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This is where you will find Tetsuryukai’s mummy, Tetsuryukai was born in 1820 in Akita Prefecture. At the age of 16, he entered Nangakuji Temple. Specialists say Tetsuryukai was involved in a case of murder, which led him to seek to expiate his crimes.

He was very devoted in his task of helping the people around him. In 1848, he rebuilt Renshoji Temple (Iwate Prefecture) after a big fire destroyed the place. In 1871, he opened a tunnel with dynamite in the area of Kamo, so pilgrims and merchants could travel easily.

He became a sokushinbutsu in 1881, at the age of 62.

The mummy is located at the ground floor. The monks are not there all the time. You are asked to leave the entrance fees in the box provided for the purpose.

According to legend, Kobo-Daishi (or Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, a specific esoteric school of Buddhism in Japan, is said to have personally constructed this temple in the year 807.
Within this temple, there lies the mummy of Shinnyokai, preserved since 1786. As per the temple’s monks, Shinnyokai chose the path of monkhood after realizing his involvement in an accident that led to the death of two children. However, scholars argue that he became a monk due to his alleged participation in the murder of two men. The question arises: whose account do you choose to believe?
In addition to the preserved mummy, the temple boasts an extensive collection of Buddhist statues, the ancient 1800-year-old cedar tree known as Odan no Sugi (皇壇の杉), and relics associated with the Tokugawa Family.

The founder of Shugendo, En no Ozunu, is credited with establishing this mountain as a place of worship in 672 by constructing the shrine of Mt. Kinbo, known as Kinbôzan-jinja. The shrine’s main hall was recognized as a National Important Cultural Property in 2001, underscoring its significance in the history of the Shugendo religion.
Originally, Mt. Kinbo served as an annex of Mt. Haguro’s temple until the early 17th century (1624-1643). During this period, disciples from Mt. Haguro were dispatched to Mt. Kinbo to spread the beliefs of Haguro to the residents of the Yutagawa area.
However, after 1692, Mt. Kinbo distanced itself from the teachings of Mt. Haguro and aligned with the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. In 2001, the shrine was officially listed as a National Important Cultural Property, recognizing its historical significance within the context of the Shugendo religion. Mt. Kinbo itself got listed as a “National Place of Scenic Beauty” for the many views it offers on the Shonai plains along its hiking trails.

It is said the founder of Shugendo: En no Ozunu, first established this mountain as a place of worship in 672, through the building of Mt. Kinbo’s shrine: Kinbôzan-jinja 金峯山神社. The main hall of the shrine got registered in the list of National Important Cultural Properties in 2001 for its importance in the history of the Shugendo religion.Mt. Kinbo was once an annex of Mt. Haguro’s temple until the early 17th century (1624-1643). Mt. Haguro’s temples sent their disciples to Mt. Kinbo to preach Haguro’s believes to the people of Yutagawa’s area.After 1692, Mt. Kinbo separated itself from Mt. Haguro’s doctrine and belonged to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism.

In the highland region connecting Gassan and Mt. Haguro, you’ll find the Gassan Kogen Ranch. The surrounding area is characterized by expansive fields used for cultivation and rice farming. At the Gassan Kogen Ranch, you can witness leisurely scenes of cows grazing on grass. Additionally, there are picturesque spots such as Harmony Park, resting areas like pavilions, observation decks, and a sunflower field. Sometimes, at the end of the summer, you might be lucky to find a “corn maze” on the road from Mt. Haguro to Mt. Gassan (dates vary each year).

The Gassan Visitor Center, operated by the Ministry of Environment, plays a crucial role in preserving the environment, fauna, and flora of Dewa Sanzan, a integral part of the Bandai Asahi National Park. This facility offers a range of services, including information dissemination, distribution of brochures, providing timetables, guided tours, and organizing regular events such as snowshoe trekking activities and summer hikes.

Oyama Park is situated on the site of the former castle, Oura Castle, which served as the residence of the Sengoku daimyo Muto clan.
Approximately 150 years ago, Tanaka Masaharu from Oyama Village, grateful to the deity Sankyodaigami for escaping severe punishment from the shogunate for his participation in the Oyama Rebellion, planted over 800 cherry and peach trees on the Oura Castle Mountain. This marked the beginning of the cherry tree planting on Castle Mountain. Subsequently, in the third year of the Keio era, Shonai Clan lord Sakai Tadahatsu ordered Sato Junta, the wealthy landowner, to purchase and plant cherry trees from the Oyama district. Since then, Castle Mountain has been embraced by many people.
What’s the “Oyama Rebellion”?
When the land of Oyama, previously known as tenryo (imperial territory), became entrusted to the Shonai Clan, the residents of Oyama, desiring to maintain tenryo status, staged a rebellion. Representatives of this disturbance went to Edo to appeal to officials such as the Kansukebugyo, Roju, and Kago-don, and although the Sakai family also took measures, the rebellion ultimately ended in defeat for the peasant side, leading to the imposition of penalties.
In the early 1930’s, the sake brewer Kato Kahachiro began constructing a park here at his own expense. Completed in the 15th year of Showa, it was named “Kakayama Park.” The park features two observation decks and eight monuments known as the “Oura Hakkei,” allowing visitors to enjoy different panoramic views, attracting people from various places.
Later, in the 18th year of Showa, the park was donated to the Komine Shrine and Sankyodaigami Shrine, and its name was changed to “Oyama Park.” The park gained renown as a cherry blossom viewing spot, drawing crowds of spectators during the cherry blossom season. The annual “Oyama Park Sakura Festival” is also held each year.

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.