"Yamagata-ken" Yamagata-ken by Teledude

Yamagata-ken Travel Guide: 31 reviews and 60 photos

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First off, it's true I live in Yamagata-ken but in a small village in the western part of the ken called Asahi-mura. The whole region where I live is called the Shonai region or plain. Don't bother looking on the map...it's not there. Asahi-mura's population is about 3000 in town and 6000 total spread out over a great area. It's the largest village in the prefecture with the fewest people. Which suits me fine. It's very mountainous and lush with the industry mainly consisting of rice farming. The people are amazingly friendly and even though I speak very little Japanese, I get by alright. I am learning the language quickly as anyone does living in an area where you are in the extreme minority but I wished I had studied a little more. Also, the local dialect is hard to understand for people living outside of the region.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The people are amazingly kind! Mountainous, quiet, good mixture of tradition and modern comforts
Cons:Summertime heat and humidity
In a nutshell:True Japanese living

Last visit to Yamagata-ken: Jul 2003
Intro Updated Nov 3, 2004
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Reviews (8)

Coming of Age Day jumpfest! - Yamagata-ken

Bungy jump in Asahi-mura Things to Do (1)

Ok this place is tiny but it has the only permanent bridge bungy jumping in Japan. It's gorgeous (yes I stole it from an... more travel advice

You're on your own!! Transportation (1)

In Asahi-mura, your best bet is a bicycle or walking as it's very small. To go shopping, you can catch a bus to Tsuroka... more travel advice

Ohayo gosaimasu! Local Customs (1)

-Say hello to the locals! They all know each other and will know that you are from somewhere else. Be nice and say... more travel advice

No Woman, No Crime - Really! Warnings Or Dangers (1)

In Asahi-mura, The only danger you'll have here is to be nuzzled by an overly friendly dog, or maybe to be invited to... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (6)

Sharrie May 21, 2004 at 6:58 PM Report Abuse

Bungy jumping?! Never thought you'd find it in Japan!
eden_teuling Nov 14, 2003 at 3:29 AM Report Abuse

I am one of your fans here, waiting to read & get to know more about where you are living now, Scott, and.... how you are doing! bes/elisabeth
Janni67 Nov 13, 2003 at 2:30 AM Report Abuse

I just loved this page! This is the best part of VT, learning abot places you've never even heard of! Just made me wonder what are you doing over there..?
ncfg Nov 11, 2003 at 8:38 AM Report Abuse

What lovely place. Your travelogue’s pics are amazing.
BOYNAMDSUE Sep 12, 2003 at 1:45 PM Report Abuse

Hmm...Sounds interesting. Tell me more, tell me more...
pepples46 Aug 31, 2003 at 8:28 PM Report Abuse

no woman .. no crime ^..^, I like that. great infos dude, thanx for sharing