Lots to see and do! Best 100 sites in NishikawaDon't miss out on sites in Nishikawa chosen as the best 100 in Japan.
Nishikawa in Yamagata Prefecture is an attractive town of abundant nature. The fact that several sites in the town have been chosen as "best 100 in Japan" attest to this. When touring Yamagata Prefecture, we recommend visiting these sites.
Best 100 selection in Nishikawa
Don't miss out on sites in Nishikawa chosen as the best 100 in Japan.
Best 100 Water Source ForestsGassan Kojin Shimizu no Mori in Nishikawa, Nishimurayama
The fact that we can safely use water every day, and that our lives and property are protected from various disasters such as heavy rains and typhoons is due in large part to the function of forests. In addition, forests have the ability to soothe and comfort us. Therefore, the role of forests is indispensable for us to continue creating and maintaining land that is safe and pleasant to live in. To introduce the role of forests and deepen understanding, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has chosen the Best 100 Water Source Forests that create the ideal relationship between forests and humans through the medium of water. In December 1994, a committee comprised of 10 academics led by Professor Emeritus Tsutsui at the University of Tokyo, began conducting reviews and compiled their findings in July 1995. The chosen water source forests have all been protected and cultivated to obtain water since long ago, and maintained through the efforts of forest owners and local residents through actions such as developing utilization facilities in forests integrated with water.
Best 100 Water SourcesNatural springs at the foot of Mt. Gassan in Nishikawa, Nishimurayama
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) selected the best 100 spring waters and rivers in Japan. Since there are Best 100 in Showa selected in 1985 and Best 100 in Heisei selected in 2008, to be exact there are 200 best water sources. The key points for selection included a good environment and active preservation activities by local residents. The distinction does not always indicate a water site that is beautiful or water that is tasty.
From "Japan Top 100s - Database broken down by prefecture" (translated)
New Best 100 Flower MountainsMt. Gassan, Mt. Chokai
This designation is a revised version of the "Best 100 Flower Mountains," which is called the bible for alpine plant lovers and mountain climbers. The contents were newly selected since the earlier version 15 years ago. Released in June 1995, the "Revised New Best 100 Flower Mountains" was later published. In association with this, the television program, "NHK Best 100 Flower Mountains" was broadcast on NHK BS2, and other publications were also released, including "Guide to Climbing the Best 100 Flower Mountains" by Yama-kei Publishers Co., Ltd. The "Best 100 Flower Mountains" and "New Best 100 Flower Mountains" contain essays telling of history and legends that link to flowers and mountains in the four seasons, and have many readers. The author, Sumie Tanaka was a playwright and writer, and won the Blue Ribbon Prize for Best Screenwriter. She was also a mountain climber and through "Best 100 Flower Mountains" created many middle-aged and older lovers of mountain climbing.
From "Japan Top 100s - Database broken down by prefecture" (translated)
Best 100 Nature SitesBeech tree forest, upper stream Asahi River/Sagae River in Nishikawa, Nishimurayama (Oe, Asahi towns)
As the name implies, nature sites in Japan were selected, and especially outstanding sites were further selected from those. These are places chosen by the Asahi Shimbun and Forest Culture Association from a pool of suggestions received from the public in 1982. Japan, which is rich in changing seasons and blessed with lush green nature, has a plethora of nature that is well known. From this nature a variety of sites were selected, including familiar mountains, mixed forests, rivers, coasts, and marshlands.
From "Japan Top 100s - Database broken down by prefecture" (translated)
Best 100 RoadsNational Rt. 112 (Gassan Hanagasa Line) in Nishikawa, Nishimurayama
These were selected by the Ministry of Construction between 1986 and 1987. The selections were based on historical character and affection (53), as well as beauty and mobility (51). The chosen roads were recognized by the Minister of Construction and issued a commemorative plate. Among the roads that were subject to selection, there was a rich variety including national roads with good views, while some were mountain roads with steep inclines or boulevards. If sightseeing is your objective, then it would be good to choose roads perfect for a drive (touring), but the conditions of some roads can change, so you should take care to obtain the latest information. Some of the especially popular places are Jozenji-dori, an avenue symbolizing Sendai, Bukeyashi-dori, a famous place for cherry blossoms that represents Akita Prefecture, and Bandai Azuma Skyline, a genuine scenic alpine road in Fukushima Prefecture. Though it is an extremely unique selection of 100 roads, it is also a very helpful sightseeing guide. However, national roads that at a glance seem commonplace may be key traffic points, so when traveling for sightseeing, take care to get some background information on the roads.
From "Japan Top 100s - Database broken down by prefecture" (translated)
Best 100 Class 1 Triangulation Station MountainsMt. Gassan, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Ito (Mt. Itogadake) in Nishikawa, Nishimurayama
These Best 100 Class 1 Triangulation Stations in Japan were selected by the Triangulation Station Research Society. A triangulation station is a point established for the method of triangular surveying, and its location is indicated by a stone marker. The density of surveying determines the class, from class 1 to class 4. There are over 970 mountains that correspond to class 1 triangulation stations in Japan. From those, the Best 100 Class 1 Triangulation Station Mountains that were chosen were well-known mountains that fulfill elements such as having a regal form, beautiful views, a high level of recognition, standing over 1,000 meters high, and being attractive for climbing. The term, triangulation station sounds like a word for enthusiasts, but the selection is helpful for a wide range of people from mountain climbers to photographers and travelers.
From "Japan Top 100s - Database broken down by prefecture" (translated)
Best 100 Dam LakesGassan Lake (Sagae Dam, Sagae River of the Mogami River system) in Nishikawa, Nishimurayama
These sites were chosen from recommendations by local municipalities with approval from the Water Resources Environment Technology Center. Essentially, dams are man-made constructions built from the perspective of preventing disasters and securing water for living, but dam lakes can create beautiful scenery, and there are examples of them demonstrating added value as a tourism resource. On the other hand, they are sometimes viewed as problematic creations of wasteful public works. The best 100 Dam Lakes were recognized based on the aim of reassessing the value of dam lakes and providing wide recognition for their roles through the selection of the top 100. Dam lakes have varying facets and are unique. Some are designated as national parks, while some are used for recreation, and others became sightseeing spots due to the surrounding environment, such as hot springs development. In addition, in Japan there is said to be quite a few so-called dam aficionados, and dams have achieved quite a bit of popularity as sightseeing spots. This reality is worthy of note. The selection criteria include landscape, consideration for the ecosystem, and historic value. With this selection, it has come to be believed that dams will increasingly be used as tourism resources in the future.
From "Japan Top 100s - Database broken down by prefecture" (translated)