The Shonai area offers tourist attractions such as Kichijoji Temple, Itsukushima Shrine, and Mt. Daisen; sightseeing events such as the Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival), Daruma Market, and Hachisaku Festival; and local delicacies such as soba noodles, sake lees soup, and pickled vegetables.
Located on the Sea of Japan side of Yamagata Prefecture, Tsuruoka City and Sakata City are representative of the Shonai region, where visitors can enjoy swimming in the beaches along the Sea of Japan where the Mogami River flows into the city, and inland, the city is rich in nature with the three mountains of Dewa and the 2,236-meter-high Chokai Mountain.
The most famous landmarks in Tsuruoka City are Gassan Shrine, Dewa Shrine, and Yudenyama Shrine, which are located on the three mountains of Dewa (Mt. Gassan, Mt. Haguro, and Mt. Yuden). Dewa Shrine in particular has the five-story pagoda of Mt. Haguro, which is a national treasure; Shozenin Golden Hall, an important cultural asset; Sanjin Gosai-den, a shrine for the three gods, and its bell tower; and Mentor Sugi, a natural treasure.
In addition, the Rokujurikoshi Highway, which winds around the three mountains, offers beautiful views of nature, including Nanatsu Falls, selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, and the sacred mountain Mt. From spring to fall, trekking can be enjoyed, and in winter, these mountains are used as ski resorts and are crowded with tourists all year round.
Along the sea, six beaches, including Yunohama Beach and Kamo Rainbow Beach, and the Kamo Aquarium, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records for its variety of jellyfish, will show you the splendor of Tsuruoka's sea.
The Shonai region developed along the Japan Sea and the Mogami River, and the nature surrounding the Shonai Plain will show tourists not only the recreational activities such as skiing, camping, swimming, and hot springs, but also the beautiful scenery and the history and culture of Shonai that are integrated with nature.
Dewa Shrine is located at the summit of Mount Haguro, a 414-meter-high sacred mountain in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. Mount Haguro is one of the three sacred mountains collectively known as the Dewa Sanzan, together with Mount Gassan and Mount Yudonosan. The shrine enshrines Ideha-no-kami and Inakura-tama-no-mikoto and has a deep connection with the history of Shugendo, a Japanese t...»
The Dewa Sanzan, meaning the “Three Mountains of Dewa,” is the collective name for Mount Gassan, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudonosan, which extend across the Murayama and Shonai regions of Yamagata Prefecture. Revered as a sacred area of Japanese mountain worship since ancient times, the Dewa Sanzan remains an important pilgrimage destination where Yamabushi ascetics and worshippers continue to visi...»
Kamo Aquarium, also known as the Jellyfish Dream館, is a seaside aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture famous for its extraordinary collection of jellyfish. It is recognized for having one of the world’s largest collections of jellyfish species, with more than 60 types on display. The aquarium occupies a modern white building overlooking the sea. The graceful, transparent bodies of the jellyfish create ...»
Yudonosan Churenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located at the entrance to the approach to Mount Yudono, one of the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa. Traditionally believed to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 833, the temple belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. For centuries, Churenji has served as an important center of Mount Yudono worship. During the period when Mou...»
Tsuruoka Park, located in the heart of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a historic park built on the former site of Tsurugaoka Castle, which served as the residence of the Sakai family, lords of the Shonai Domain, for approximately 250 years. Remains of the former castle, including moats, stone walls, earthen embankments, and old cedar trees believed to be several hundred years old, can sti...»
Taihokan is a distinctive Western-style building located within Tsuruoka Park, which was developed on the former site of Tsurugaoka Castle in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Built in 1915 to commemorate the enthronement of Emperor Taisho, the building was designed in a style inspired by Dutch Baroque architecture. Its most striking features are its red domed roof, pointed tower, and bright wh...»
Atsumi Onsen is a historic hot spring town located along both banks of the Atsumi River, about 2 kilometers inland from the Sea of Japan coast in southern Yamagata Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and nature, the town has a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a slower pace of life. In the past, farmers from the surrounding area came here for toji, traditional hot spring stays for rest...»
Hakusan Island is a beautiful uninhabited island located just offshore from Yura Beach in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. The island is believed to have been formed by volcanic activity approximately 30 million years ago, when basalt emerged from beneath the sea. It is also known as Oshima. Hakusan Island is located approximately 170 meters from the sandy beach of Yura. A distinctive vermilion ped...»
