History
The aboriginal Ezo people once inhabited the area now known
as Yamagata. During the Heian Period (794–1185), the
Fujiwara family ruled the area. Yamagata City flourished during
the Edo Period (1603–1867) due to its status as a castle
town and post station, famous for beni (red safflower dye
used in the production of handspun silk). In 1649, the famous
haiku poet, Matsuo Basho visited Yamagata during his five-month
trip to the northern regions of Japan. Yamagata, with Akita
Prefecture, composed Dewa Province until the Meiji Restoration.
Geography
Map of Yamagata Prefecture:Yamagata Prefecture is located
in the southwest corner of Tohoku, facing the Sea of Japan.
It borders Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture on
the south, Miyagi Prefecture on the east, and Akita Prefecture
on the north. All of these boundaries are marked by mountains,
with most of the population residing in a limited central
plain.
Cities
Thirteen cities are located in Yamagata Prefecture. |
