Higashine is located in the middle of Yamagata Prefecture, just a 30-minute drive from the city of Yamagata and slightly over an hour away from its neighbor prefecture's capital city of Sendai. Yamagata Airport -- lovingly called "Delicious Yamagata Airport" by the locals -- connects people with major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Sapporo.
However, convenient infrastructure is far from the only thing Higashine has to offer. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and vibrant green fields, you will find yourself embraced by the gentle side of nature. Hidden in the eastern part of the city roars the 10-meter-tall and 15-meter-wide Sekiyama Waterfall. While heavy snow transforms the landscape into an idyllic winter scene, autumn covers the waterfall and its surroundings in warm and fiery hues. During summer the stream then shines in emerald green, creating a view straight out of a fairy tale. Climb down the stairs to the basin and refresh in the clear water or stay upstairs and visit the restaurant to savor the taste of local foods such as "Tama Konnyaku" (ball shaped konnyaku stewed in a shoyu based sauce) and enjoy the scenery from your seat on tatami mats.
Unwind your body and soul in hot springs
Did you know that Yamagata is the only prefecture in Japan where every single municipality has hot spring facilities? The beginning of Higashine's hot spring history is said to have been by coincidence. When in the early 20th century locals were searching for a water source to prevent droughts, they accidentally found a hot water spring. As a result, people now can unwind their body and soul in several hot springs around the city. The amber colored water is rich in minerals that help to keep the warmth inside the body. At the same time, the low-level alkali spring water is mild and believed to clean the skin and prevent irritations.
If you relish traditional Japanese festivities, the "Onsen Matsuri" hot spring festival held every summer might be worth a visit. The ritual ceremony to pray for protection against disaster and illness includes impressive firewalking -- if you are brave enough, you can even try the walk yourself and find out if it is as painful as it looks.
Tired from your journey? Stop by the free outdoor foot spa to soak your feet in the relaxing hot water. There is even a footbath for your four-legged friend close by.
Lavish in fruits and wheat gluten
Higashine is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom" and renowned for its abundant selection of fruits such as apples, peaches, "La France" pears, grapes, and above all, cherries for which it is the largest producer in Japan. For over 200 years, it has also cherished the traditional production of "fu," a wheat gluten-based food similar to bread. Whether added to miso soup or served crisp alongside cheese and sweets, fu is a versatile ingredient and a local specialty of Higashine.
Luckily there is a place in the city to enjoy both delights at the same time. Just a stone's throw away from the landmark "Great Japanese zelkova tree," Higashi no Mori, a complex consisting of the city's historical archive, the culture center hall and the lovely Mori no CAFE, awaits visitors to introduce them to the famous treats of the city. Choose between a parfait from the menu or build your own unique parfait using various types of fu and other toppings.
Indulge in noodles
Yamagata's love for ramen noodles is widely known around the country, yet there is one more popular kind of noodle with a long tradition. Higashine's people love cold meat soba -- a famous dish that surprisingly is served cold even in winter. The faintly sweet chicken broth matches well with the slightly thicker texture of the soba noodles. Both the soup and the noodles complement the rather chewy but flavorful meat of old chicken. Some people prefer ramen noodles over soba, but both dishes can be found on the menu of the countless restaurants in Higashine. A side dish often served together with the noodles is crispy squid legs tempura. While most people soak the legs in the soup of the noodles to add extra taste to them, some enjoy the crunchy bites as they are.
Convenient access to the city: Yamagata Shinkansen Line's Sakurambohigashine Station, Yamagata Airport, National Routes No. 13, 48 and 287.
Favorite Japanese foods: Mashed salmon rice bowl
Favorite thing about Japan: The people and the coexistence of traditions and modernity
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In this "Japan Uncovered" series, coordinators for international relations from around the world introduce the charms of the municipalities where they live and work in Japan.