Tsuruoka: Land of Dewa

23/12/2024

Tsuruoka’s historic old town (jōkamachi 城下町, meaning “castle town”) is centered around Shonai Shrine (Shōnai-jinja 荘内神社), which enshrines the spirits of the Sakai family, former lords of the Shonai clan. This site was once home to the clan’s castle, Tsurugaoka-jō, before its destruction following the Boshin War.🏯

Shonai Shrine is nestled within the Tsuruoka Park (Tsuruoka-kōen 鶴岡公園), a location renowned for its spring cherry blossoms, earning it a spot among Japan's "100 most beautiful sakura spots" (Sakura Meisho 100-sen さくら名所100選).🌸 In winter, the park transforms into a serene snowy landscape, with the Inari Shrine’s torii gates providing a picturesque backdrop behind Shonai Shrine.⛩️

A short 7-minute walk from the shrine leads to Ogawaen (Ogawa-en 尾川園), a cozy café specializing in matcha-flavored treats—an ideal place to warm up after exploring the park.🍵🥞

The park is accessible via the Tsuruoka City Community Bus (a small, yellow van which costs 300 yen per ride). Take the B Line and get off at the Chido Hakubutsukan (Chidō Hakubutsukan 致道博物館) bus stop.
Link to the bus timetable (sorry, the bus company doesn't have English timetables for this one! Please use automatic translation):
https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/local_bus/tsuruoka_b.html

Map of our recommended itinerary around the park (Shonai Shrine - Chido Museum, Chidokan clan school, Tsuruoka Catholic Church, Ogawaen, Tenmangu shrine). To go back to the station by bus, the closest bus stop is Tenmangumae 天満宮前 which is desserved by the A line of the Tsuruoka City Community Bus:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zYGxFqF3w8nTVyS16

18/12/2024

🎄What's more romantic than a stroll under an illuminated arch? 🧑‍🤝‍🧑👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Fujishima's Illuminations will last until January 13th, 2025 (from 4:30pm to 9:30pm)
So hurry up, bring your lover, your friend, your children, your dog, or just you and your camera and spend a magical moment in the snow! ⛄

❓ What to do around: There's a museum called Fujishima Historical Park which can be visited until 4:30pm. Not far from the park, there is a cute vintage café called "cafe FUJINOYA" which serves traditional treats until 5pm.

ℹ️ Note: Buses do not run in the area in the evening. If you do not own a car or cannot rent a car, please consider taxi as an option. That will allow you to have as much sake as you can drink during dinner for at the nearby Izakaya "Aji no Hyoemon" 味の兵右衛門 without worrying about how to drive back home. 🍶 🤪(there's also a Korean restaurant called "Tenyujin Korean Restaurant" nearby!)

🗺️Location :
Fujishima Historical Park
999-7601 Yamagata, Tsuruoka, 藤島字Yamanomae−地内
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9TJDXpxjSjJJtdPb7

17/12/2024

Who wants to build a snowman? ☃️❄️🎶
Next year, 2025 January 25th, Matsugaoka will host a "Winter Party", featuring handmade snow lanterns, snowmen, and newly crafted courses for sled races in the surroundings!
Of course, there'll be delicious food stands to fill your empty stomach after an exhausting snowball fight!🍡🍛

Where to go:
Matsugaoka's Reclamation Lands (home for the Samurai Silk, a Japan Heritage) : https://tsuruoka-matsugaoka.jp/
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DjF1KuZ45zjMZ9797

16/12/2024

🍜 Kanmanken Ramen Restaurant is located 2.4 km away from Honmyoji Temple, a mysterious site that houses the mummy of Sokushinbutsu, known as "Honmyokai-Shonin," the first Sokushinbutsu of Mt. Yudono. The restaurant operates from 10 AM to 2 PM and specializes in delicious soy-based broth ramen. Please note that it is closed on Tuesdays and will also be exceptionally closed on Monday, the 23rd of this month.

Unfortunately, credit cards are not accepted, so make sure to bring at least 1000 yen in cash to enjoy a bowl at Kanmanken!

You can follow their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/kanmanken/.

