Access
AomoriShin-Aomori

Hachinohe

Aomori Prefecture

UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Akita Prefecture

AKITA SHINKANSEN

MoriokaAkita

Iwate Prefecture

TOHOKU

Shonai Airport（SYO）

Let us have an adventure aroundthe Northern part of Japane

TSURUOKA

Shonai Airport（SYO）

Yamagata

Niigata
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Haneda Airport（HND）
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Niigata Prefecture

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Fukushima PrefectureSHINKANSENOmiyaTOKYO
Haneda Airport（HND）

From Tokyo:

By train (with JR pass)
Tokyo Station (Joetsu Shinkansen, 2 hours)→ Niigata Station→ Tsuruoka Station (1 hour 40 minutes)
By airplane
Haneda Airport (HND)→Shonai Airport (SYO) 1 hour
→Shuttle bus to Tsuruoka Station ( 20 minutes)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
at (tsuruoka@degam.jp) or take a look at our website.

www.tsuruokacity.com
Languages supported: English, French, JapaneseTsuruoka

Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture is located on the southern part ofthe Shonai plain, one of the largest grain-producing areas in Japan.
Tsuruoka is surrounded by mountains, the Dewa-Sanzan mountains,Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono, in the east, and by the Asahi Renpo
Mountain Range in the south. Both Dewa-Sanzan and the Asahi Renpo belong
to The Bandai Asahi National Park. Tsuruoka faces the Japan Sea in Yamagata
Prefecture, and the city is a beautiful place with an abundance of nature.
In 2014, Tsuruoka was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it
was the first place in Japan to receive this honor. The cuisine of Tsuruoka isinfluenced by the ingredients and food people get from, the sea, mountains,rivers, and the food cultivated by people from the local villages, where theycreated traditional dishes and a local food culture. Tsuruoka has a richrepository of delicious foods, such as fresh seafood, edible wild plants and rice
harvested from Shonai plain.
Tsuruoka has full of attractions, such as, an aquarium, which
has one of the largest jellyfish tanks in the world, it has acastle town culture, and four hot springs, By JR it takes
around four hours from Tokyo via Niigata, and fourand a half hours from Sendai via Yamagata. It isvery handy for people who want to travel around
Northern Japan (Tohoku) to use a JR pass. You
can also come to Tsuruoka, by plane or bus.

Tohoku region
Yamagata
Prefecture

TSURUOKATOKYONature, pilgrimage, outdoor activities

TSACRED MOUNTAINS, DEWA SANZAN

he place that must be visited on any trip to Tsuruoka
is Dewa-Sanzan. Dewa-Sanzan is the collective
name given to the three sacred mountains, Mt.
Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono and it is one of thethree main sites of Shugendo in Japan.
Yamabushi who are ascetic monks, undergo periods oflong training in the mountains with the goal of attaining
Buddhahood and communicating with the gods. The
number of Yamabushi has been decreasing year by year,
but their training continues. How about walking along thesacred road which has a history of more than 1,400 years tomeet a Yamambushi?

1. Mt. Haguro

Nature, Pilgrimage
and Outdoor Activities
3Time required: Two hours ~ Half a dayMt. Haguro has a height of 414m, is the smallest mountainamong the Dewa-Sanzan Mountains, it is the only mountainthat can be visited all year, even during the winter season.
The entrance path leading to the Dewa Shrine at the peakhas 2446 stone steps along an avenue of cedars (This routehas received three stars in the Michelin Green Guide) and it
takes around one hour to one and a half hours. Mt. Haguro
represents the present world and pilgrims pray for happiness.

2. Mt. Gassan

3. Mt. Yudono

Time required:
Two and a half hours, one wayMt. Gassan is the highest mountain among the Dewa-Sanzan
mountains with an elevation of 1984m. Mt. Gassan is one of the
100 top mountains in Japan. Climbing Mt. Gassan is possible
from the first of July to early October. And Mt. Gassan is called‘The Past World’ mountain, and the pilgrims who visit here
pray for the souls of their ancestors.

