Tsuruoka may not be widely known as a tourist destination, but it’s a mysterious city that captures the hearts of those who visit and never lets go. Even first-time visitors often feel a strange sense of nostalgia—or find themselves wanting to return for reasons they can’t quite explain. It’s not about convenience or luxury—Tsuruoka is filled with the raw, authentic charm of Japan itself. There’s something truly special here that draws people in. Here are seven secrets behind Tsuruoka’s unique appeal.
1. **“Living in Harmony with Nature” — A Place Where You Can Fully Experience All Four Seasons**
Tsuruoka is home to the breathtaking Dewa Sanzan—Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono—where the changing seasons unfold like a series of living paintings. In spring, cherry blossoms dance in the breeze. In summer, lush greenery soothes the soul. In autumn, the mountains blaze with vibrant reds and golds. And in winter, a serene blanket of snow transforms the landscape. Here, people take the time to embrace each season and live in deep connection with nature. As a sacred site of mountain worship, the region has long upheld a reverence for the natural world—a way of life rooted in harmony rather than conquest. This slower, nature-rich lifestyle—so different from the city—continues to draw and inspire those who visit.
2. **“Abundance of Food That Nourishes the Soul” — A Culinary Culture Shaped by the Land**
The Shonai Plain boasts exceptionally fertile soil, producing unique local specialties like dadacha soybeans, Shonai rice, Iwagaki oysters, and Shonai melons—ingredients you can’t find anywhere else. Tsuruoka is filled with restaurants and markets that serve dishes made with these fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a paradise for food lovers. It’s a place where you can truly taste the richness of the land through every meal.
3. **“The Allure of Deep History and Tradition” — The Spirit of Japan Passed Down Through Generations**
Tsuruoka is a city steeped in history. At places like the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site, former samurai once traded their swords for farming tools, paving the way for a new era. The city also offers rich opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture—such as shōjin ryōri (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and calligraphy workshops. Here, you can truly feel the enduring spirit of the samurai and connect with the heart of old Japan.
4. “A Heartfelt Community” — The Warmth Born from Strong Local Bonds
The people of Tsuruoka are warm, kind, and welcoming. Visitors are naturally embraced by the community and often find themselves joining local events and gatherings with ease. Even on your first visit, you might feel as if you’ve returned to a hometown you never knew you had—such is the gentle, heartfelt atmosphere of this place.
5. **“A Life Filled with Peace and Tranquility” — A Richness Far from the Noise of the City**
Tsuruoka may not be the most convenient place in terms of transportation—but that very “inconvenience” is part of its charm. Missing a train or bus might mean waiting an hour or two for the next one, but even then, there’s no rush. Instead, you learn to embrace the slow pace and savor the quiet moments. Here, you’ll find a rare kind of richness—the luxury of unhurried time, free from pressure or noise.
6. **“A Place Where You Can Truly Be Yourself” — A Land of New Beginnings and Bold Challenges**
In Tsuruoka, more and more people are taking on new challenges—reviving vacant homes, starting guesthouses, and building unique lifestyles. Thanks to the freedom and flexibility that rural life allows, bold ideas are welcomed here. With strong support from both the local community and the city government, Tsuruoka offers an ideal environment for those who want to live in a way that feels true to themselves.
7. **“This Is the Japan You’ve Been Searching For” — Untouched Beauty Beyond the Tourist Trail**
Tsuruoka has remained refreshingly unpolished as a tourist destination. Its natural landscapes and historic townscapes are preserved just as they are—free from overdevelopment or artificial attractions. Unlike heavily touristed areas, you won’t find unsightly graffiti or an overload of warning signs. Instead, Tsuruoka offers a peaceful setting where you can take your time and soak in the quiet beauty of traditional Japan.
**“A Hidden Haven Just for You” — The Quiet Value Few Have Discovered**
One of Tsuruoka’s greatest charms is how little known it still is. People with no prior connection to the city often find themselves drawn back again and again, as if discovering a secret hideaway. It’s not a place that reveals its beauty to just anyone—you have to see it, feel it, to truly understand. For many, it becomes a quiet refuge from the busyness and stress of city life—a deeply personal retreat that quietly captures their heart.
🏡Accommodation is available at the Guest House Watasagi!
Easily accessible from central Tsuruoka, it's the perfect base for exploring Dewa Sanzan! **WataUsagi**, a guesthouse with kitchen facilities and ideal for long-term stays, is also a great place to relax and recharge—before or after your pilgrimage or mountain trek. ✨
Guesthouse WataUsagi is uniquely located right between the three sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan— making it the perfect place to stay for those exploring all three mountains.
We hope you will enjoy Tsuruoka and Shonai to the fullest with Guesthouse Watasagi as your base 😊.
We also promote the attractions of our local areas of Yamagata, Tsuruoka, and Shonai. The latest updates are posted on Instagram. Please follow us and stay tuned💕
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