Yuza: Chokai Landscape and Amahage

Yuza lies at the foot of Mount Chokai. Mountains and rivers are connected to the nearby Sea of Japan, and numerous springs are also part of the local landscape. This gives travelers a clear profile to consider when choosing a hotel stay: nature and water are one aspect, while the traditional New Year custom of Amahage is another. Those considering Yuza can use these two themes to decide whether the town matches their travel interests.

Landscape and Water in the Chokai-Tobishima Geopark

Together with the broad foothills of Mount Chokai and the area around Tobishima Island, Yuza forms part of the Chokai-Tobishima Geopark, one of Japan’s geoparks. Its theme is the cycle of water and life between the Sea of Japan and the land. This places Yuza’s landscape within a broader theme: mountains, rivers, spring water, and the sea are viewed as parts of a connected whole.

The geopark supports the protection and conservation of the natural environment as well as regional development and tourism promotion. For travelers deciding where to go, this perspective offers insight into the character of the area: the focus is not just on a single landscape feature, but on the interplay of water and life between land and sea. Those interested in this theme will find in Yuza a place whose landscape is shaped by Mount Chokai and its proximity to the Sea of Japan.

Amahage: a New Year custom in Yuza

Amahage is a traditional New Year custom passed down in the settlements of Mega, Takinoura, and Torizaki in the Fukura district of Yuza. Young people wear straw coats and masks representing demons or old men, then visit homes at New Year. They admonish children to work hard and wish older people a long life. The custom thus combines house visits with different messages for different generations: both admonitions and good wishes are part of its traditional form.

The custom has been recognized at two different levels. In November 2018, Yuza’s Amahage was included in UNESCO’s listing of visits by deities in disguise and masks. Separately, Yuza’s New Year customs received national recognition: in 1999, these customs, including Amahage, were designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, together with other New Year events. The two dates therefore refer to different forms of recognition.

Yuza Station

The operation of Yuza Station is also clearly assigned. JR East initially entrusted the town of Yuza with operating the station. The town then passed this responsibility on to the NPO Yuza Chokai Tourism Association. This sequence distinguishes the original contract from the subsequent transfer of operations.

Which focus suits your trip?

When considering Yuza as a destination, you can compare two different focuses: the geopark presents landscape and water within a broad context, while Amahage represents a local New Year custom passed down through generations, with specific rituals. Consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Yamagata, Tendo, Sagae, Higashine, Yonezawa, Tsuruoka, Nan'yō, Kaminoyama

For the broader travel overview: Yamagata Prefecture.