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

For authentic cultural immersion in Yuzo Town, stay at Ko-no-Ie Homestay, a restored 100-year-old farmhouse with tatami rooms and an open-hearth kitchen. Guests can join local farmers in rice planting, enjoy seasonal meals made from organic produce, and participate in Sōnai Lion Dance ceremonies—a centuries-old ritual performed during spring festivals. The homestay also offers hands-on workshops in washi paper-making and pottery crafting, letting travelers connect deeply with rural Yamagata traditions.

The central district of Yuzo Town is perfect for families, offering easy access to the Yuzo Town Library and Sōnai Children’s Pavilion, along with safe walking paths through rice paddies. Stay at Sōnai Family Resort, which features a kids’ playground, private onsen pools, and spacious family suites with Japanese kitchens. Evening highlights include the Night Lantern Parade, where children can carry handmade lanterns through historic streets—a beloved tradition that fosters intergenerational bonding and local pride.

Visitors to Yuzo Town should not miss the Sōnai Lion Dance Festival, held annually in spring, where performers in handcrafted lion masks parade through old alleys, symbolizing good fortune. Explore the Yuzo Town Historical Archive, which displays Edo-period village models and artifacts from the region’s role as a vital granary for the Sōnai Domain. Additionally, take part in washi paper-making or ceramic pottery classes led by local artisans, gaining insight into craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Stay at Yuzo Onsen "Yukinoya", a century-old inn nestled beside the Sōnai River, renowned for its natural carbonic acid-rich hot springs. The mineral-rich waters soothe muscles and skin, while each room features private outdoor baths with views of misty valleys. Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner using locally sourced ingredients—fresh mountain vegetables, Sōnai beef, and river fish. Morning rituals include soaking in the open-air bath under a canopy of cherry blossoms, creating a serene, meditative start to the day.

Photography enthusiasts should visit Hikari no Mado, a hillside retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing dramatic seasonal light. The inn hosts nightly star-gazing tours with local astronomers, ideal for Milky Way shots. During autumn, guided excursions to the Sōnai River wetlands offer opportunities to photograph migratory birds reflected in still waters. The property also organizes “One Day Photo Expedition” packages focused on capturing the essence of rural life through lens and light.

Yes, Yuzo Town is easily accessible by car via National Route 112, branching off from Shinjō Station. A rental car provides flexibility to explore hidden gems like ancient temples, terraced rice fields, and scenic hiking trails. Free parking is available throughout town, and many lodges offer complimentary shuttle services. Ideal for travelers wanting to create a custom itinerary—perfect for visiting the Old Shrine Path or the Snow Lantern Festival site.

Winter brings the magical Snow Lantern Festival (Yuki Tō Shin), held every December, where locals illuminate handmade snow lanterns along the town’s alleys, casting ethereal glows across snow-covered streets. Visitors can enjoy beginner-friendly skiing at the Sōnai Ski Resort or attend a snow tea ceremony in a traditional tea house. Some inns even offer snow hut stays, where guests sleep in temporary shelters built from compacted snow—an unforgettable experience of rustic winter wonder.

For couples seeking romance, book a stay at Sakura no Yado, a secluded onsen inn tucked along the Sōnai River tributary. Each suite includes a private outdoor bath with panoramic valley views and a tranquil garden. Enjoy a candlelit kaiseki dinner served in-room, followed by a walk beneath the firefly-lit path during summer evenings. The inn also offers a "Love Vow Tree" ceremony—writing wishes on wooden charms hung on an ancient cherry tree—symbolizing enduring connection amidst nature's serenity.

Must-try dishes in Yuzo Town include Sōnai Beef Sukiyaki, known for its rich marbling and tender texture; Mountain Vegetable Tempura, featuring wild ferns and fuki-no-tobo harvested in spring; and Yuki-mi Tofu, a delicate tofu made from deep-cave spring water. Many restaurants serve "One Ingredient, One Meal" menus, highlighting hyper-local sourcing. Visit the Yuzo Market to taste these regional specialties fresh and unadulterated.

The Yuzo Town Tourist Information Center is located on the first floor of the Sōnai Civic Hall, open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They provide multilingual maps, event schedules, seasonal activity bookings, and train/bus timetables. Staff assist with itinerary planning, including visits to Hikata Shrine, ancient footpaths, and pottery workshops. The center also sells exclusive souvenirs like handwoven Sōnai fabric and artisanal washi paper bookmarks.