[Just choose this and you’ll be safe] Choosing the perfect souvenir from Yamagata | Popular products from “Gutto Yamagata” that will please your company
Find local specialties and flavors that will please your company at "Gutto Yamagata," the gateway to Yamagata tourism
A must-read for those who don’t want to make a mistake when choosing souvenirs from Yamagata. We have carefully selected the best “Gutto Yamagata” products that are perfect for business use. We will introduce safe souvenirs that your boss will also be pleased with.
reference：https://co-trip.jp/spot/12611
1.What is the appeal of Yamagata?
1-1.What is Gutto Yamagata?: Overview and Role of the Yamagata Tourism and Products Center
reference：https://www.visityamagata.jp/topics-yamagata-yamagatakenkankobussankaikan2019/
Gutto Yamagata is a hub that disseminates a wide range of information about Yamagata’s specialty products and tourism to tourists and local residents visiting Yamagata Prefecture.
A rare tourist and product center that offers a comprehensive selection of local gourmet food, souvenirs, and tourist information all in one place, Gutto Yamagata is a place where you can experience the charms of Yamagata up close.
Located southeast of central Yamagata City, Gutto Yamagata is conveniently located as the gateway to Yamagata tourism. It’s easily accessible, approximately a 10-minute drive from Yamagata-Zao Interchange and a 15-minute bus ride from Yamagata Station. A spacious private parking lot is available, and large buses can also be accommodated.
The facility is surrounded by lush greenery, with Yamagata’s beautiful natural scenery unfolding behind it. Step inside and you’ll find a bright space filled with Yamagata’s specialty products and souvenirs, warmly welcoming visitors. With nearby tourist destinations such as Zao Onsen and Tendo Onsen dotting the area, it’s also an attractive spot to stop by on your sightseeing route.
There are also local roadside stations and farm shops near the facility, allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavors and culture of Yamagata even more.It is loved by many tourists and locals as a convenient place to stop by during your trip.
1-2.Why it’s loved by tourists and locals
reference：https://www.cocolocala.jp/spots/91518
Gutto Yamagata is loved by tourists and locals alike because of its wide selection of products and the convenience of its facilities.
Tourists can get the information they need when traveling to Yamagata, and locals can purchase fresh local ingredients and specialties on a daily basis.
For example, Yamagata’s specialties, tama konnyaku (round konjac) and local sake, are popular among tourists, while locals highly value the seasonal vegetables and fruits. Information on local events and tourist brochures are also distributed, allowing you to get local information in real time.
In this way, Gutto Yamagata has gained widespread support from both tourists and locals as a place where they can fully enjoy Yamagata’s charms.
2.Souvenirs for companies that you can buy in Yamagata
2-1.Top 5 souvenirs for companies that convey the charm of Yamagata
The corporate souvenirs you can buy at Gutto Yamagata are an attractive selection that make use of Yamagata’s unique local products. They’re easy to distribute and are sure to be a hit at work.
Gutto Yamagata has carefully selected the perfect products for companies, including products made with locally produced ingredients and sweets that evoke Yamagata traditions. Another plus is that you can sample products and receive advice from staff when you visit, making it easy to choose.
Below are Gutto Yamagata’s top 5 recommended corporate souvenirs.
・Cherry Gateau Chocolat
These bite-sized chocolates made with cherries, a specialty of Yamagata, are visually appealing and easy to give away.
reference：https://umalog.exblog.jp/25794080/
・Yamagata’s famous confectionery “Kokyo”
This Japanese confectionery, which evokes the history of Yamagata, is characterized by its elegant sweetness. It is a dish that will be well received by your superiors and business partners.
reference：https://www.kimuraya-shop.jp/fs/kimuraya/gd1
・Dadacha bean financier
This baked confectionery uses the locally grown Dadacha beans. Its moderate sweetness makes it popular among adults.
reference：https://www.satofull.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=1516857
・La France Jelly
This jelly, made with a generous amount of Yamagata’s specialty fruits, is individually wrapped, making it easy to distribute and a surefire hit at work.
reference：https://okashi-ichiba.co.jp/item_page/jerry/okashi-ichiba_jerry_0041.html
・Ice-covered Romance (White Chocolate Cookies)
These sweets are inspired by winter in Yamagata, and are popular for their seasonal design and flavor.
reference：https://x.gd/IG5cN
The souvenirs you can buy in Yamagata are all full of Yamagata’s charm. Depending on your choice, they can improve communication at work.