14/12/2024

Discover the enchanting charm of Yutagawa Onsen, a delightful small onsen town nestled in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Set against the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Kinbo, which reaches 470 meters and is designated as a National Scenic View, this cozy destination boasts a collection of intimate ryokan that offer exceptional local cuisine and sake. 🍱🍙

Enhance your stay by joining Mr. Shoji Yohei, a Yamabushi and owner of the renowned Hayato Ryokan, as he guides you through the mesmerizing trails of Mt. Kinbo, leading you to the historic Kinbozan-jinja Shrine, a National Important Cultural Property. When planning your visit to Tsuruoka City, make Yutagawa Onsen your preferred retreat for an unforgettable experience.♨️🛀

Bus timetable to Yutagawa Onsen: https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/yutagawa_tt.html

13/12/2024

🗓️ Save the date! 📅

On January 19th, 2025 (Sunday), both the 🍲 Black Cod Soup Festival🐟 (Kandara Matsuri 寒鱈祭り) and 🥂 Shonai's Sake Festival🍶 (Shonai Sake Matsuri 庄内酒祭り) will take place on Tsuruoka's Ginza Street!

Kandara-jiru 寒鱈汁 is a local winter specialty in Tsuruoka. This hot fish soup, a symbol of family cuisine in the region, is simmered in large iron pots with a miso and sake-based broth, using various parts of black cod alongside seaweed to enhance the umami (savory) flavor. During the Kandara Matsuri, many stands will offer you a bowl of this comforting dish. Not far away, you can warm up with a few cups of sake at the Shonai Sake Festival stands inside Dada's lounge.

This day will be a wonderful opportunity to interact with the local community and experience the "family atmosphere" that embodies our winter gatherings, all while enjoying our beloved soul food.

12/12/2024

Today marks the beginning of the snowy season in Tsuruoka! Yay!

The Asahi district (Asahi-mura) in Tsuruoka City is home to charming little villages for those seeking beautiful snowy landscapes in Japan. ❄️☃️

For example, Tamugimata village, located at the foot of Mt. Yudono and famous for Nanatsu Fall (one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls), serves as a great starting point for snowshoe hiking to Mt. Yudono. Please note that the shrine is closed after November 1st. This journey allows visitors to see the Tasominka thatch-roofed house, a National Important Cultural Property, blanketed in snow. You can also experience the fine powdery snow that contributes to the reputation of the Yudonosan Ski Area, a ski resort highly favored by snowboarders for its half-pipes! ⛷️🏂

04/10/2024

While autumn in the West brings to mind pumpkins, cinnamon, and Halloween, here in Tsuruoka, the season evokes thoughts of nameko-jiru miso soups, persimmons, and, of course, IMONI! 🍲🍂🍁

Imoni is a delicious yam-based soup or stew that’s especially popular in Yamagata Prefecture, though variations can be found in other regions as well. In the inner areas of Yamagata, the traditional imoni features beef and a soy-based broth. Here in Tsuruoka, however, we prefer a comforting pork and miso-based version.

This simple yet flavorful dish is best enjoyed in the company of family, friends, or coworkers. Visitors can savor this autumn staple at local restaurants like Takitaro and Naa, or at kaiseki-ryori spots such as Luna, Shinchaya and Suzune. Embrace the season with a warm bowl of imoni!

03/10/2024

Today, let's go back to Tsuruoka to talk about one of our beautiful places that doesn't get enough spotlight: Yura Onsen.
Recognized as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful beaches and 100 most beautiful sunsets, this National Health Onsen Resort is a must-visit.

The most iconic ryokan here is Yaotome, offering cozy European-style beds and a delicious breakfast—making it an ideal stop for anyone looking to soak in the breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan and experience the lively fish auction (seri) at Yura Port. Don’t miss the chance to explore Hakusan Islet, where a charming shrine awaits, just an hour’s stroll from the beach.

Did you know that Tsuruoka boasts four National Health Onsen Resorts, making it the city with the most in Japan? With our stunning mountains, delectable cuisine, and rejuvenating hot springs, there’s no better way to unwind than by soaking in one of our onsen. 🌅🏖♨️🦀

01/10/2024

No, no, don't worry, you still are on Tsuruoka City's Official Tourism page, but today we wanted to introduce you to one of our partners of long-date: Niigata city. If you’re planning a trip to Tsuruoka and the stunning Dewa Sanzan, Niigata is an excellent transit destination that deserves a visit.

