Yonezawa Castle and Uesugi Shrine: Ruins of the Famous Castle Where Naoe Kanetsugu and the Uesugi Clan Lie

Yonezawa Castle and Uesugi Shrine

Uesugi Shrine, enshrined on the Yonezawa Castle ruins (Matsugasaki Park) in Yonezawa, Yamagata, is dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin as its main deity. Also associated with Uesugi Kagekatsu and Naoe Kanetsugu, it is a popular historic site for fans of the Sengoku period.

Highlights

- Uesugi Shrine: Prestigious shrine dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin - Uesugi Count's Residence: Former Uesugi count's mansion converted to a restaurant - Uesugi Museum: Historical materials on the Uesugi clan and Yonezawa domain - Naoe Kanetsugu Mausoleum (Rinsenji Temple): Temple where Naoe Kanetsugu is interred - Uesugi Family Mausoleum: Mausoleum of successive domain lords (National Historic Site)

Uesugi Festival

- Uesugi Festival: Yonezawa's largest festival held late April to early May each year - Uesugi Military Parade: Parade of armored warriors - Battle of Kawanakajima Reenactment: Authentic mounted battle reenactment using horses

Getting There

- From JR Yamagata Shinkansen Yonezawa Station: 20-minute walk or bus

Tips

The "Battle of Kawanakajima" (May 3) during the Uesugi Festival is breathtaking. Naoe Kanetsugu's "ai (love)" helmet crest is also popular with fans of the NHK taiga drama "Tenchijin" (2009).