garden path, where lanterns glow against snowy backdrops. The Ōishi-ten Bridge at dusk offers a dramatic silhouette of the river below. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the mountains and sky.

Public transit is convenient: JR East Bus runs hourly from Yamagata Station to Ōishi-ten Town Center, taking about 60 minutes. The Ōishi-ten Bus Terminal connects major sites like the Craft Studio, River Playground, and Folk Museum. Purchase a Yamagata Tourist Pass for unlimited rides and discounts. Some guesthouses offer free shuttle services to and from the station. While less flexible than driving, buses are reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly for short trips within the town.

The Town Center District is ideal for first-time visitors, located just steps from Ōishi-ten Station and the Morning Market. This area hosts Ōishi-ten Onsen Ryokan, Family Inn Ōishi-ten, and several restaurants serving local specialties. Public restrooms, convenience stores, and information desks are nearby. It’s also close to the Ōishi-ten Folk Museum and Craft Studio, making it easy to explore culture and nature. For those wanting quiet surroundings, the Western Zone along the Ōishi-ten River offers peaceful lodgings with direct access to riverside walks.