The Japan Mint has an excellent programme 47 Prefectures series, that over a period of eight years starting in 2008, will release a coloured silver coin showcasing each of the Prefectures that make up the country. Just coming up for pre-order is the latest coin, the second this year, featuring Yamagata Prefecture, one of the most beautiful regions in Japan, and home to the stunning Zao National Park with its famousGoshiki Numa (Five Color Lake).

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southwest corner of Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan. It borders Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture on the south, Miyagi Prefecture on the east, and Akita Prefecture on the north. All of these boundaries are marked by mountains, with most of the population residing in a limited central plain.

The reverse side depicts the Mogami River and the cherries that the region is famous for. The obverse carries the series standard image of snow crystals, the crescent moon and cherry blossoms.

While the coin has a mintage of 100,000 pieces, only 10,000 of those are marked for sales outside of Japan. It’s available in a choice of packaging, a small CD-style jewel case, or a deluxe set with five stamp.It will be available in late June 2014.