5 Stunning Cherry Blossom Spots In Yamagata: Castles, Festivals, And More!

Mid-April Is the Peak Season for Cherry Blossoms in Yamagata!

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In Yamagata, the cherry blossom season lasts from mid- to late April. There are many sakura (cherry blossom) viewing spots all around the prefecture. This article introduces five places where visitors can enjoy the beauty of these fleeting flowers while tasting excellent food and experiencing the local culture all at once.

Read on to learn about spring events, castles, hot springs, and regional cuisine that can be enjoyed during the cherry blossom season in Yamagata.

1. Kajo Park - Home to One of Japan's Top Castles

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Located in the heart of Yamagata City, Kajo Park stands on the former site of Yamagata Castle. The castle was reportedly built by the Mogami Clan, who ruled the current Yamagata region in the medieval period.

The park was registered as a historic site by the Japanese government in 1986. It was also chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles in 2006.

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During the cherry blossom season, 1,500 cherry trees will be in full bloom. Visitors should not miss this spectacular view of the castle's stone base and white walls together with the blossoms—a sight that can only be seen in Japan. If you're lucky, you may even snap a photograph of this seasonal backdrop with with the trains passing by.

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The trees will be illuminated at night, mainly near the Higashi-Otemon Gate (the castle's east gate). Don't miss the night view of the weeping cherry trees by the moat. Various events, such as the Dai-Chakai (Grand Tea Ceremony) will also be held here.

Kajo Park

1-7 Kajocho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0826

A park that maintains Yamagata Castle, a nationally designated historic site. There are about 1,500 cherry blossom trees in the park, some of which are over 600 years old, making it one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Yamagata City. In addition, there are facilities in the park where you can experience history, such as the Old Saiseikan, which is a Meiji-era building that was relocated from the former city hospital, and the Yamagata Prefectural Museum. and the Yamagata Museum of Art.

2. Tendo ParK - The Venue for Human Shogi

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Tendo, a city renowned for manufacturing of shogi (*1) pieces, hosts the Tendo Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) in mid-April when the seasonal flowers begin to bloom.

Located at the top of Mt. Maizuru, Human Shogi (Japanese) will be held at Tendo Park. This is a shogi match where participants dressed in armor and kimonos become human manifestations of shogi pieces played on a large board in the park filled with 2,000 cherry trees.

*1 Shogi: a Japanese board game for two contestants that resembles chess.

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In case of bad weather, the event will be moved from the park to Tendo Civic Cultural Hall, an indoor facility. If you have the chance, don't miss out on this unique event.

Tendo Park (Maizurusan)

Tendo character Shiroyama, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture 994-0000

Located at the top of Mt. Maizuru, this park is home to around 2,000 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry trees. Many of the trees were planted by our ancestors who dreamed of making Mt. Maizuru a mountain of cherry blossoms, and the first record of a cherry tree being planted dates back to 1902 (Meiji 35). During the cherry blossom viewing season, a "human shogi" game is held, in which warriors and ladies-in-waiting dressed in armor and kimonos play against each other as shogi pieces.

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The Kurazu River, which runs through Tendo City, is lined with cherry trees on both sides. The trees will be illuminated during spring with lights extending for about 720 meters. This is a superb spot to truly enjoy the romantic view of the weeping cherry trees.

3. Tsuruoka Park - An Ancient Japanese Cedar Tree Among the Cherry Blossoms

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Tsuruoka Park is built on the former site of the Tsurugaoka Castle. The government office of the Shonai province (*2), which ruled this area during the Edo Period, was housed in the castle. The park boasts a sugi (Japanese cedar) tree which is said to be a few hundred years old. The restored remains of the castle, including the moat and the stone base, are also worth seeing.

During the sakura season, approximately 730 cherry trees bloom, creating a fantastic scenery. This is the reason why the park was selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.

*2 Province (han): a feudal domain in the Edo Period.

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Tsuruoka Sakura Matsuri (Japanese) is held in mid-April. The blossoms, food stands, and the row of lanterns all contribute in creating a festive atmosphere.

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Various events, such as tea ceremonies, Japanese confection-making workshops, and a katchu (body armor) workshops will also be held.

Tsurugaoka Castle Ruins Park (Tsuruoka Park)

4-1 Baba-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata 997-0035

Tsuruoka Park, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," is home to approximately 710 cherry trees in full bloom, including Somei-Yoshino, Yaezakura, and Weeping Cherry. The park is lined with many outdoor stalls, making it Tsuruoka's busiest cherry blossom viewing spot. It is also one of the earliest cherry blossom viewing spots in Yamagata Prefecture.

4. Matsugasaki Park - A Dreamlike View! A Red Bridge and Cherry Blossoms

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Located in Yonezawa City, Matsugasaki Park is built on the former site of the Yonezawa Castle. Uesugi Jinja, which enshrines Uesugi Kenshin—a famous warlord of the Sengoku Period—is situated inside the park, making it a special place for Yonezawa citizens.

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During the season, more than 200 cherry trees on both sides of the moat will bloom, creating a grand sight along the castle walls. Don't miss the Hishimon Bridge, which spans over the canal against a backdrop of blossoms.

Visitors to Yonezawa should definitely try the Yonezawa Beef. Various dishes such as shabu-shabu, steak, and sukiyaki can all be tasted here at a reasonable price. Please take a look at this article about Yonezawa cuisine for details.

Matsugasaki Park

1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0052

Approximately 200 cherry trees bloom along the moat of Matsugasaki Park (Uesugi Shrine) in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Every year, the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival is held during the cherry blossom season. This historical event coincides with the shrine's annual festival in memory of Uesugi Kenshin, and features the Battle of Kawanakajima, in which 800 warlords fight, the Uesugi procession, a parade, and Japanese drum performances.

5. Eboshiyama Park - A Sakura Viewing Spot by the Hot Springs

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Eboshiyama Park, located near Akayu Onsen (hot springs) in Nanyo City, boasts more than a 1,000 cherry trees of 20 different varieties. The number of Edo Higan Cherry Trees, an early-flowering type, is one of the largest in Japan. This park was also chosen as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

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Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine can be found inside the park. The shrine is famous for answering prayers for the well-being of one's family and traffic safety. A stone-built torii gate, the largest of its kind in Japan, stands at the end of the approach, which is lined with weeping cherry trees. From the shrine, visitors can enjoy a view of the Akayu Onsen area.

Picture courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture

After checking out the cherry blossoms, park visitors should take a break at Akayu Onsen. It is said that this hot spring is good for healing scars and neuralgia.

Eboshiyama Park

1415 Akayu, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-2211

Eboshiyama Park is a park located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is the southern starting point of the Okitama Sakura Corridor, and was selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in March 1990. It is known as "Eboshiyama Senbonzakura" (Eboshiyama Thousand Cherry Blossoms) because it is home to roughly 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom. It is also one of Japan's leading areas for Edo higan cherry blossoms.

Unique Viewing Spots of Yamagata Prefecture

There aren't many viewing spots where visitors can appreciate hot springs, regional food, and castles all while admiring the cherry blossoms. However, the places mentioned above should fulfill the unique wishes of those who want to take in all of the sights of Yamagata!

For more information on beautiful places to visit in Yamagata, please check our special feature on Yamagata and Niigata.