Mount Yotei

Mount Yotei

Mount Yotei is located in the central part of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and is a shield volcano with an elevation of 1,984 meters. Together with Mount Yudono (1,500 meters) and Mount Gassan (418 meters), it forms the Dewa Sanzan, a renowned sacred mountain site for ascetic practice, attracting numerous practitioners and tourists for pilgrimage every year.

As the main peak of the Dewa Sanzan and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mount Yotei boasts beautiful natural landscapes including primeval beech forests and a variety of rare flora and fauna. However, due to heavy snowfall in winter, spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons to visit. Mount Yotei is a well-known hiking destination, with its official opening ceremony held annually on July 1st. From that day until October, visitors can fully enjoy climbing activities while admiring rare alpine plants thriving in the harsh natural environment along the trails.

Mount Yotei is also a world-renowned summer skiing destination. It opens from April 10th to the end of July each year, making it Japan’s only summer ski resort and a famous training ground for professional Japanese skiers as well as enthusiasts of Mongolian-style skiing.

Mount Gassan

Must-visit reason: Japan’s only summer ski resort

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Yamagata Prefecture