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For about 250 years, the Shonai Clan’s Sakai family has considered Tsurugaoka Castle Site its residence. The remnants of the castle, such as moats, stone walls, and centuries-old cedar trees, evoke the historical presence of the castle. Throughout the four seasons, beautiful flowers bloom abundantly, and the park, selected as one of the “100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” boasts approximately 710 cherry blossom trees. It is renowned as one of the premier cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture. The area around Tsuruoka Park, where historical sites and cultural assets converge, has also appeared in Fujisawa’s works, retaining a strong sense of the castle town’s atmosphere.
Here are the point of interests worth a visit around Tsuruoka Park:
● Chidokan
● Chido Museum
● Shonai Shrine

Established in 1805 by Sakai Tadaari, the Chidokan Clan School was a response to his discontent with the declining moral values in society. Driven by the aim to elevate the manners, knowledge, and overall quality of both warriors and citizens, Tadaari founded this school, dedicated to imparting Ogyû Sorai’s Confucianist doctrine with great thoroughness.

Originally situated in front of the present-day Tsuruoka Station, the first Chidokan Clan School later relocated to the vicinity of Shonai Castle in Tsuruoka Park in 1816. Beyond standard classrooms and libraries, the school boasted facilities for archery practice and a horse riding track. Unfortunately, the school met its demise in 1873 due to the Boshin War, which marked the end of the Shogunate and the feudal lord system.

Despite its closure, Chidokan’s Clan School earned recognition and historical significance, finding a place on the National Historical Monuments list in 1951.

Established in 1950 by a descendant of the Sakai family, the clan that governed the region until the 19th century, the museum serves as a hub for disseminating local knowledge and preserving the history of the Shonai Clan. Nestled within Tsuruoka Park, the museum is notable for housing the National Important Cultural Property—the former Tsuruoka Police Station, easily recognizable by its vibrant blue exterior. Interestingly, the station was initially white before its restoration, but research on the original paint revealed its historical blue hue.

In addition to the distinctive police station, the museum includes another National Important Cultural Property: the Shibuya Family’s thatch-roofed house. Within the various museum buildings, visitors can explore extensive collections of local historical artifacts spanning from Prehistory to the Early 20th century. The museum stands as a testament to the rich heritage of the region and the Shonai Clan’s historical legacy.

Warning: Some buildings might be closed during the winter season. We recommend you visit the museum during the green season.

In the Sekigawa area of Tsuruoka City, right on the border between Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures, a tradition of weaving fibers from the bark of the Shina tree into thread, known as “Shinaori,” has been skillfully preserved. The entire process, spanning from spinning the thread to crafting the fabric, takes nearly a year and is executed entirely by hand. This textile is also called “Shinafu”, one of Japan’s 3 most ancient textiles.

The fabric woven from this precious thread boasts a refined texture and feel, gaining a familiar and comfortable quality with prolonged use. Recognized as a representative traditional craft of the Atsumi region, it earned the designation of a National Traditional Craft in 2005 under the name “Uetsu Shina Fabric.”
At the “Sekigawa Shinaori Center,” you can explore and purchase Shina-ori products. Additionally, you have the chance to try your hand at coaster weaving. Feel free to drop by!

Coaster Weaving Experience (Reservation required)
・ Fee / 1 piece for 1,100 yen (includes material costs, guidance fees in Japanese, and consumption tax)
・ Activity open from 9:00 to 16:00 (Reservation required)
● The session takes about 20 minutes, involving intricate work.

Tsuruoka City, situated in Yamagata Prefecture, once served as the nucleus of the Shonai Domain, a warrior clan that faithfully served the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Following the overthrow of the shogunate system in the Boshin War, the Shonai Clan samurais found themselves labeled as renegades. In an effort to rehabilitate their tarnished reputation and reclaim the honor of their ancient clan, they opted to participate in the industrial initiatives of the new government, channeling their efforts into silk farming. Their aim was to oversee every stage of the production process, from cultivating mulberry leaves for silkworms to weaving and crafting finished products.
In 2017, the silk farms of these samurais, known as Matsugaoka’s Silk Farms, achieved recognition as a “Japan Heritage.” Today, visitors have the opportunity to witness machines that have been in use for over 150 years and are still operational, providing insight into the traditional techniques employed by these samurais. The historical significance of Tsuruoka’s silk industry and the passing down of ancestral knowledge played pivotal roles in Matsugaoka being designated as a Japan Heritage site.
At Matsugaoka’s Silk Farms, the “Archive Building” (shiryôkan 資料館) allows visitors to explore how Samurai Silk is still produced by touring various wooden structures that constitute this 19th-century historical site.