Time required:
One~Five hours, one way

From Mt. Gassan to Mt.Yudono, it takes more than three andhalf hours. Mt. Yudono represents the Future, and pilgrims
pray for the rebirth of a deceased loved one. Also, many
Sokusinbutu mummies are enshrined on Mt. Yudono.

4

Culture, History, and Tradition

SPIRIT AND RELIGIONA

re you interested in Japanese culture and history?
How about visiting Tsuruoka to discover new
aspects of Japanese culture? You will be guided
through historic shrines and temples, and a mummy,called Sokusinbutsu.
Kitamaebune (cargo ships that sailed during the Edo
period), connected Northern Japan with Kyoto on the Sea
of Japan side, bringing many goods, riches, and culture
to the Tohoku region. Kamo was a port of call of for theKitamaebune in the Tsuruoka area. Tsuruoka is a citythat still has a lord. You can learn about the lord throughvisiting historical facilities and buildings which we canintroduce to you.

4. Zenpoji

Time required: Around One ~ Three hours

Zenpoji is known nationwide as the temple of Ryujin, thedragon god. It is the Guardian deity of the sea, and many
worshipers visit Zenpoji throughout the year. There aremany valuable buildings in the temple precincts, e.g. The
Five-Storied Pagoda, and at the back of the temple grounds

Culture, Historyand Tradition
55. Shonai Shrine

is Kaikui Pond, which is said to be the home of two dragongods, which create a mysterious atmosphere in the deep
green forest. You can also conduct Zen meditation and have
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at Zenpoji.

Time required: One hour

Shonai Shrine is the historical shrine of the Shonai clan, and it
was built on the site of the ruins of the main building of Tsuruga
Castle in 1877. In the temple precincts you can see weapons andarts and crafts, and other items in connection with the Lord ofthe Shonai clan on display in the Homotsuden, treasure house.

6Gastronomy and Cuisine Experience

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITS

Gastronomy and Cuisine Experience

Tsuruoka, which was the first city to be designated in Japan as a UNESCO Creative City of
Gastronomy has many restaurants that offer wonderful ingredients and dishes that bring out
the best of each food.
In Tsuruoka, there are 60 indigenous crops which have been cultivated while preserving the characteristics
of each species over generations. Local green soybeans “Dadacha mame”, “Atsumi turnips” and “Shonaipersimmons”, for instance. These indigenous crops are used as important ingredients in many traditional
dishes and chefs come up with creative usages with these indigenous crops.

6. Chido Museum
Located west of Tsuruoka Park, this facility is essential inlearning about the history and culture of Tsuruoka. It hadoriginally been an official residence of the Sakai family ofShonai, who were the lords of the Shonai Domain, and it has
been opened to the public as a museum. Invaluable historicalbuildings such as the former Nishitagawa District Office, theShibuya Family Home, which is a multi-story house, the former

Time required: Around 1 ~ 2 hours
Tsuruoka Police Station are registered among the Nationally
Designated Important Cultural Properties list. The buildings
were all relocated to inside the museum's property, the Sakai
Garden, which is a Samurai-style Garden. Many exhibits areenrolled as important Tangible Folklore Cultural Property, andare National Important Folklore Cultural Assets because they
depict life and culture in Shonai.

9. Shojin-ryori, or vegetarian

10. Tsuruoka Style Confections

The Dewa-Sanzan area serves traditional Buddhistvegetarian meals that are eaten by Yamabushi. Theirvegetarian meals include all aspects and varieties ofShintoism cuisine, due to conversion from Buddhism
to Shintoism, which occurred in the 19th century. This
conversion made their vegetarian meals filling unlike
ordinary Buddhist vegetarian meals. The chief chef ofSaikan, the restaurant on top of Mt. Haguro can teach you
how to cook their representative dishes like Goma Dofu
(sesame tofu), Tempura of Edible Wild Plants and Miso
Soup with Nameko Mushrooms. (Time required: Around 1~ 2 hours)The culture of making confections specially for theDoll Festivals had been brought to the Tsuruoka areaby merchants on ships from Kyoto. Back then, theconfections were no more than decorative sugar crafts, butconfectioners in Tsuruoka have made refinements over along period of time, resulting in today’s sweets being a soft
confection made of sweet bean, that comes in the shapesof local foods. They come in a variety of shapes and colors
like lovely sea breams, bamboo shoots, cherries, tangerines
and salmon, for instance. Why not experience making
these sweet bean confections at one of the oldest Japanesestyle confectioners in Tsuruoka.

