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.
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.
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.
