Uesugi Memorial Hall (Former Uesugi Count’s Residence) is a historic residence in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Built on the former site of the ninomaru, or second bailey, of Yonezawa Castle, the residence preserves the history and culture associated with the Uesugi family.
The original residence was built in 1896 as the main home of Count Uesugi Mochinori, the 14th head of the Uesugi family. At the time, the estate covered approximately 5,000 tsubo, or about 16,500 square meters, with the main building occupying around 530 tsubo, or approximately 1,750 square meters. The residence was destroyed in the great Yonezawa fire of 1919.
The residence was rebuilt in 1925, creating the building that visitors can see today. Its architecture features a refined pure Japanese-style design, constructed mainly from cypress wood with an irimoya-style roof. The grounds are surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden modeled after Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Gardens.
The residence was once known as Kakumeikan and was also used as accommodation for members of the Imperial Family. In recognition of its historical and cultural value, the building was registered as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1997.
Today, the former Uesugi Count’s Residence is not only a place to admire historic architecture but also a destination where visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine from the Yonezawa region.
One of the distinctive elements of the local food culture is katemono. This refers to foods developed as a way of supplementing staple grains with edible plants and other ingredients during years of poor harvests and food shortages. The tradition reflects practical knowledge developed to support everyday life during difficult times.
Visitors can enjoy regional dishes in the tranquil atmosphere of the historic residence while looking out over the garden as it changes with the seasons. The experience offers an opportunity to appreciate both Yonezawa’s culinary heritage and the wisdom of previous generations.
The Japanese garden surrounding the residence was modeled after Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo. Its design harmonizes beautifully with the building’s traditional Japanese architecture, creating a calm and elegant setting.
The garden takes on a different appearance throughout the year. Fresh greenery can be enjoyed in spring, deep green foliage in summer, colorful autumn leaves in fall, and snow-covered scenery in winter. Each season provides a different atmosphere and reason to visit.
The former Uesugi Count’s Residence was built in 1896 on the site of the former ninomaru of Yonezawa Castle as the main residence of Count Uesugi Mochinori, the 14th head of the Uesugi family.
The residence was an exceptionally large estate occupying extensive grounds. However, it was destroyed by the Great Yonezawa Fire of 1919.
The residence was rebuilt in 1925. The present building features a prestigious traditional design with a copper-sheet roof and an irimoya-style roof constructed primarily from Japanese cypress.
The building was designed by architect Seiichiro Chujo, while construction was overseen by Eizo Ebe, a master carpenter known for his craftsmanship. The harmonious combination of architecture and garden creates an elegant space that conveys the status and traditions of the Uesugi family during the period.
The residence was later used as accommodation for members of the Imperial Family, further adding to its historical significance. In 1997, it was registered by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
One of the important historical connections to discover when visiting the residence is the relationship between Uesugi Yozan and the traditional food culture known as katemono.
Yozan, the ninth lord of the Yonezawa Domain, introduced a wide range of reforms in response to the domain’s financial difficulties and repeated poor harvests. His efforts extended beyond frugality to include industrial development, education, and measures to address food shortages.
To prepare for food shortages caused by poor harvests, Yozan ordered domain physicians to study plants that could be used as food. Their research was compiled into a practical dietary guide known as “Katemono.”
Katemono describes how 82 types of plants could be eaten and prepared as supplementary foods alongside staple grains. The guide also contains practical information about making miso and dried foods, as well as methods for preparing fish, birds, and other meats.
This knowledge became an important resource for the people of the Yonezawa Domain during periods of poor harvest. The culinary traditions associated with katemono have survived into the present and remain part of the region’s local food culture.
Uesugi Yozan was born in 1751 as the second son of Akizuki Tanemi, lord of the Takanabe Domain in Hyuga Province. His childhood name was Matsugoro. Because his maternal grandmother was a daughter of Uesugi Tsunanori, the fourth lord of the Yonezawa Domain, he was adopted in 1760 by Uesugi Shigesada, the eighth lord of Yonezawa.
In 1767, at the age of 17, Yozan succeeded as lord of the Yonezawa Domain, which was assessed at 150,000 koku. At the time, the domain faced serious financial difficulties as well as internal divisions among its retainers.
Yozan began efforts to rebuild the domain by introducing strict frugality measures. At the same time, he sought to increase revenue by developing local industries and strengthening the economic foundation of the domain.
He promoted industries such as Yonezawa textiles, Yonezawa carp, and Miyama Japanese paper. He also placed importance on education and promoted the development of human resources through the domain school known as Kojokan.
Major Frugality Edict: Government spending was extensively reviewed and unnecessary expenses were reduced.
Industrial Development: Local industries, including Yonezawa textiles, Yonezawa carp, and Miyama Japanese paper, were encouraged to strengthen the domain’s economic base.
Kojokan Domain School: Education was promoted through the development of a school for the children of samurai families.
Administrative Reform: The administration and operation of the domain were reviewed as part of broader efforts to rebuild Yonezawa.
Uesugi Yozan is widely associated with the saying, “Naseba naru, nasaneba naranu, nanigoto mo”, commonly translated as “Where there is a will, there is a way; without action, nothing can be achieved.”
The phrase is remembered as an expression of the determination to take action and persevere in difficult circumstances. It has become one of the sayings most closely associated with Yozan and the reforms he pursued in Yonezawa.
Yozan handed over leadership of the domain at the age of 35 and retired, but he continued to support the administration of Yonezawa afterward. His wide-ranging efforts in areas such as frugality, industrial development, education, and food security had a lasting influence on the history of the region.
He died in 1822 at the age of 72. His achievements and ideas continue to be remembered in Yonezawa today. In particular, the practical food knowledge represented by katemono has survived through regional cuisine and remains part of the area’s cultural heritage.
Uesugi Memorial Hall (Former Uesugi Count’s Residence) is a cultural attraction where visitors can experience the history of the Uesugi family while appreciating an elegant historic residence and beautiful Japanese garden.
The building provides an opportunity to admire the architectural style of the Meiji and Taisho periods, while the garden offers changing scenery throughout the year. Dining at the residence also provides a chance to discover Yonezawa’s traditional cuisine and the katemono food culture associated with Uesugi Yozan.
Through its architecture, garden, cuisine, and historical stories, the residence offers a distinctive way to experience the heritage of Yonezawa and the enduring cultural legacy of the Uesugi family.