Part two of this incredible trip! Yamagata isn’t far from Sendai. To get from downtown Sendai to downtown Yamagata, you can take a bus that takes only about an hour. So, what delicious treats were waiting for us in the Yamagata region?
Kinka Pork Tonkatsu
While researching famous dishes from Yamagata, I came across a well-known restaurant praised for its pork dishes—specifically Kinka pork. It’s considered one of the most prized pork varieties in all of Japan. Kinka pork is an extremely rare breed known for its tender meat and delicate, almost sweet fat. It was absolutely delicious—though I have to admit, I left feeling very full!
Soba in the Town of Oishida
Before heading to our next destination in Yamagata Prefecture, we made a stop in a small town called Oishida—famous for being home to one of Japan’s fastest rivers, the Mogami River. There, we stopped at a little soba noodle shop that offered generous portions and very affordable set menus. A simple, satisfying meal in a quiet, charming place.
Ginzan Onsen
This town looks like something out of a dreamlike film. There are very few places to stay, so you have to book well in advance. We managed to stay in one of the small ryokan, and it was truly a special experience.
Both breakfast and dinner consisted of beautifully crafted dishes made with seasonal vegetables and local ingredients—among them, chestnuts and mushrooms. Surprisingly, the standout dish for me was one made up of a variety of vegetables, each prepared in a different style. The mushroom soup tasted like autumn itself.
And I have to highlight that the meal ended with a small serving of ramen. Apparently, ramen is widely consumed in Yamagata, so I imagine this was a subtle nod to that local tradition.
We tried many more dishes, but these are the ones that truly left a lasting impression on me.
Would I recommend traveling to the Tohoku region?
Absolutely, yes. Not only for the landscapes and the refreshing coolness—which can be a real relief during the summer—but also for the incredible food you can enjoy there. There wasn’t a single thing I tried that I didn’t like, and honestly, I’d go back just to eat it all again. I truly hope to explore more parts of Tohoku soon!
