Yamagata Castle (Kajo Park): One of Tohoku's Largest Castles Built by Mogami Yoshiaki

Kajo Park (Yamagata Castle Ruins)

Kajo Park in central Yamagata City is the site of Yamagata Castle (Kajo) extensively rebuilt by Mogami Yoshiaki in the Sengoku period. Now a historic site park beloved by residents, stone walls, moats, and reconstructed gates remain.

Highlights

- Reconstructed Higashi-Otemon and Ichimonji Gate: Reconstructed gates conveying the castle's former scale - Second Bailey East Main Gate: Stone walls and gate reconstructed in 1991 - Mogami Yoshiaki History Museum (Adjacent): Exhibits historical materials and belongings related to Mogami Yoshiaki - Cherry Blossoms: Outstanding cherry blossoms in mid-to-late April (one of the city's top blossom spots)

About Mogami Yoshiaki

- Skilled general who grew into a 570,000-koku daimyo in the Sengoku period - Famous for the "Northern Battle of Sekigahara" — repelling Uesugi forces while allied with the Tokugawa

Getting There

- 15-minute walk from JR Yamagata Station - About 15 minutes by car from Yamagata Expressway Yamagata Kita IC

Tips

Kajo Park is a gathering place for residents. Concerts and events are held during cherry blossom season. The "Yamagata City Folklore Museum (Former Saiseikan Main Building)" inside the park is worth seeing — Meiji-era Western-influenced architecture.