cuisine of Dewa-sanzan

7. Chidokan

Time required: One hour

Chidokan was a han-school established by the Shonai clan,
and in the school Soraigaku was taught. Today, the front gate,mausoleum, lecture room and inner rooms or Oirinoma,
which is the Entrance Hall consisting of four rooms, whichwere especially made as an entrance for feudal lords’ and chiefretainers are opened to the public as a historic site designatedby the National Government. Chidokan is the only existingbuilding of its type in the Tohoku region. Chidokan is known
for its historical and cultural value.

78. Matsugaoka Craft Parkfor the Doll Festival

After the Meiji Restoration, Samurai warriors put their swords
down and instead, picked up hoes to start agricultural andother industries here. For example, they raised mulberry trees
to grow silkworms and produce silk products. This cultivatedland is designated as a National Historic Site.

8Onsen (Hot springs) and Hotels

YUNOHAMA ONSEN

Tsuruoka has four nearby hot spring villages. In Yunohama
Onsen you would enjoy the sunset from the beach, in Atsumi
Onsen you can enjoy scenic walks alongside the Atsumi
River. Some people call Yura Onsen the Enoshima of Tohoku region,and Yutagawa Onsen is also called the backyard of Tsuruoka.
Each of these four hot springs have appeals of their own. You canenjoy them as either as a part of day trip or as an overnight stay.

11. Yunohama Bathing Beach
Yunohama is one of the major hot spring villages inYamagata prefecture. This hot spring dates from the 11thcentury, when a fisherman happened to witness a sea

turtle healing its wound in hot water. Yunohama is one ofthe foremost relaxing destinations with options of tryingout marine sports.

ATSUMI ONSEN

Onsen and Hotels
9Onsen (Hot springs)

12. Atsumi River
Atsumi Onsen is best seen in late April, with a hundred cherry
blossoms in bloom mainly along the Atsumi River. Atsumi
Onsen is said to have originated 1300 years ago when Kukai(or En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo in the Legend)

struck the ground with his cane, and from that spot hot waterwith beneficial properties gushed out of the ground. Atsumi
Onsen Rose Garden, is in bloom from June to October, it isbest seen from June to July.

10Onsen (Hot springs) and Hotels

HOTELSYURA ONSEN

13. Yura Bathing Beach
Yura Onsen has been selected as one of the top 100
beaches in Japan, and one of the top 100 places to see asunset in Japan as well. At Hakusan island, the symbol of

Yura coast, there is a shrine and fishing hole. The fishinghole is available from late April to early October.

YUTAGAWA ONSEN

HOTEL
15. SHONAI
SUIDEN TERRASSE

16. Tokyo Dai-Ichi Hotel Tsuruoka

SUIDEN TERRASSE is a new hotel designed by the prestigious
architect, Shigeru Ban who has won The Pritzker Architecture
Prize. This hotel is built on a rice field and features a woodeninterior that exudes a timeless and calm atmosphere. It also
features a gym, a hot spring, and a library.

We recommend Tokyo Dai-Ichi Hotel Tsuruoka as a hotelnear the station. It is adjacent to the shopping mall and thebus terminal. It is just a five-minute walk away from the trainstation. It has a hot spring, two restaurants, several meetingrooms and ceremony halls. The hotel can arrange a birthday
party or a wedding party if you make a request.