2-2.How to choose a product that is easy to distribute and popular
When choosing souvenirs for the company, it’s important to choose products that are both easy to distribute and conversation-worthy.
Not only are individually wrapped products that are easy to distribute preferred in the workplace, but products that reflect the unique characteristics of Yamagata are also popular and can serve as conversation starters.
・Individually wrapped products: We recommend items that are easy to hand out to each person, such as cherry chocolate and La France jelly.
・Products that make use of local characteristics: Products that evoke Yamagata’s ingredients and scenery, such as Dadacha Bean Sweets and Juhyo Roman, are conversation starters with their appearance and story.
・Products that can be stored for a long time: Recipients will be delighted if you choose products with a long shelf life that can be enjoyed at any time at work.
When choosing souvenirs that are easy to distribute and have a Yamagata feel, choosing souvenirs that are uniquely Yamagata will increase your reputation at work and provide a good opportunity to convey the appeal of traveling to Yamagata.
3.Tips for choosing souvenirs in Yamagata
3-1.How to efficiently choose souvenirs for your company
reference：https://04510.jp/times/business/article715/
When enjoying souvenir shopping at Gutto Yamagata, it’s important to choose efficiently when buying souvenirs for the office.
This is because souvenirs for the workplace need to be chosen quickly and with consideration for ease of distribution, shelf life, and a Yamagata-like feel.
When enjoying souvenir shopping at Gutto Yamagata, it’s important to choose efficiently when buying souvenirs for the office.
This is because souvenirs for the workplace need to be chosen quickly and with consideration for ease of distribution, shelf life, and a Yamagata-like feel.
・Ease of distribution: Individually wrapped cherry chocolates and La France jelly are suitable.
・Shelf life: Dadacha bean snacks and Yamagata specialty Kokyo are reliable choices with their long shelf lives.
・Topic potential: Yamagata-exclusive Juhyo Roman and products made with local specialties are sure to spark conversation at work.
When choosing souvenirs at Gutto Yamagata, keeping these points in mind will ensure you have a satisfying shopping experience in no time.
3-2.Selecting products through tasting and sampling
reference：https://www.kiyokawaya.com/kiyokawayablog_backnumber/36045/
To enjoy choosing souvenirs at Gutto Yamagata, it’s important to make full use of the tastings and sampling options.
By checking the taste and quality of products beforehand through tastings and sampling, you can make a purchase with confidence and avoid making a mistake.
- Tasting corner: Enjoy sampling Yamagata specialties such as “tama konnyaku” (round konjac) and “imo-ni” (simmered sweet potatoes) on the spot.
- Tasting: You can sample local sake and fruit juice to check out their flavor and aroma.
Staff will explain the product’s features and recommended ways to eat it, allowing you to use it in a variety of ways even after purchase.
Tastings and sampling are a great help, making your souvenir choosing at Gutto Yamagata more enjoyable and satisfying.
3-3.Check out seasonal products
reference：https://satonishiki.com/cultivate
If you’re looking for souvenirs to enjoy at Gutto Yamagata, we recommend checking out the seasonal items.
Yamagata sells a wide variety of products that utilize seasonal specialties, and seasonal items in particular are rare and likely to become a hot topic at work.
Spring: A cherry sweets fair is held, where you can purchase fresh fruit and processed products.