Tsuruoka Catholic Church is a historic church in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. Built in 1903 (Meiji 36) according to the design of a French priest, this wooden church is distinguished by its striking red tower and beautiful Romanesque architecture. With its calm appearance reminiscent of medieval European churches, the building is a valuable surviving example of Romanesque architecture in the To...»
Mōsō Gohan, or Mōsō Bamboo Shoot Rice, is a traditional local dish enjoyed in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture during spring. In Shonai, bamboo shoots from Mōsō bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) are commonly called “mōsō”, rather than simply “takenoko,” the general Japanese word for bamboo shoots. As spring arrives, fresh mōsō becomes one of the seasonal flavors that local residents look forw...»
Dadacha beans are a signature summer delicacy of Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture. Unlike ordinary edamame, Dadacha beans are recognizable by the brownish fuzz covering their pods. Their somewhat rustic appearance gives little indication of their remarkable flavor. Once you bite into a freshly cooked bean, you can enjoy an intensely sweet flavor, deep richness, and a distinctive aroma reminis...»
Abalone from Yamagata Prefecture is one of the prized seafood specialties of the Shonai Coast, which stretches along the Sea of Japan. In Shonai, visitors can enjoy both wild-caught abalone harvested using traditional fishing methods and farm-raised abalone cultivated in the area's favorable marine environment. Raised in the rich waters of the Sea of Japan, abalone is prized for its firm, pleasan...»
Shonai Shrine is located in the heart of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, on the site of the former main compound of Tsurugaoka Castle, which once served as the residence of the lords of the Shonai Domain. The shrine was established in 1877 by people from throughout the Shonai region who continued to respect and honor the former domain lords. Because of its close connection with the Sakai fami...»
Bentenjima is a scenic spot extending into the Sea of Japan in the Nezugaseki district of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. According to local tradition, Minamoto no Yoshitsune landed here while fleeing north toward Oshu after coming into conflict with his older brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo. The site is therefore associated with Yoshitsune and his famous companion, Musashibo Benkei. Bentenjima...»
Nenju no Matsu Garden is a natural Japanese garden centered around Nenju no Matsu, a black pine tree believed to be approximately 400 years old. Located in Yamagata Prefecture, the garden is known for the tree's remarkable form, with its massive branches extending horizontally close to the ground for approximately 20 meters. The main trunk stands approximately 3.5 to 4 meters high and has a circu...»
Yunohama Onsen is a historic seaside hot spring resort in Yunohama, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. With a history of approximately 1,000 years, the resort stretches along the coast of the Sea of Japan on the western side of the Shonai Plain. Hotels and traditional Japanese inns line the coast, making Yunohama one of Yamagata's best-known seaside hot spring destinations. Its greatest attracti...»
Yura Onsen is a scenic seaside hot spring resort located along Yura Beach in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The area is famous for its beautiful combination of Hakusan Island, a vermilion pedestrian bridge, and sunsets over the Sea of Japan. Yura Beach is one of the most scenic destinations along the Shonai Coast. It has been selected for the “100 Best Beaches in Japan,” “100 Best Swimming B...»
Kandara-jiru is a traditional winter dish that represents the food culture of the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. It is made with mature Pacific cod caught during the winter spawning season in the rough waters of the Sea of Japan. Rather than using only the fillets, the dish makes use of almost the entire fish, including the liver, bones and other parts, and milt. Large cod can weigh as muc...»
Egeshi is a type of seaweed harvested on Tobishima Island, in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. It is generally known in Japanese as igis, and in some parts of Yamagata it is also called “egesu.” Egeshi has long been enjoyed as a familiar local ingredient in the Shonai region, particularly as a topping for miso soup. It is one of the local foods that offers a direct taste of the sea surro...»
Natsu-Ika, meaning “summer squid,” is the local name used in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture for Japanese flying squid, also known as surume-ika or “ma-ika.” This squid is in season from summer into autumn and is particularly considered delicious around mid-July, making it one of Shonai's signature tastes of summer. Fresh Natsu-Ika is prized for its pleasantly firm texture and rich umami...»
