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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 first 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 Tsuruoka 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.

Tsuruoka

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8 Nov 2023

The scaffolding on Mt. Haguro's Five-Storied Pagoda has been removed!
The scaffolding on Mt. Haguro's Five-Storied Pagoda has been removed!

Mt. Haguro's pagoda's bare construction is now visible without its scaffolding!

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26 Sept 2023

Reservation making service stopped
Reservation making service stopped

Due to an increasing number of no-show no-payment incidents, we stopped taking reservation for free on behalf of customers.

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23 Sept 2023

Kabuki & Night Events at Matsugaoka Silk Farms
Kabuki & Night Events at Matsugaoka Silk Farms

A special performance by Nakamura Hashigo, a kabuki actor from Tsuruoka, will be held in the illuminated 5th silkworm room of the Matsukeoka Kaikonjo(Matsugaoka Reclamation Site). The illumination events will continue throughout until early October.

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28 Aug 2023

Dewa Haiya's taxi rides half-price for ALL foreign customers!
Dewa Haiya's taxi rides half-price for ALL foreign customers!

Dewa Haiya, a local taxi company offers all its rides half-price to all foreign customers! Making the ride from Mt. Yudono to Mt. Haguro only 6980 yen!

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28 Aug 2023

Shoko Travel's special "Yudono taxi" plan
Shoko Travel's special "Yudono taxi" plan

Shoko travel has released a special "Yudono-Tsuruoka" taxi plan for 2023

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Attractions in Tsuruoka

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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.

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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.

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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!

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OUTDOORS

HIKING TRAILS

Many hiking trails criss-cross the landscape of Tsuruoka. Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in nature.

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Find some peace at one of our woodland shrines and experience the Japanese art of "bathing in forests.”

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A little well-known fact is that Japan has collections of mummies. In fact, most of them have been found Mt. Yudono.

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ONSEN

HOT SPRINGS

Have a relaxing soak after exploring the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in one of our hot spring villages.

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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.

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EVENTS

FESTIVALS & SEASONS

There are many festivals in Tsuruoka; check if there is one ongoing during your intended period of travel!

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Learn why Tsuruoka's culture is registered in the Japan Heritages List—a collection of Japanese legacies designated by the Agency of Cultural Affairs

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Tohoku is well-known for it deep snow and winter sport activities. Check out the best places to ski in Tsuruoka.

Watch our documentary for free on Indieflix!

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