Just 1 hour and half from Tokyo by Shinkansen and a quick 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tsuruoka via the JR Local Express Inaho, Niigata is a gateway to exploring the rich culture of the Kitamaebune maritime route and the influences of Kyoto’s heritage along the Sea of Japan.

One highlight of your visit could be the Saito Residence, where you can enjoy performances by geigi—the local term for geisha. For sake lovers, a tour of the Imayotsukasa brewery offers a taste of some of Niigata's finest brews.

Culinary enthusiasts will find delightful similarities between Niigata and Tsuruoka. Both regions feature a mochi wrapped in bamboo leaves: Niigata’s sasadango is filled with sweet red bean paste, while Tsuruoka offers the sasamaki: a gelatinous rice cake soaked in ashy water then steamed inside a sasa leaf. Seafood lovers will also feel at home; just as in Tsuruoka, Niigata’s coastal cuisine is a highlight. While we favor dishes like kandara-jiru (black cod soup) and anko-jiru (angler fish soup), Niigata shines with its famous wappa-meshi—steamed fish rice.

With some of Japan’s best rice and sake, Niigata has much to share with visitors. If you're headed to Tsuruoka, don’t miss the chance to stop by Niigata. We promise you’ll love it!

For more information on visiting Niigata, check out their official tourist information website: https://www.nvcb.or.jp/multilingual/

30/09/2024

It's done! It's officially over! Mt. Haguro's pagoda is free from its reparation works and finally displays its raw beauty ! Next time will be in 20 years, so you now have plenty of time to admire this living proof of Mt. Haguro's Buddhist influence in the past.
For the occasion, let us share some of the most beautiful shots of our National Treasure 📸⛩⛰

08/08/2024

Find our recommended "Tohoku culinary trip" itinerary on our website. This trip idea is JR-pass friendly!

This is a tourist site for Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, which is rich in nature. It is packed with useful information essential for the best trip, including tourist spots such as hot springs and gourmet food, and seasonal events.

07/08/2024

🎆 Next Saturday, August 17th, we’ll be celebrating the 31st edition of the Akagawa Hanabi Taikai Fireworks Festival. 🎇
This 90-minute event is often called Japan’s "Most Moving Fireworks" for its moving rhythm and carefully chosen music. Each year, there are special events and performances that even surprise regular attendees. For instance, two years ago, the Pokémon Company wowed the crowd with an incredible drone performance featuring iconic Pokémon characters.

Although tickets are sold out, there is a free viewing area available for those who still want to enjoy the show. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot in this area.

31/07/2024

🏔️ UPDATE! 🥾
We are pleased to announce that the hiking trail from Mt. Gassan to Mt. Yudono, which was recently damaged by heavy rainfall, has now been cleared, and the warning measures have been lifted.

However, we would like to remind all visitors that this part of the Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage can be challenging. The route includes descending metal ladders, which can become slippery depending on the weather. This section of the trail can also be physically demanding, especially for those with less hiking experience.

Please exercise caution, take your time, and prioritize your safety. We wish you a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in the beautiful Dewa Sanzan mountains. 🏞️

29/07/2024

⚠️ WARNING! Rain-induced damages on the hiking trail from Mt. Gassan to Mt. Yudono ⚠️

Recently, record-breaking heavy rains have caused significant damage in the Tohoku region on the Japan Sea side, resulting in landslides along some sections of the Mt. Gassan to Mt. Yudono pilgrimage trail (including the upper part of Yudono-san Kamman Falls).

As of July 29, recovery work is underway. However, the affected area has become extremely narrow, making passage very dangerous.

For those planning to hike:

-Please refrain from starting your hike from the Yudono-san side.
-When descending from Mt. Gassan to the Yudono-san side, please go down toward the Shizu area.
We kindly ask for your cooperation. We will provide updates as the situation changes.

(information provided by the Dewa Sanzan shrine)