Hirashimizu

At the end of the road that takes you to the Hirashimizu district, you will find yourself at a dead end. This is not an area you pass through on your way to somewhere else, so people always have a reason for coming here. “Dead end” might not be the most elegant of expressions, but in a way, it fits.

In the Tohoku region, “hayama shinko” refers to the spiritual belief that after passing, the spirits of the dead make their way to the mountains. A “hayama” mountain is one of the triangular mountains believed to serve as entrances to the next world, and Mt. Chitoseyama is typical example. With its beautifully symmetrical shape, Mt. Chitoseyama is a beloved symbol of Yamagata city, and the shrines, temples and small stone Buddhas that can be found around the base of the mountain seamlessly blend into the natural environment.

In spring, mizubasho, dogtooth violet and cherry trees bloom in profusion, and fresh greenery races up the mountain at an astonishing pace.
In summer, you can spy large dragonflies in the sky, while the Hazukashigawa River flowing through Hirashimizu brings a sense of coolness.
In autumn, sunshine illuminates the colored leaves of the trees which line the approach to Dainichido Hall, making them glow like stained glass.
In winter, snow settles onto Mt. Chitoseyama, turning the landscape into a Chinese ink painting.

This is an area that encapsulates the beauty of the Tohoku region, a place where one can find peace of mind. Hirashimizu is also known for its pottery, and you can fashion your own pottery creation from the area’s clay, an experience you will not soon forget. We hope you will take the opportunity to visit this district, and to experience Hirashimizu for yourself.


　　La Jomon
　　Taro Kumagai