There is a silk shop and a restaurant: In the adjacent Pino Collina, where to enjoy locally-produced wine and French/Italian/Japanese fusion food for lunch.

The Kazama family, once official merchants for the Shonai Clan in Tsuruoka Castle town, flourished and eventually became the foremost merchants in Tsuruoka, actively contributing to the growth of local industries. In 1826, Kazama Koemon, the seventh head of the family, built the Heishindo as both a residence and a business hub on the grounds of a former samurai residence. This construction, featuring the medicinal doctor gate—a warrior gate dating back around 200 years—effectively preserves the prosperity of that era. With around 40,000 distinctive stone roofing tiles, four storehouses, expansive board rooms, and a central pillar, it offers a valuable glimpse into the opulent history of a prosperous merchant. Recognized as a National Important Cultural Property, it has drawn attention for its historical significance.

About the Heishindo’s merchant house…
The Kazama family’s ancestors were samurai in the Somi Domain of Echigo Province (present-day Yokogoshi Village, Nakakanbara District, Niigata Prefecture). They later became merchants in Murakami and subsequently moved to Sakata. It is said they settled in Tsuruoka in the latter half of the 18th century. Afterward, they operated a textile and lumber store in the Gokamachi area of Tsuruoka Castle town (present-day Honmachi 1-chome), serving as official merchants for the Shonai Clan. By the end of the Edo period, they became the leading merchants in Tsuruoka. In the Meiji era, they turned to moneylending and grew to become one of the largest landowners in the Shonai region, concurrently supporting charitable activities such as child welfare and kindergarten management. In the 1920s, they conducted female education at the Heishindo. Presently, they are actively involved in educational endeavors. In 1896, the 7th head of the Kazama family, Koemon, constructed the Heishindo as a residence and business base (store). It retains the distinct characteristics of a merchant’s residence, including vast board rooms, storehouses, and a medicinal doctor gate from that era. It was named “Heishindo” (meaning the Year of the Fire Monkey) after the zodiac year. The main building faces south towards the road, with a medicinal doctor gate and front storehouses to the south, central storehouses and rear storehouses to the west, and an inner storehouse (safehouse) to the north. It has 19 rooms, totaling 180 tatami mats in Japanese-style rooms, spacious board rooms, and a large central pillar that remains as it was in those days. The building is said to have been constructed as a lesson from the Shonai Earthquake of 1894, with various ingenious features such as trussing the beams over the spacious board rooms into a triangular shape. The main building received designation as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of the Nation in December of 1996, while the front gate (medicinal doctor gate), various storehouses, and fences were designated as Important Cultural Properties of the Nation in June of 1999. Subsequently, in December of 1999, the main building, various storehouses, toilets, and bathing facilities were designated as Important Cultural Properties of the Nation.

About the Shakado (Buddha Hall)…
Located about 50 meters north of the Heishindo, Muryokoin Shakado is a tea-ceremony-style building constructed with high-quality cedar in 1910 (Meiji 43) as a detached residence for the Heishindo. It served as a hospitality facility for guests of the wealthy merchant. Recognized for its excellent structural design, it was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of the Nation in February 2002, deemed valuable for studying detached residence architecture. The Kazama family, devoted to the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist faith for generations, adorned the building with the inscription “Muryoko” from the time of its establishment. The 8th head, Koemon, combined the building and the garden, naming it “Muryokoen.” Furthermore, the current head named the building “Muryokoin Shakado” after enshrining a Buddha statue (donated in 1923 by Professor Joji Takayasu of Tokyo Imperial University’s Department of Indian Philosophy). The approximately 2,700-square-meter garden features over 200-year-old Somei Yoshino cherry trees, mountain cherries, drooping cherry trees, azaleas, Japanese maple forests, camellias, and hagi, providing colorful displays throughout the seasons. The most spectacular and beautiful time is said to be in mid-May when white azaleas bloom simultaneously along the artificial hill. Enjoy the distinct atmosphere compared to the Heishindo.

