Yuza offers two distinct perspectives: the landscape at the foot of Mount Chōkai and the Amahage New Year custom, passed down in three settlements. Mountains and rivers, the nearby Sea of Japan, and numerous springs define the area. This gives you a clear distinction to consider when planning your trip: the landscape reflects the interplay of mountains and water, while Amahage represents a local New Year tradition. If you are considering Yuza as a destination, you can factor these highlights separately into your choice of location.

Mountains and water define Yuza

Yuza lies at the foot of Mount Chōkai. Its landscape includes mountains and rivers, the nearby Sea of Japan, and numerous springs. The local natural setting therefore extends beyond the mountain: rivers, sea, and springs complement the mountain scenery. For travelers who consider the landscape when choosing where to stay, this combination offers a specific point of reference. Mount Chōkai is the area’s most prominent landmark, while its waterscapes complete the picture of Yuza.

Yuza in the Chōkai-Tobishima Geopark

Yuza is part of the Chōkai-Tobishima Geopark, which also encompasses the extensive foothills of Mount Chōkai and the area of Tobishima Island. The geopark is one of Japan’s geoparks. Its theme is the cycle of water and life between the Sea of Japan and the land. It supports the protection and preservation of the natural environment, as well as regional development and tourism promotion. The geopark’s theme highlights the connection between sea and land and places it in the broader context of water and life. This adds a regional perspective to the local landscape when looking at Yuza.

Amahage: a New Year custom in Fukura

Amahage is a New Year custom passed down in the three settlements of Mega, Takinoura, and Torizaki in Yuza’s Fukura district. At New Year, young people visit homes. They wear straw capes and masks depicting demons or old men. During their visits, they urge children to work hard and wish older people a long life. The custom thus combines a message to children with a wish for older people, and is defined by more than its costumes alone. Its three named settlements locate Amahage within Yuza.

The recognition of Amahage can be distinguished by level and year. In 1999, Yuza’s New Year customs, including Amahage, were classified at the national level as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, together with other New Year events. In November 2018, Amahage in Yuza was included in UNESCO’s inscription of visits by deities in disguise and masks as intangible cultural heritage. Thus, the national classification of New Year customs and the UNESCO inscription under the theme of visits by deities in disguise and masks stand alongside one another.

Yuza Station

Responsibility for Yuza Station is also clearly defined. JR East initially commissioned the town of Yuza to operate it; the town subsequently contracted the NPO Yuza Chokai Tourism Association to take over the operation.

Discover more destinations: Nan'yō, Yamagata, Nishimurayama District, Kaminoyama, Takahata, Shinjō, Sakata, Tendo

For the main travel overview: Yamagata Prefecture.