YamagataLivability Score

Kai

Yamagata's crime rate is 2.90 per 1,000 residents, with an excellent safety score of 64.6. As a prefectural capital of about 248,000 people, the traditions of the Mogami clan's castle town create a peaceful atmosphere. Kajo Park (Yamagata Castle ruins) sits in the city center, and the combination of historical streetscapes and strong community bonds supports the high safety level. While the city is known as a gateway to Zao hot springs and attracts tourists, its calm character is well-maintained.

Kai

Yamagata's average land price is 72,135 yen per square meter, with average rent at 47,403 yen. The cost score is 53.5, a favorable level. Living costs are quite reasonable for a prefectural capital. The city's rich food culture — with nationally renowned ramen consumption levels — adds to daily quality of life. Active fruit agriculture, especially cherries, means fresh produce is readily available nearby.

Kai

Yamagata's public transit usage rate is 3.5%, with a convenience score of 49.6. The Yamagata Shinkansen reaches Tokyo in about 2.5 hours, and the Senzan Line connects to Sendai in about 1 hour, providing good wide-area access. Retail density is 8.44 stores per 1,000 residents and restaurants at 5.43 per 1,000 — both quite robust for daily shopping and dining. While car-dependent, the city also has Yamagata Airport and convenient access to Zao hot springs and nearby resort areas.

Kai

Yamagata has 17 hospitals (0.69 per 10,000 residents) and 250 clinics (10.10 per 10,000), with a combined medical facility density of 10.78 per 10,000. The welfare score is 52.4. There are 53 schools at 0.21 per 1,000 residents. With annual average snowfall of 285cm, winter medical access is crucial, but the high clinic density makes it easy to find a nearby family doctor. The availability of hot spring therapy options at places like Zao Onsen is another distinctive feature.

Kai

Yamagata's economy score is 48.4. Taxable income per capita is approximately 3.34 million yen, and the net migration rate is -0.18%, a slight outflow. Traditional casting and machinery industries remain strong, with the tertiary sector driving the economy. Cherry and fruit agriculture is also an important economic foundation. Despite the basin climate with an average temperature of 12.1 degrees Celsius and significant seasonal variation, Zao's ski resorts and hot spring tourism serve as key economic pillars.