This is Fumotoya, a soba restaurant, omiyage shop, and soft-serve vendor positioned at the entrance to the Yamadera walking trail.

Beyond its convenient location, the shop is best known for its cherry soft serve, which was selected by a television programme featuring Matsuko Deluxe as one of Japan’s eleven most delicious soft serves.

Sakuranbo Soft Serve (¥400)

Made with juice from Yamagata-grown cherries, this soft serve delivered a vivid cherry profile defined by fresh sweetness and a characteristic sharpness typical of the region’s red Satō Nishiki cherries. The texture was smooth and creamy, and the flavour lived up to its reputation, making it an easy choice for repurchase when visiting the area.

La France Soft Serve (¥400)

The pear flavour was clearly expressed, with a gentle, mellow sweetness and a recognisable La France pear character, a fruit also popularly grown locally. The texture, however, was slightly icier than the cherry version. Enjoyable, though notably less compelling by comparison.

Overall, a worthwhile stop for regional soft serve, with the sakuranbo version standing out as the clear highlight.

Fumotoya is located at 4439 Ōaza Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata 999-3301, Japan.