Summer: La France jelly and sorbet are lined up, making them the perfect cool gift.
Autumn: A wide selection of products made with newly harvested rice and dadachamame beans makes them the perfect gift for autumn, when appetites are at their peak.
Winter: Sales of local sake and hot sweets increase, allowing you to choose a warming souvenir.
Seasonal products are special items that allow you to experience the seasonal charms unique to Yamagata. They’re definitely worth checking out at Gutto Yamagata.
4.Facility information for Gutto Yamagata
4-1.Access information
Gutto Yamagata is conveniently located by car or public transportation.
Gutto Yamagata is located along a major road, making it easily accessible for both tourists and local residents. There is also ample private parking, making it ideal for visitors by car.
・Car access: Approximately 10 minutes from Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway. Parking is free, and there is also parking space for large buses.
・Public transportation: Approximately 15 minutes by local bus from Yamagata Station. The bus stop is right in front of the facility, making it easy to get to.
・Connections with nearby facilities: With roadside stations and hot spring facilities nearby, it is a convenient base for sightseeing.
Gutto Yamagata is conveniently located by car or public transportation, and is a popular stop for tourist buses, making it an easily accessible facility.
4-2.Business Hours and Schedule Calendar
Gutto Yamagata’s opening hours and regular holidays are set to make it easy for visitors to plan their trips.
This is because the business hours are carefully adjusted to cover peak tourist times, with regular holidays for facility maintenance.
Schedule Calendar: A variety of schedules, including events, are listed.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Extended hours may be set depending on the season or event.
Special Hours: Opening hours are extended during local festivals and events, allowing the facility to accommodate large numbers of tourists.
https://www.yamagata-bussan.co.jp/calendar.html
Gutto Yamagata’s opening hours and closing days are flexible, designed to make it comfortable for visitors.
4-3.Facilities
reference：https://www.visityamagata.jp/topics-yamagata-yamagatakenkankobussankaikan2019/
Gutto Yamagata’s facilities offer a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable stay for both tourists and locals.
This is because the facility is packed with a wide range of amenities, including a souvenir shop, food court, rest areas, and a tourist information center.
・Souvenir Shop: A large sales floor selling Yamagata specialties and limited-edition items.
・Food Court: A space where you can casually enjoy Yamagata cuisine such as konnyaku balls and simmered sweet potatoes.
・Tourist Information Center: Providing information on local tourist spots and events to help you plan your trip.
・Barrier-Free: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and ramps make the facility easy to use for seniors and people with disabilities.
・Kids’ Space: There is also a space for small children to enjoy, making it a popular destination for families.
Gutto Yamagata’s facilities not only allow for sightseeing and shopping, but also provide a safe and secure environment for visitors.
5.Highlights of Yamagata
5-1.Direct sales corner with a wide selection of local specialties
reference：https://yamagata.goguynet.jp/2023/10/16/gut-yamagata-omiyage/
One of the highlights of Gutto Yamagata is its direct sales corner, which offers a wide selection of local specialties. Here, you can pick up products that encapsulate the charm of Yamagata.
This direct sales corner offers a wide selection of fresh local agricultural products and processed goods, and is extremely popular with tourists and local residents alike. It is a place that many people support as a place where they can experience Yamagata’s agriculture and traditional industries firsthand.
For example, you can find seasonal fruits unique to Yamagata, such as cherries and La France pears, as well as processed foods made with dadachamame beans and local handmade crafts. In addition, seasonal ingredients and rare local products are also sold, so you’ll find something new every time you visit.
Gutto Yamagata’s direct sales corner is a convenient place to enjoy Yamagata’s specialties, fully conveying the charm of the region to visitors.
5-2.Enjoy the flavors of Yamagata at the food court
reference：https://co-trip.jp/spot/12611
Another highlight of Gutto Yamagata is the flavors of Yamagata at its food court. Here, you can casually sample Yamagata’s unique cuisine.
