Welcome to Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau's Official Website.
Tsuruoka City, located in the western part of Yamagata Prefecture, alongside the Sea of Japan, is the only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in Japan since 2014 and boasts three "Japan Heritages" which are: Dewa Sanzan's Journey of Rebirth, the Samurai Silk and the Kitamaebune Maritime Road.
Its 1400 years old sacred mountains: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Haguro, its beautiful forests, the Kamo Aquarium with its jellyfish display (the biggest in the world), and its unique culinary culture made it a valued Tohoku destination across the country.
What's to see 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 years 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 is the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in Japan since 2014. Discover why.
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 is the aquarium that displays the biggest collection of jellyfish in the world. See them all!
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.
Very few know it, but Japan, too, has its mummies. In fact, most of them are linked to 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 time after your journey to the Dewa Sanzan 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 shall be complete without learning. Learn about history, culture, and religion in one of our museums.
