Starting from Shonai Shrine, located in the center of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, there are many spots where you can learn deeply about the history and culture of Tsuruoka. This time, we would like to introduce 10 recommended spots in and around Shonai Shrine that we recommend that guests staying at Guest House Watausagi visit.
Shonai Shrine
Shonai Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Tadakatsu Sakai, the first lord of the Shonai domain.
It is loved by citizens as the local deity. Recently, they have been gaining fans with their seasonal flower washes and elaborate goshuin stamps.
Tsuruoka Park
Tsuruoka Park, which is adjacent to Shonai Shrine, has a promenade and is perfect for enjoying a relaxing time. Inside the park, you can not only take a walk, but also visit the Taihokan and the former samurai residences where you can experience the history and culture of Tsuruoka. Approximately 700 cherry trees bloom in spring, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Shuhei Fujisawa Memorial Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of Shuhei Fujisawa, a famous historical novel writer from Tsuruoka City. His works strongly reflect the climate and history of the Shonai region, making it a very interesting spot to learn about the area.
Tsuruoka Catholic Church
Tsuruoka Catholic Church, located near Shonai Shrine, is a Gothic-style church built during the Meiji period. This church, with its distinctive white walls and spire, is a beautiful building with an exotic feel, and is loved by local residents and tourists alike.
The stained glass inside the church is also very beautiful, giving it a solemn atmosphere. The church can be visited. You can enjoy the townscape of Tsuruoka City, where historic buildings remain, and the scenery where different cultures harmonize.
Taihokan
Taihokan, one of Tsuruoka City's historical buildings, is a beautiful Western-style building built in the Taisho period.
Currently, it is a museum where exhibits about famous people from Tsuruoka City are held.
The building itself, which gives off a Taisho-roman feel, is worth a visit, and you can enjoy it along with the cultural and historical materials displayed inside.
It is a spot where you can experience the cultural side of Tsuruoka, with a retro atmosphere that attracts visitors and a space where you can feel the weight of history.
Former Kazama family residence (Heishindo)
The former Kazama family residence is a valuable building that still conveys the atmosphere of a merchant house that flourished in the Edo period.
The Kazama family is known as an official merchant of the Shonai clan, and you can get a close-up feel of its historic architectural style and merchant lifestyle.
Inside the building, furniture and furnishings from that time are also on display, allowing you to experience the life of a merchant during the Edo period.
This place is recommended for those who like historical buildings and those who like to stroll through old-fashioned townscapes.
Chido Museum
The Chido Museum, adjacent to Shonai Shrine, displays many valuable materials related to the history and culture of the Shonai region. The samurai residences and school buildings of the former Shonai domain have been relocated, making it a facility where you can experience the life and culture of the time. The grounds are a combination of historical buildings and beautiful gardens, and you can have plenty of fun just by strolling around them. This is a must-see spot for those who want to deeply understand the history of the Shonai clan.
Recently, it has become a popular spot among sword girls, who have a strong reputation for bribery when it comes to swords.
Chidokan
Chidokan was a domain school of the Shonai domain established in the Edo period, where the samurai of the time studied. You can learn about the history of the educational facility where feudal samurai learned their studies and martial arts, and the building is still preserved today. Inside, the tools and books used to educate feudal samurai are on display, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of education during the Edo period. It is one of the few remaining historical buildings in Tsuruoka City, and is a recommended spot for history buffs.
Shogin Takuto Tsuruoka
Shogin Takuto Tsuruoka is a hall known as a center of culture and art in Tsuruoka City. A variety of cultural events, including music concerts and stage performances, are held here, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.
In addition to the various events held here, the building itself is popular among architecture enthusiasts, and many people come from all over the country to see it.
Tsuruoka Art Forum
Tsuruoka Art Forum is a cultural facility where contemporary art and local artists' works are exhibited, as well as art workshops. Different exhibits and events are held each time you visit, allowing you to spend time experiencing art.
summary
These 10 spots are places where you can fully experience the charm of Tsuruoka City. I hope you will enjoy the city of Tsuruoka while experiencing its history, culture, nature, and art.
We have compiled a list of the spots introduced here on Google Maps for you to use.
鶴岡市中心部の観光マップ
Guest House Watausagi is a popular inn for guests who like temples, shrines, and power spots.
This guest house is located right between Dewa Sanzan Shrine and Zenpoji Temple.
People who are interested in nature, mountain worship, and dragon gods gather from all over the country and around the world.
I would like you to enjoy visiting power spots and local hot springs using Guest House Watausagi as your base 😊
Click here for a map of recommended spots around Watausagi
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