Mountains and the people of Yamagata

How the mountains (Yama) make (Gata) the man

Chokai-san

The Shonai region of Yamagata has two peaks that tower over the rest: the 1984m Gassan to the south, and the 2236m Chokai-san to the north. Then, the Sea of Japan lies to the west.

However, if you are to cross Gassan and enter inland Yamagata, this time the mountains surround you 360 degrees. There are still some mountains that tower over others, Gassan, Murayama Hayama, and Zao to name a few, yet there is no ocean to open up the view as in the Shonai region on the coast.

Every year in autumn, the people of Yamagata wait in anticipation as the snow settles on the mountains and gradually makes its way down to the valleys below.

Or rather, the people of Shonai do.

The people of Shonai physically look up to the mountains for a reminder of what’s to come.

But for the people of inland Yamagata, it’s a different story. Since the people of inland Yamagata are surrounded 360 degrees by mountains, the snow slowly creeps into their lives. It ever so gradually makes an appearance, and before you know it, it’s there. In this way, the mountains rather naturally become part of the daily lives of the people of Yamagata.

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This shot of Gassan I got in January.

I’ve probably mentioned this 100 times before (like here), but I love traveling to inland Yamagata simply because the views on the way there are amazing any time of year.

This post was inspired by a recent trip to Sagae City. I got there by crossing the infamous Gassan Doro, Gassan Road. I knew it was going to be epic, so I came prepared.

I brought my drone with me.

Here are some of the (unedited!) shots just for you:

More on the mountains of Yamagata here.

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Daily Yamabushi for This Week

One custom I didn’t know about until coming to Japan is that of eating the German Stollen around Christmas. There’s a tradition I can get behind!

Daily Yamabushi posts for the week of December 6 to 12, 2024.

Read Daily Yamabushi for free at timbunting.com/blog or Medium.com.

1. The Fluke

2. The stars are still there

3. If it’s not the conch

4. Where’s the jealousy?

5. Today’s success

6. Decisions made for us

7. Mind the gaps

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   Kiwi Yamabushi: Tell Your Friends!

   

   Me on Zao-san.