[For Elementary School Students] Get Hooked! A Collection of Fun, Yamagata Prefecture Local Quiz Ideas for Learning

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a very popular hot spring resort where retro buildings and streets from the Taisho era remain. In winter, white snow blankets the buildings, creating dramatic scenery. If you like hot springs, it’s a must-visit and highly recommended spot.

Arcadia

In Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, there is an address called Arcadia 1-chome, which is home to various factories and companies. The word “Arcadia” means “utopia,” expressing the idea of an ideal place. It’s interesting that the name of a real address carries meanings of dreams and hope.

Tsuruoka City

In 2005, the former Tsuruoka City merged with Fujishima Town, Haguro Town, Kushibiki Town, Asahi Village, and Atsumi Town—one city, four towns, and one village—to form the new Tsuruoka City. With this merger, Tsuruoka became the largest city by area in the Tohoku region. Since Yonezawa City and Shinjo City did not merge at that time, Tsuruoka is particularly known as a city with an especially large area.

Imoni (taro and meat stew)

In Yamagata Prefecture, when autumn arrives, families, friends, and school groups gather along the riverside to hold “Imoni-kai” (taro stew parties). It’s a fun event where everyone cooks taro, meat, and vegetables in a large pot and eats together. The seasoning varies by region—some use beef with soy sauce, while others use pork with miso. As an autumn tradition, it has long been cherished by the people of Yamagata.

Kamo Aquarium

This aquarium has the largest number of jellyfish species on display in the world and is recognized by Guinness World Records. The “Kuranetarium,” where jellyfish drift gracefully under lights, is very popular and makes you feel as if you’re floating in outer space. It’s a fun sightseeing spot in Yamagata Prefecture where you can see many jellyfish up close.

Mt. Gassan

Dewa Sanzan refers to the three mountains of Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono. These mountains have long been known as places of spiritual training, where yamabushi—ascetics dressed in white—carry out their practices. The mountains are rich in nature, offering beautiful scenery in every season. Dewa Sanzan is an important place where you can learn about the history and nature of Yamagata Prefecture.

Tobishima

It’s an island in the northwest of Yamagata Prefecture and the only inhabited island in the prefecture. It’s rich in nature and well known as a place where you can see many wild birds. The island has beautiful sea and mountains, and people enjoy activities like fishing and nature watching. Tobishima is a special island of Yamagata, where people live while carefully protecting its nature and wildlife.