Located just 20 minutes away from Tsuruoka Station and a mere 8 minutes from Yunohama Onsen, Kamo Aquarium is renowned as the “number one jellyfish-specialized aquarium in the world.”

The aquarium’s stellar reputation is attributed to its impressive display of jellyfish species, boasting the successful reproduction of over 60 different types by the dedicated aquarium team. This accomplishment is a result of the continuous efforts of the scientific team, led by Director Mr. Okuizumi Kazuya, who tirelessly researches innovative ways to enhance the jellyfish’s environment.

In addition to the captivating jellyfish exhibits, Kamo Aquarium also features an extensive collection of local sea creatures, including seals and sea lions, making it a comprehensive and fascinating destination for marine enthusiasts.

Yamagata Prefecture won the championship at the 2023 Japan Sake Awards with 20 brands receiving gold awards, making it the best sake in Japan!

Tsuruoka is located on Yamagata Prefecture’s coast to the Sea of Japan, a region called: “Shonai.”

The Shonai region became one of Japan’s leading rice-producing areas through extensive development during the 17-19th century. However, in the winter, the rice fields in Shonai are covered with large amounts of snow, making agriculture impossible. As a result, the farmers chose sake brewing as their winter occupation. Combined with that historical experience, the cold climate of the snow-covered region, along with the clear waters running from the melted snow upon Mt. Chokai and the Dewa Sanzan sacred mountains, also contributed to the suitability of Shonai’s abundant natural environment for producing delicious sake.

Among Tsuruoka’s beloved breweries, you will find:

-Takenotsuyu (located in Mt. Haguro)
-Watarai (located in Oyama)
-Dewanoyuki (Oyama)
-Tomizu (Oyama)

And many more! Come taste them all!

Located along National Route 7 Bypass, in the vicinity of the Yamagata Expressway Tsuruoka Interchange, our facility boasts an excellent location. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant fish market selling fresh seafood, a specialty store gathering local mountain delicacies, regional products, and souvenirs, a dining area, a snack corner, and a comprehensive tourist information section. The spacious parking area ensures a comfortable stop, making it a bustling spot for tourists and families alike.

This charming farm-to-table restaurant is owned by the warm-hearted Japanese proprietor, Mrs. Chonan Mitsu. Recognized for her thoughtful approach to food, Mitsu was honored in the “100 Best Farmer-Lodge Okaasan” by the Japanese government in 2009. Central to her philosophy is the cultivation of vegetables and rice on her own farm, ensuring the highest quality of ingredients for her customers. Mitsu staunchly avoids additives, relying instead on natural elements to enhance the flavors of local cuisine.

By exclusively preparing local dishes with homegrown vegetables, Mitsu aims to impart the allure of Tsuruoka’s rustic traditions to her patrons. Notably, Mitsu is adept at adapting her meals for vegans and vegetarians. It is advisable to inform her of any dietary restrictions, specifically regarding animal products, including bonito powder, when making a reservation (動物性食品, dôbutsusei-shokuhin).

Shinchaya is a long-standing traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant known for its exceptional culinary offerings. The signature dish of the establishment is the “tamagoyaki” (rolled omelet). What sets Shinchaya’s tamagoyaki apart is its lustrous sheen and its soft, jelly-like texture.

For guests with specific dietary preferences, Shinchaya is flexible and can accommodate pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan meals with advance reservation, preferably up to 2 days prior to your planned visit. This ensures that the restaurant can tailor the dining experience to meet individual dietary needs.

Saikan is a Shinto pilgrim lodge and lunch restaurant located within the premises of the former Buddhist temple called Shôon’in, constructed in 1697. After the religious separation between Shinto and Buddhism in 1868 (1869 in Haguro), the building underwent conversion to Shintoism and was renamed Saikan.

A significant site for Shinto yamabushi during their retreat training, Saikan plays a crucial role in various ceremonies. For instance, it serves as the location where the yamabushi concludes the Shoreisai ceremony by partaking in the Nishi sushi.

Chef Ito Shinkichi presents his interpretation of Dewa Sanzan shojin-ryori daily, offering a Shinto version of the originally Buddhist dish. This culinary endeavor aims to pay homage to the magnificence of nature. While shojin-ryori can be prepared as a vegan dish, it is essential to notify Chef Ito Shinkichi three days in advance if you have specific dietary preferences.