Tsuruoka Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Yamagata region of Japan, Tsuruoka is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. With its serene temples, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional festivals, Tsuruoka promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Japan's history and traditions.

Tsuruoka is home to one of Japan's most revered spiritual sites, the Dewa Sanzan. Consisting of three sacred mountains, Hagurosan, Gassan, and Yudonosan, this mystical pilgrimage route has attracted pilgrims for centuries. Trekking through lush forests and ascending stone stairways, visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of the mountains and witness ancient rituals performed by the local Yamabushi monks.

For those seeking a tranquil escape, the serene Dainichibo Temple provides a peaceful respite. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, this temple offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and reflection. The majestic Buddha statue housed within the temple is a sight to behold, exuding a sense of tranquility that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Tsuruoka is also known for its vibrant festivals that celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage. One such festival is the Shonai Kagura, a traditional dance performance that showcases mythical tales and ancient legends. With its energetic movements, dynamic music, and colorful costumes, the Shonai Kagura captivates audiences and transports them back in time to Japan's folklore.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the breathtaking landscapes that surround Tsuruoka. The picturesque Churenji Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, offers a serene setting for hiking, picnicking, or simply taking in the beauty of nature. The nearby Gassan Ski Resort provides thrilling winter sports opportunities, with its powdery slopes and stunning snow-capped peaks.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Tsuruoka boasts a rich culinary scene that showcases the region's freshest ingredients. From savoring the local delicacy "Shonai Jidori," a flavorful free-range chicken, to indulging in the freshest seafood caught from the Sea of Japan, food enthusiasts will find themselves in gastronomic heaven.

Local name: 鶴岡市 Population: 123.4 thous. (2019)Area: 506.38 mi²Elevation: 43 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°43'53"N, 139°49'44"E

Location

YamagataJapan

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Tsuruoka Top Attractions

Tsuruoka Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tsuruoka offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kamo Aquarium, Tsurugaoka Castle, Chidōkan, Sakai clan gardens. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Aquarium • Park • Zoo
Kamo Aquarium
Nestled in the serene city of Tsuruoka, Japan, the Kamo Aquarium offers a tranquil yet fascinating escape into the underwater world. Renowned for its impressive collection of jellyfish, this aquatic haven has earned international acclaim and has become a must-visit...
Forts and castles
Tsurugaoka Castle
Tsurugaoka Castle is a flatland-style Japanese castle constructed in early Edo period in the city of Tsuruoka, Yamagata. It was the seat of the Sakai clan, a fudai daimyō clan who ruled over Shōnai Domain, Dewa Province in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate.
Historical place
Chidōkan
The Chidōkan was the Domain academy of Shōnai Domain under the Edo period Tokugawa shogunate located in what is now part of the city of Tsuruoka in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan.

Park
Sakai clan gardens
The Sakai clan Gardens is a traditional Japanese garden located in the city of Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, which is a nationally designated Place of Scenic...
Museum • Specialty museum • Buddhist architecture
Chidō Museum
The Chido Museum is a private museum in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. It was founded in 1950 by the former Lord Sakai of the Shōnai Domain who donated his properties with the intention of promoting local culture. The museum houses folk materials from Shōnai, classical calligraphy, woodcraft and ceremonial sake barrels.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Saikan
Saikan is a sprawling temple lodging atop Mt. Haguro, part of the Three Mountains of Dewa in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. It connects directly to the main temple of the complex through a long passageway that climbs further up the mountain. Elaborate Gohonbo Bassho-zen meals are served to visitors.
38°39'55"N • 139°52'27"E
Ogisai Kurokawa Noh
Ogisai Kurokawa noh is a noh festival in Kushibiki in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. It became an official Intangible Cultural Asset in 1976.
Church
Tsuruoka Catholic Church Tenshudō
Tsuruoka Catholic Church Tenshudo is a church located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Universities and schools
Tsuruoka National College of Technology
Tsuruoka National College of Technology is a Japanese National College of Technology that is located in Tsuruoka, Yamagata.

Day trips

Tsuruoka – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tsuruoka, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Yama-dera (Yamagata), Naso Falls (Nikaho), City Museum of Art (Sakata).

44 milesSE
Temple, Buddhist architecture
Yama-dera, Yamagata
Perched on the mountainside in the scenic city of Yamagata, Japan, lies the serene and historic site of Yama-dera, a Buddhist temple complex that has inspired pilgrims, poets, and travelers for over a millennium. Known formally as Risshaku-ji, this temple, whose name...
32 milesN
Waterfall
Naso Falls, Nikaho
The Naso Falls, nestled in the serene city of Nikaho in Japan, offers a tranquil escape to nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. This picturesque waterfall is part of the larger Nikaho Green Park, which is a haven for outdoor activities and relaxation.
11 milesN
Museum, Art museum
City Museum of Art, Sakata
Sakata City Museum of Art opened in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan in 1997. Located on a small hill with views over the city as well as towards Mount Chōkai and the Mogami River, the collection focuses on works in the western tradition by Japanese artists.
43 milesSE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Yamagata Prefectural Museum, Yamagata
Yamagata Prefectural Museum is a prefectural museum in Yamagata, Japan, dedicated to the natural history and history of Yamagata Prefecture. The museum opened in Kajō Park in 1971.
46 milesSE
Forts and castles, Museum, History museum
Kaminoyama Castle, Kaminoyama
Kaminoyama Castle is a hirayama-style Japanese castle located in the center of the city of Kaminoyama, eastern Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Throughout the Edo period, Kaminoyama Castle was the headquarters for the daimyō of Kaminoyama Domain. The castle was also known as "Tsukoka-jō".

Show all

Best Time To Visit Tsuruoka

Learn when is the best time to travel to Tsuruoka weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

August is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in March, April and May. Most of it rains in November and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Tsuruoka?

The top attractions to visit in Tsuruoka are:

What is the best time to visit Tsuruoka?

August is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.