Corn Miso Soup is a distinctive summer home-style dish enjoyed around Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture. Unlike the more familiar types of Japanese miso soup, this regional version features large pieces of fresh corn, allowing diners to enjoy the full flavor of this seasonal summer ingredient. The preparation is simple. Fresh corn is cut into thick rounds and simmered in a pot of water. Once t...»
Yamagata Tochimochi, also known as Tochimochi or Tochi-mochi, is a traditional local rice cake associated with the Asahi and Namezawa areas of Tsuruoka City, which are known for producing horse chestnuts, called tochi no mi in Japanese. This traditional food has been carefully passed down through generations by local communities. Made using the natural flavor of horse chestnuts, Tochimochi has a ...»
Berobero Mochi is a traditional local food that has been passed down for generations in the Atsumi area of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Unlike ordinary Japanese mochi, it is made from non-glutinous rice and shaped into long, thin, stick-like or string-like pieces, giving it a distinctive texture. Its unusual shape and pleasantly smooth texture make Berobero Mochi a unique specialty of the ...»
Mugikiri is a distinctive noodle dish from the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. The noodles are made by kneading wheat flour, rolling the dough out thinly, and cutting it into narrow strips. Although their appearance and style of eating are similar to handmade udon, Mugikiri has been passed down as a unique part of Shonai’s local food culture. The most common way to enjoy Mugikiri is to dip ...»
Dongoe is a traditional wild plant that has long been eaten in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is also known by several names in different parts of Japan, including Itadori, Dongoi, and Donguri. Dongoe has a distinctive crisp, crunchy texture and a pleasantly tart flavor. Rather than being the main ingredient of a dish, it is often enjoyed as a flavorful supporting ingredient that adds an ...»
Tsuruoka's Itoko-ni is a traditional local dish that has long been enjoyed in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. While the name Itoko-ni generally refers to a Japanese dish in which azuki beans are cooked together with ingredients such as pumpkin, the Tsuruoka version is distinctive for combining azuki beans and glutinous rice in a single dish. The finished dish has a simple, comforting flavor, ...»
Grapes of Tsuruoka are one of the autumn specialties of Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture. The Kushibiki area is particularly well known for fruit cultivation. With its rich natural surroundings, clean water, abundant sunshine, and significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the area provides excellent conditions for growing fruit. Thanks to these favorable conditions, ...»
Mankichi Eggplant is a rare traditional heirloom crop that has been preserved in the Yutagawa area of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. For generations, it was grown by a single farming family in Yutagawa, which led to its being described as a “secret eggplant” that was not traditionally shared outside the area. The exact origins and cultivation history of Mankichi Eggplant have not been fully ...»
Mōsō bamboo shoots are one of the signature spring delicacies of the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. They are the young shoots of Mōsō bamboo, the type of bamboo commonly associated with the Japanese word “takenoko,” or bamboo shoot. They are particularly prized for their tender texture and relatively mild flavor with little bitterness or astringency. For generations, people in Shonai have ...»
Asparagus from Yamagata Prefecture is a seasonal vegetable that comes into its best season in early summer. It is particularly valued for its thick stalks and crisp, crunchy texture, as well as its fresh, juicy flavor. Yamagata asparagus is carefully grown throughout the winter, allowing the plants to develop slowly before sending up vigorous shoots in the warmer months. When harvested at the hei...»
Degodzuke no Kenchin is a traditional local dish from Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, made by stir-frying old, strongly fermented and pickled takuan (Japanese pickled daikon radish) in oil. In Tsuruoka, old pickled takuan is called “degozuke”, and this dish reflects the traditional practice of turning leftover pickles into a flavorful side dish rather than wasting them. To prepare the dish, s...»
Aona-zuke is a traditional Japanese pickle made from Yamagata Aona, a leafy green vegetable cultivated mainly in the inland areas of Yamagata Prefecture. The greens are harvested before the heavy snow arrives and pickled for long-term storage, preserving them as an important winter food. Aona-zuke reflects the traditional wisdom of preserving vegetables in preparation for Yamagata's harsh winters...»
Sekihan Sasagi and Shiro Sasagi are distinctive local beans that have been cultivated in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture for generations. Both are traditional local crops closely connected with Shonai's food culture, with traditional cultivation methods and ways of preparing them passed down through the years. Sekihan Sasagi, in particular, has long been valued around the former Tsuruoka...»