With a wide selection of menus using local ingredients and traditional Yamagata dishes, it’s the perfect place to stop by in between sightseeing. You can also enjoy the aroma of cooking and freshly prepared dishes, making it the perfect place to fully savor Yamagata’s cuisine.
In addition to tasting local Yamagata dishes such as tama-konnyaku (round jelly) and nimo-ni (simmered sweet potatoes), the food court also offers popular local noodle dishes such as ramen and soba. Seasonal sweets and snacks are also available, making it perfect for when you feel a bit hungry.
Gutto Yamagata’s food court allows you to easily experience Yamagata’s gourmet culture, making it an essential spot for tourists and locals alike.
5-3.Seasonal events and special sales
reference：https://www.yamagata-np.jp/news/202412/03/kj_2024120300092.php
Highlights of Gutto Yamagata include its seasonal events and special sales. These events provide visitors with special experiences.
Products and projects that bring out the charm of Yamagata’s seasons are available, allowing you to enjoy exclusive products and experiences that are not normally available.
Events include a cherry fair in the spring, a La France pear tasting in the summer, a new rice fair in the fall, and a special sale of local sake in the winter. Local artisans also hold demonstrations and sales, as well as handmade experience events, further enhancing the enjoyment of your visit.
Gutto Yamagata’s seasonal events and special sales are special opportunities to experience Yamagata’s four seasons, and each visit will allow you to discover something new.
6.Reference information based on data from public institutions
6-1.Official Yamagata Prefecture tourism information site
Gutto Yamagata Official Website：https://www.yamagata-bussan.co.jp/
Official Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/gut_yamagata/?hl=ja
When researching Yamagata and other reference information, the official Yamagata Prefecture tourism website provides comprehensive information.
This is because the official website provides detailed information on local specialties and regional characteristics in addition to tourist destinations and event information. This makes it easy to get an overall picture of tourism.
・Tourism Event Information: Information on seasonal specialty product fairs and local festivals is posted.
・Specialty Product List: Find details on ingredients and crafts unique to Yamagata.
・Local Transportation Information: You can also check transportation options to nearby tourist spots.
By utilizing the official Yamagata Prefecture tourism information website, you can efficiently plan your Yamagata-centered sightseeing trip.
6-2.Gutto Yamagata’s best-selling rankings and user reviews
reference：https://gluco-help.com/media/diabetes-souvenir-selection105/
For reference, best-selling rankings and user reviews are a great way to help you choose products at Gutto Yamagata.
Rankings and reviews are extremely useful as a way to learn about actual customer opinions and information about popular products. You can get a sense of product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Best-selling rankings: For example, popular business souvenirs such as “Cherry Chocolate” and “La France Jelly” are ranked high.
- Customer reviews: Specific comments such as “Products made with local ingredients are well received” are helpful.
- Shopping tips: Get advice on choosing products for different occasions, such as for the workplace or at home.
Using best-selling rankings and reviews will make your souvenir selection at Gutto Yamagata smooth and help you find products that will satisfy you.
7.Summary: Gutto Yamagata is the perfect spot to end your trip to Yamagata
reference：https://www.visityamagata.jp/topics-yamagata-yamagatakenkankobussankaikan2019/
Gutto Yamagata is the perfect spot to end your trip to Yamagata. You can experience all the local charm.
Gutto Yamagata is a tourist and product center where you can enjoy Yamagata Prefecture’s specialty products, local gourmet food, and tourist information all in one place. Stopping by at the end of your trip will also make your memories of Yamagata even more special.
For example, there is a direct sales corner where you can purchase fresh Yamagata-grown fruits and local crafts. You can also enjoy Yamagata flavors such as simmered potatoes and ball-shaped konnyaku in the food court. With a wide variety of seasonal events, you can enjoy the charm of Yamagata right until the very end of your trip.
Gutto Yamagata is the perfect facility to end your trip in Yamagata, where you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping all in one place.