Tsuruoka
ADVENTURE AWAITS IN TOHOKU
Welcome to Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau's Official Website.
Tsuruoka City is located in the western part of Yamagata Prefecture alongside the Sea of Japan. In 2014, it became designated as the only UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ in Japan. Three "Japan Heritages” are featured here: Dewa Sanzan's Journey of Rebirth, the Samurai Silk, and the Kitamae-bune Maritime Road.
Other unique attractions that make Tohoku a valuable destination include 1400 year old sacred mountains: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Haguro; beautiful forests; the Kamo Aquarium, which boasts the biggest jellyfish display in the world; and a unique culinary culture.
Attractions in Tsuruoka
MOUNTAINS
DEWA SANZAN
The three sacred mountains of Dewa: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono can be found in Tsuruoka City.
Dewa Sanzan is known for being one of the Three Main Shugendo Sites in Japan, that is existing for more than 1400 years.
Discover the ‘Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa,’ one of the Three Main Shugendo Sites in Japan with a 1400 year-long history.
GASTRONOMY
UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
Tsuruoka has been designated as the only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in Japan in 2014. This title rewards the efforts of our farmers to preserve the culinary traditions and to preserve environment-friendly culture techniques.
Tsuruoka was named the first UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ in Japan in 2014. Discover a culinary culture like no other, here.
JELLYFISH
KAMO AQUARIUM
Kamo Aquarium, on Tsuruoka's coasts, displays the largest collection of jellyfish in the world. The director aims to use the aquarium to spread awareness about local sea life, sea pollution, and global warming.
Kamo Aquarium contains the biggest collection of jellyfish in the world—come marvel at some of nature’s most fascinating and ethereal creatures!
HIKING
HIKING TRAILS
There are many hiking trails available for adventurers in Tsuruoka. Discover hidden shrines and temples, lost steles, sacred trees, and many more treasures along the way.
Many hiking trails criss-cross the landscape of Tsuruoka. Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in nature.
FORESTS
FOREST BATHS
Forest baths, or "shinrin'yoku" in Japanese, refers to the practice of meditation in the woods. There are many peaceful holy forests in Tsuruoka.
Find some peace at one of our woodland shrines and experience the Japanese art of "bathing in forests.”
MUMMIES
SOKUSHINBUTSU
Very few have heard of the Japanese mummies called sokushinbutsu, but they are unique, for they have been mummified by nobody else but themselves! Discover how Mt. Yudono is related to those extraordinary mummies.
A little well known fact is that Japan has collections of mummies. In fact, most of them have been found Mt. Yudono.
HOT SPRINGS
ONSENS
There are four main hot spring villages in Tsuruoka: Atsumi, Yura, Yunohama, and Yutagawa. Because they are all located in different environments, each of them offers a different experience. Find the perfect onsen for you.
Have a relaxing soak after exploring the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in one of our hot spring villages.
HISTORY
MUSEUMS
Traveling is learning. Learn about Tsuruoka and Dewa Sanzan's history in one of our museums
No travel itinerary is complete without learning a bit about the area you find yourself in. Learn about this region’s history, culture, and religion in one of our museums.
EVENTS
FESTIVALS
Planning to come to Tsuruoka? Discover if there is not a festival planned during your trip.
There are many festivals in Tsuruoka; check if there is one ongoing during your intended period of travel!
CULTURE
JAPAN HERITAGES
Learn why Tsuruoka's culture is registered in the Japan Heritages List—a collection of Japanese legacies designated by the Agency of Cultural Affairs
SPORTS
SKI & ELSE
Tohoku is well-known for it deep snow and winter sport activities. Check out the best places to ski in Tsuruoka.
LEGACY
CULTURAL PROPERTIES
Connect with the kami (deities) of the Shinto Shrines and meet the Buddhas of the Buddhist temples around.
Discover all the National Cultural Properties registered in Tsuruoka City.
