Tsuruoka
ADVENTURE AWAITS IN TOHOKU
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.
Welcome to Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau's Official Website.
Tsuruoka
News feed
24 Jul 2021
Shonai's Sake Festival will be broadcasted online.
This year's edition of the local sake festival will be held online.
16 Jul 2021
2021's bus timetable for Mt. Yudono
The newest timetable for the bus to Mt. Yudono is out!
11 Jul 2021
Pino Collina's new wine releases!
The newest vineyards in Tsuruoka have released their first wines.
7 Jul 2021
2021's Rosoku Noh cancelled
The 2021 performance of Rosoku Noh will not be open to the public because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
18 Jun 2021
2021 Akagawa's Fireworks : big changes
The 2021 edition of Akagawa's Fireworks Festival has been canceled to be replaced by an online event.
Attractions in Tsuruoka
MOUNTAINS
DEWA SANZAN
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 was named the first UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ in Japan in 2014. Discover a culinary culture like no other, here.
JELLYFISH
AQUARIUM
Kamo Aquarium contains the biggest collection of jellyfish in the world—come marvel at some of nature’s most fascinating and ethereal creatures!
OUTDOORS
HIKING TRAILS
Many hiking trails criss-cross the landscape of Tsuruoka. Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in nature.
NATURE
FOREST BATHING
Find some peace at one of our woodland shrines and experience the Japanese art of "bathing in forests.”
MUMMIES
SOKUSHINBUTSU
A little well-known fact is that Japan has collections of mummies. In fact, most of them have been found Mt. Yudono.
ONSEN
HOT SPRINGS
Have a relaxing soak after exploring the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in one of our hot spring villages.
HISTORY
CULTURAL PROPERTIES
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 & SEASONS
There are many festivals in Tsuruoka; check if there is one ongoing during your intended period of travel!
CULTURE
JAPANESE 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
SNOW
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Tohoku is well-known for it deep snow and winter sport activities. Check out the best places to ski in Tsuruoka.