Tsuruoka Shonai Domain and Chido Museum: Former Castle Town Where Shonai Domain Culture Lives On

Tsuruoka History

Tsuruoka, Yamagata, is Yamagata's largest former castle town, flourishing as the castle town of the Shonai domain (Sakai family, 140,000 koku) in the Edo period. Many warrior cultural heritage sites surround the Tsurugaoka Castle ruins, and it is known as the gateway to the Three Mountains of Dewa.

Highlights

- Chido Museum: Outdoor museum featuring the former domain lord's residence, samurai houses, and folk implements storehouse - Shonai Shrine (inside Tsuruoka Park): Shrine dedicated to the Sakai family; cherry blossom spot - Tsuruoka Catholic Church: Meiji-era building designated as a National Important Cultural Property - Former Nishitakawa County Office: Important Cultural Property Western-influenced architecture

Food

- Dadacha-mame: Shonai region specialty edamame - Moso-jiru: Shonai spring regional dish using moso bamboo shoots - Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan

Getting There

- Alight at JR Uetsu Main Line Tsuruoka Station - About 10 minutes by car from Yamagata Expressway Tsuruoka IC

Tips

Chido Museum is an outdoor museum — wear comfortable walking shoes. Local buses from Tsuruoka to Haguro-san and Gassan also operate.