Shojin Ryori, or traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, in the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa is a distinctive food culture deeply connected with Shugendo, a Japanese tradition of mountain asceticism. Passed down for generations by ascetics practicing in the mountains, this cuisine makes thoughtful use of wild mountain vegetables, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and other ingredients gathered from the...»
Budōha Mochi is a traditional local food that has long been enjoyed in the Asahi area of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. This distinctive rice cake is known for its subtle purple color, created using grape leaves, and has traditionally been made in areas such as Ōami and Tamugimata. As its name suggests, Budōha Mochi is a unique type of mochi made with grape leaves. Using traditional preparat...»
Okitsunehan is a traditional confection from Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, made from a dough containing black sugar and azuki red beans. The dough is shaped using a wooden mold carved in the form of a fox mask, giving the sweet its distinctive appearance. With its simple yet flavorful taste, gentle sweetness, and unique texture, Okitsunehan is a local specialty that offers a glimpse into th...»
Beni Ebi is a type of sweet shrimp caught along the Shonai Coast of Yamagata Prefecture. The Shonai Coast is known as one of Japan’s important shrimp-producing areas. At Nezugaseki Port in Tsuruoka City, freshly caught shrimp are packed into boxes while still aboard the fishing boats, helping preserve their freshness until they are brought ashore....»
Yamagata log-grown shiitake mushrooms are prized for their rich aroma, thick flesh, and firm texture. They are cultivated amid the abundant natural environment of Yamagata Prefecture, where the humid summer climate of the Shonai region is considered well suited to shiitake cultivation. Using traditional cultivation methods that grow the mushrooms directly on natural logs, local producers take adv...»
Gyoja garlic is a wild mountain vegetable known for its strong aroma and flavor, which are reminiscent of garlic. Its Japanese name is traditionally said to come from gyoja, the mountain ascetics who practiced rigorous religious training in remote mountain areas and are believed to have eaten the plant as a nourishing food. Several regional varieties of gyoja garlic can be found across Japan. The...»
Imokko Botamochi is a traditional local dish passed down in the Matsugaoka area of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is made by cooking locally grown taro and rice together, then mashing the mixture and shaping it into round, dumpling-like pieces. The combination of gently flavored taro and the savory taste of rice creates a simple yet satisfying dish. Its soft, sticky texture is one of its ...»
Denkurosaki Persimmon is a rare variety of persimmon that has been cultivated in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture for generations. Compared with the widely distributed Shonai persimmon, Denkurosaki is known for its particularly rich sweetness and exceptionally smooth, melting texture. Its tropical fruit-like character is sometimes compared to mango or papaya, making it a distinctive autum...»
Yamagata black sea bream is a fish that has been enjoyed along the coast of the Shonai region for generations. The coastal waters around Tsuruoka are particularly well known as a popular destination for black sea bream fishing, and the fish has a deep connection with the region’s history and food culture....»
Yamagata Pickled Red Turnips are a traditional Japanese pickle that has been enjoyed in Yamagata Prefecture for generations. Red turnips are pickled in a sweet-and-sour mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, creating a strikingly bright color, a crisp texture, and a refreshing balance of sweetness and acidity. The colorful appearance and crunchy bite make this pickle a distinctive part of Yamagata’...»
Shonai Fu is a traditional food from the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture that has been enjoyed since the Edo period (1603–1868). It is a type of yaki-fu, or baked wheat gluten, made by kneading gluten, the protein extracted from wheat flour, together with wheat flour and water before baking it. Its most distinctive feature is its unusual flat, sheet-like shape, which is relatively rare among...»
Makomodake is an edible vegetable that grows from Makomo, an aquatic grass belonging to the rice family. Makomo commonly grows in groups around ponds, marshes, and other wet areas. When a type of smut fungus infects the lower stems of the Makomo plant, part of the stem swells and becomes edible. The resulting vegetable has an elongated shape resembling a bamboo shoot and is known as Makomodake. ...»
Marron is one of the signature traditional sweets of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is a flagship confection made by Kimuraya, a long-established confectionery founded in 1887. For generations, it has been enjoyed by local residents and is a popular choice as a souvenir or gift from Tsuruoka....»
Tsuruoka Anglerfish is one of the representative winter seafood specialties of the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. With its unusual appearance, anglerfish may look like a rather distinctive fish at first glance. However, many different parts of the fish can be used in cooking, making it highly valued for its rich, concentrated flavor....»
