Drive Yamagata Way (winter edition)✨

❄️🚗 Driving from Tokyo all the way to Yamagata and diving head-first into some serious onsen magic! So if you're craving offbeat relaxation and a slice of real Japan, read on.

My Self-Drive Tips:
- Renting a car in Tokyo? Book advance and pick up at the airport for max convenience, make sure you have your driving license on hand!
- Worry free about the directions, you can ask for English Navigation System in your car.
- Winter roads = snow tires essential. Plan extra time for slow, scenic drives.
- Highway rest stops in Japan are next-level: clean bathrooms, local snacks, warm vending drinks for the win!

Top Spots to Visit in Yamagata (Winter Edition):
1. Ginzan Onsen – Endless Insta-worthy snow scenes and traditional ryokan baths (Address: Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa City, Yamagata; open year-round, best visited mid-afternoon for snow views).
2. Zao Onsen Ski Resort – Hit the slopes or just marvel at ‘Snow Monster’ frost-covered trees (Address: Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata; lifts usually operate 8am–5pm).
3. Yamadera – Climb 1,000 stone steps lined with ancient temples—pro tip: bring grippy shoes! (Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata; open sunrise to sunset).
4. Local eateries in Yamagata Station area – Try Yamagata beef, soba, and kiritanpo hotpot; most restaurants open till 9pm.

Getting Around:
Self-drive is king in snowy Yamagata, but trains run from Tokyo to Yamagata City if you’d rather kick back. Local buses connect major onsen towns but are less frequent in winter.

Eat Like a Local:
Don’t miss: Yamagata beef bowls at Gyūtei or steaming soba at nearby noodle shops. Onsen towns also dish up sweet ‘onsen manju’ buns!
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