月曜日 08:30 - 17:30 火曜日 08:30 - 17:30 水曜日 08:30 - 17:30 木曜日 08:30 - 17:30 金曜日 08:30 - 17:30

Tsuruoka: Land of Dewa

ホーム
日本
Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata
Tsuruoka: Land of Dewa

The Official Website of Tsuruoka City Find the latest news and detailed information about the region and the events

30/10/2026

⚠️ BEAR SIGHTING IN CENTRAL TSURUOKA — October 30

We’re sorry for the long silence, we had hoped our first post in months would feature a slightly more welcoming theme!

A bear approximately 70 cm long was spotted today at around 4:35 p.m. in the Sanko-cho area (三光町10番地) of Tsuruoka.

The bear may still be hiding in the urban area. Please take extra care when heading outside nearby.

Residents and visitors in the area are asked to keep doors to homes, sheds and garages closed to prevent the bear from entering, as bears tend to seek out dark places.

If you spot a bear, please report it immediately:
📞 Tsuruoka City Hall: 0235-25-2111
📞 Police: 110

Please stay alert and help us spread the word.

What to do in case of encounter:
https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/plan-your-visit/good-to-know/what-to-know-about-bears/

17/06/2026

Beyond Sake and Sweets: Discover Oyama’s Wild Side! 🌿🍶

Did you know that Oyama suburb in Tsuruoka is famous for much more than its exquisite sake breweries, refreshing kakigori (shaved ice), and delicious sweet potato cakes? It is also a world-class destination for nature lovers!
Just a stone's throw from the town center, you'll find the Ramsar-registered wetlands of Kamiike and Shimoike. This incredible ecosystem is home to the Nature Education Center "Hotoria" and the prime bird-watching spot "Oura Aichokan." 🦆🔭

The dedicated team at Hotoria regularly tracks morning bird sightings. To help our international visitors know exactly what to expect, we’ve just summed up their latest bird-watching list in English! 📝✨

💡 Your Perfect Day Trip in Oyama in June:

-Morning: Bring your binoculars and spot rare birds around the tranquil ponds of Hotoria.
-Take a relaxing stroll among the beautiful blooming hydrangeas at Oyama Park.
-Lunch: Have some ramen at Suzukiya
-Afternoon: Enjoy a stroll around Oyama Park's hydrangea
-Treat yourself to a well-deserved glass of Dewa no Yuki's finest sake after visiting their brewery/museum. 🍶

Click the link below to see which beautiful birds are waiting for you today! 👇
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/9019

16/06/2026

Grilled squid, lion dances, and vibrant fireworks: this summer is going to be full of colors and emotions! 🏮🍧

Read our article about Tsuruoka's main events & festivals from June to July, featuring the Yutagawa Onsen Kagura, the Akagawa Fireworks, Mt. Haguro's Flower Festival, and more:
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/8544

16/06/2026

Tsuruoka is famous for its gastronomy and spiritual heritage, but did you know our ancient forests and wetlands are also a vital sanctuary for some of Japan’s most magnificent birds of prey? 🦅

From the familiar Black Kites soaring over the Akagawa River to the endangered Golden Eagles hidden deep within the Dewa Sanzan mountains, our unique "mountain-to-sea" ecosystem is a paradise for wildlife. Discover a different, wilder side of Tsuruoka in our latest guide:
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/8983 🔭

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 )

10/04/2026

Mawatari River’s Yasuragi Park is another beautiful spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tsuruoka. Blooming slightly later than those in Tsuruoka Park, the 320 sakura trees here are expected to reach full bloom this weekend, weather permitting 🤞

Located just 3.7 km from Yupoka bus stop (on the Haguro–Gassan Hachigome line), the park makes for a perfect spring outing. After soaking in the serene beauty of the blossoms, why not extend the experience with a relaxing bath at Yupoka Yamabushi Onsen?

Bus timetable: https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/haguro_tt.html

Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8n12vXMCaq9VhbLq9

09/04/2026

Zenpoji Temple is another beautiful spot to enjoy during the sakura season 🌸

From the top of the temple’s stairway on the shukubo side, you can catch a stunning view of its Five-Storied Pagoda framed by cherry blossoms, quiet, elegant, and deeply atmospheric.

We’re happy to share a few photos captured by Master Shinozaki.

About Zenpoji Temple:
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/7279

09/04/2026

Our team member Miki-chan just came back with fresh sakura photos from today 🌸

Cherry blossoms are putting on their best show in Tsuruoka right now.

They’re in full bloom at Tsuruoka Park, while Atsumi Onsen is just about to reach its peak. The timing couldn’t be better—but it won’t last long. Those delicate pink petals will soon be carried away by the spring breeze.

If you’ve been thinking about coming, now is the moment.

For the best viewing spots, check out our 2026 cherry blossom guide:
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/8233

06/04/2026

Spring in Tsuruoka is a season of celebrations 🌸

From early April to early June, the region comes alive with a rich variety of matsuri, blending nature, tradition, and community

🌸 Early April
Cherry blossom season begins with the Tsuruoka Sakura Festival in Tsuruoka Park, lively with food stalls under 700 trees. In Atsumi Onsen, the blossoms are illuminated along the river at night, while Matsugaoka offers a unique mix of sakura, historic silk buildings, markets, and evening light ups.

💧 April 15
In Nezugaseki, a dramatic ritual unfolds as young men carry a mikoshi into the river, splashing water to pray for abundant fishing.

💜 May
Wisteria bloom in Fujishima, creating a calm and elegant spring atmosphere. At Kawachi Shrine, traditional Noh and Kabuki performances are offered in a festive yet cultural setting.

🎭 May 25
The Tenjin Matsuri fills Tsuruoka with masked figures offering sake in one of the region’s most unique and lively festivals.

🌿 Late May
The Takitaro Matsuri invites families to enjoy nature in the Asahi mountains with outdoor activities and forest experiences.

⛰ Early June
Mt Yudono opens its sacred season with a solemn ceremony, followed by the lively Oyama Dog Festival celebrating loyalty through parades and local legend.

In Tsuruoka, spring is a journey from blossoms to traditions, offering a new experience each week.

Discover all events here
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/8434

03/04/2026

🌸✨ 2026’s first cherry blossoms have been announced today, April 3! (photos used in this post from previous years)

While it will take a few days before we can observe the full bloom (generally one week after the first blooms have been announced), here’s a selection of our “main” cherry blossoms spots for you to observe the most beautiful sakura in Tsuruoka.

Did you know that Tsuruoka is home to some of the most beautiful sakura spots in northern Japan?

At the heart of it all, Tsuruoka Park—ranked among Japan’s Top 100 cherry blossom viewing sites—bursts into life with around 700 cherry trees surrounding the historic Shonai Shrine 🌸

But the magic doesn’t stop there…
From lively hanami atmospheres with food stalls to peaceful hidden spots across the city, Tsuruoka offers a wide range of ways to experience spring 🌿

🚶‍♀️ Easy access: just 20 minutes on foot from Tsuruoka Station or a short bus ride
🍡 Enjoy festive street food under the blossoms
📸 Discover lesser-known local gems away from the crowds

⏳ Sakura season is short… don’t miss it!

👉 Discover all the best spots here:
https://www.tsuruokacity.com/spot/8233