Gassan Wine is one of the signature local specialties of the Asahi area of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is made using Japanese mountain grapes, a native variety that has long grown wild in the mountainous countryside surrounded by the Asahi Mountain Range. These grapes, nurtured by the area's rich natural environment, give Gassan Wine a distinctive character closely connected to the lan...»
Kokyo is one of the signature Japanese sweets made by Kimuraya, a long-established confectionery shop in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The sweet is inspired by an ancient bronze mirror excavated from Kagami-ike Pond on Mount Haguro, one of the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa. Its connection to an archaeological discovery gives Kokyo a distinctive historical character. Enjoying this tradition...»
Fujishima Manju is a traditional local confection that has long been enjoyed in the former Fujishima area of Higashitagawa District, Yamagata Prefecture. It is so familiar to local residents that it is often said to be a sweet that virtually everyone in the area knows. Fujishima Manju is also a popular souvenir representing the Fujishima area, offering visitors a simple taste of the region's trad...»
Howaito Pari Roll is a popular sweet created in Yamagata Prefecture. This distinctive Swiss roll is known for its striking pure white appearance, as well as its moist, chewy sponge and smooth fresh cream filling. It has attracted attention through various media appearances and has become a well-known specialty of Yamagata. The combination of the soft, pleasantly chewy sponge and delicate cream cr...»
Alche Puree is a popular tomato-based product made with locally grown tomatoes from the Kushibiki area of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It was jointly developed by Chef Masayuki Okuda of the Italian restaurant Al Ché-cciano in Kushibiki and Sancho Agri, a local direct-sales facility in Tsuruoka. The product is designed to make the most of the natural flavor of Kushibiki tomatoes, creating a...»
Gassan Shrine stands at the summit of sacred Mount Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture, at an elevation of 1,984 meters. Mount Gassan is one of the three sacred mountains known as Dewa Sanzan, and the area has been revered for centuries as a center of mountain worship and Shugendō, a Japanese religious tradition involving ascetic practices in the mountains. The shrine continues to attract many pilgrims...»
Mount Gassan is a 1,984-meter-high mountain located in the southern part of the Dewa Mountains in central Yamagata Prefecture. Although it was formed by volcanic activity, the volcano is no longer active. Today, Mount Gassan is known as a sacred mountain with abundant natural beauty and a long history of religious devotion. The mountain area is designated as a Special Protection Zone of Bandai-As...»
Yudonosan Shrine is located on the mountainside of Mount Yudono in Tamugimata, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. One of the three sacred mountains known as Dewa Sanzan, Mount Yudono has long been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship and Shugendō. The shrine continues to attract pilgrims, mountain ascetics, and visitors seeking to experience its unique spiritual atmosphere. Mount Yudono ...»
Mount Yudono is a 1,500-meter-high mountain spanning Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture and Nishikawa Town in Nishimurayama District. Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Haguro, it forms the Dewa Sanzan, or "Three Mountains of Dewa." For centuries, Mount Yudono has been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship and Shugendō, a Japanese tradition of ascetic mountain practice. Surrounded by a...»
Ryuo-son Zenpoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. The temple has long been associated with the worship of dragon deities, believed to protect the sea, and has attracted worshippers from across Japan, particularly fishermen and others who pray for safe voyages and abundant catches. The spacious temple grounds contain numerous historically significant buildings...»
Chido Museum is a museum in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the history and culture of the Shonai region. The museum occupies an extensive site that was once part of the third bailey of Tsurugaoka Castle, where the Sakai family, lords of the former Shonai Domain, maintained their official residence. The grounds bring together historic buildings, traditional gardens, and va...»
Shonai Domain School Chidokan is a valuable historic site in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, preserving the history of a hanko, or school established by a feudal domain during the Edo period. Chidokan once served as an educational institution for samurai of the Shonai Domain and played a role in developing the domain's future leaders for approximately 70 years, until 1873. Its origins date back to...»
Ryusuiji Dainichibo Temple is a temple of the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism located in Oami, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Its formal name is Yudonosan Sohonji Ryusuiji Kongo-in Oami Dainichibo, and it has long played an important role in the religious traditions surrounding Mount Yudonosan. According to temple tradition, the temple was founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, the famous Buddhist m...»