10/04/2026
Just 3 km from Mawatari Yasuragi Park (our previous post) and its 320 cherry trees lies another must-see treasure: the Japan Heritage site of Samurai Silk, Matsugaoka Reclamation Lands.
This is where former warriors of the Shonai Clan reinvented themselves after the Boshin War, transforming once wild land into mulberry fields. Here, they began raising silkworms and producing silk entirely on site,a tradition that continues to this day in Tsuruoka.
Matsugaoka is expected to be at its most beautiful this weekend, just as the cherry blossoms reach their peak.
The Matsugaoka Sakura Festival will take place from 10:00 to 15:00, so expect a lively atmosphere. For the occasion, a free shuttle bus will run from Haguro Chosha on Saturday and Sunday.
About Samurai Silk: https://samurai-yukarino-silk.jp/en/samurai-silk/
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eTW5YX48Xqevyw2n7
Shuttle bus location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Czys4mBgxere3GTj9
(bus that goes there from Tsuruoka station: https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/haguro_tt.html )