Tendo Shogi Town: Human Shogi Chess and Japan's No.1 Shogi Piece Production Area

Tendo Shogi Culture

Tendo, Yamagata, is the "Shogi Hometown" producing about 90% of Japan's shogi pieces. The tradition reportedly began when Tendo domain samurai made pieces as a side job in the Edo period.

Highlights

- Human Shogi: Held each April during the Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival; people dressed as samurai and princesses walk across a giant shogi board - Tendo Shogi Museum: Museum to learn about shogi history and piece-making processes - Shogi Piece Calligraphy Experience: Craft experience learning craftspeople's techniques - Tendo Onsen: Hot spring district flowing through the city

About Human Shogi

- Timing: Third Sunday of April (within the Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival) - Venue: Lawn plaza at Maizuruyama (Tendo Park) - Content: Pro shogi players compete while human "pieces" move according to the game

Getting There

- Alight at JR Ou Main Line Tendo Station (about 15 minutes from Yamagata)

Tips

Human Shogi overlaps with cherry blossom season — very large crowds. Arrive early to secure a viewing spot. Purchase shogi piece souvenirs after bathing in Tendo Onsen.