ABOUT DEWA SANZAN SHUKUBO

17. Dewa Sanzan Shukubo

14. Yutagawa Onsen

A Shukubo is traditionally a house for Buddhist pilgrims
Yutagawa Onsen marked its start 1300 years ago. In theMiddle Ages, pilgrims worn out from religious trainings
stopped by to bathe. Most inns in this area are compact,

11

and it has a family-like atmosphere, Yutagawa Onsen isbetter suited for visits in small groups and family trips,rather than a group tour.

and the place where visitors prepare mentally to achieve
their ascetic practices. The lodgings in Dewa-Sanzan
are of Shinto origins, and they all are owned by theYamabushi mountain priests. Therefore, the foods served

are not completely vegetarian (fish is included in somedishes). We strongly recommend joining the morning
prayer. In the Shukubo, the bathrooms are shared, andthe rooms are rarely locked. There are about 20 Shukubo
in the Haguro area.

12Activities in TsuruokaIt is difficult to summarize the highlights of Tsuruoka
in a few lines. Hiking, pilgrimages and visiting
cultural spots are must-do activities in this area.
Besides that, there are also many hidden attractions andplaces in Northern Japan for an unforgettable time. Kamo
Aquarium is also known as “The World’s Best Jellyfish
Aquarium”, where they successfully breed and exhibit over
60 kinds of jellyfish throughout the year. The aquarium
also works to raise the public awareness of marine issues,
global warming, and marine pollution.
Kamo Aquarium is also known as the "World's Largest
Jellyfish Aquarium" and has successfully bred andexhibited over 60 species of jellyfish throughout the year.
It is also committed to raising public awareness of ocean
issues, global warming, and marine pollution.

18. Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium
Kamo Aquarium had few visitors after the collapse of the 1990’s
economic bubble. At that time, Kazuya Okuizumi who was astaff member looking after jellyfish at the time, helped raise
the appeal of the aquarium by successfully maintaining thejellyfish, which he loved, and by also reorganizing the aquariumsmanagement. He then became the director of the aquarium,
where he successfully developed methods to keep and breed
jellyfish that had short lifespans. Throughout the year, theaquarium displays 60 different types of jellyfish.

TOUR GUIDE

Activities in Tsuruoka
13

19. Haguro Yamabushi Guide
You can have the experience of being a Yamabushi by wearing
white clothing. After worshipping at Dewa-Sanzan Shrine,
you can enjoy eating Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at Saikan, areservation is required.

Time Required: Around Three hours.
Active Period: Whole year, snow shoe rental is required during
the winter season.

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Why not include Tsuruoka in your Tohoku trip

91 By bullet train from Tokyo

2

Visit Niigata (City):
The dance ofGeisha in Niigata,
Saito Family House
Tour, Old town tour
Yamagata Tour:
Yamadera Temple
and Ginzan Onsen

4

6Miyagi tour: Onagawa Port and Ruins of the 2011
Earthquake Disaster, Mt. Kinkazan(There are deer)

15

83Tsuruoka Tour: Dewa Sanzan sacred
mountains, Kamo Aquarium, Zenpoji
Temple, Yunohama Onsen

5

Visiting Tono: Tono
Story Hall (JapaneseFolk Monster), Beer
Tasting, Hop Field Tour

109
Visiting Aomori Prefecture (City):
Discovery of Jomon culture,
Sannai Maruyama Ruins(UNESCOWorld Heritage Site)

118
Hirosaki Tour: Hirosaki
Castle, Shamisen concert
at an Izakaya restaurant

117
Visiting Shirakami
Mountains (UNESCOWorld Heritage Site)

312

Go around Oga,
Namahage in Akita

64
2

Hiraizumi Tour (UNESCOWorld Heritage Site):
Chusonji Temple,
Motsuji Temple, Other
Temples in the area

1012

Fukushima Tour: Mt.
Azuma-Kofuji(BandaiAsahi National Park), Mt.
Adatara, Dake Onsen

7?
5Approximate time required: 12~16 days
The best season: July~OctoberThis itinerary can be done with a JR pass.

After the tour, you will return toTokyo via Niigata or Fukushima.

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