Tourist Point(Yonezawa)

Yonezawa in the far south of the Prefecture is the first stop for the Shinkansen bullet train in Yamagata. It is the centre of the Okitama region and is blessed with a long and rich history, beautiful natural surroundings and the famous Yonezawa beef. For 270 years Yonezawa was a castle town of the ruling Uesugi clan which brought great prosperity to the town.

The Uesugi Mausoleum located in a serene wooded area is the last resting place of the lords of the Uesugi clan, but Matsugasaki park is the first stop for most visitors as it contains the Uesugi shrine, museum and castle remains. Uesugi-festival

Just outside the moated park is the Uesugi Kinenkan Museum situated in a beautiful Japanese garden. The park is also home to the snow-lantern festival in mid-February and the buteishiki - the pre-battle preparations for the Uesugi festival. This festival dominates the city from April 29th to May 3rd, culminating in the hugely popular re-enactment of the 'Battle of Kawanakajima' on the banks of the Matsukawa river.

Other things to look out for in the Okitama region around Yonezawa are the ski resorts (Tengendai is probably the best, but look out for the weather) numerous hiking trails around the mountains, the three-storied Pagoda and Kameoka shrine of Takahata town (JR Takahata station has an onsen hot spring bath in the station; the only one in Japan) and the late-summer wine festival of Nan'yo City.

Tourist pamphlets describing Yonezawa often focus on its beautiful natural surroundings, its hot springs and ski resorts and its delicious foods. All of these things are well and fine and any visitor to the city who does not take advantage of these attractions would definitely be missing out on what Yonezawa has to offer, but not the best that it has to offer.
The best thing about Yonezawa is its people, and perhaps the best place to meet the wonderful people of this city is the newly constructed city plaza (Machi-no-Hiroba).
Only a 20 minute walk straight west from Yonezawa station or an even shorter taxi or bus ride, the plaza is located in the very centre of Yonezawa. Since its construction less than a year ago, it has become the heart of the community. Almost any day (and night) of the year, people of all ages and walks of life can be seen enjoying themselves in this wide open space with its beautiful fountain.
During weekends, the plaza becomes scene to an almost festival atmosphere, even when there is not a proper festival. Residents set up street stalls selling delicious regional delicacies like sweet carp, ramen and everyone's favourite, Yonezawa beef. On the stage, local musicians entertain people with music ranging form rock to jazz to traditional Japanese folk. A good time is had by everyone.
Of course the plaza shines best during Yonezawa's seasonal festivals. Odds are that no matter what time of the year you come there will be a festival of some sort or another. While the theme of each festival is different, they all share a contagious enthusiasm which engulfs visitors and residents alike. It is not rare for complete strangers to become fast friends in the space of a festival hour, especially when Yonezawa's delicious regional sake is involved!
The city plaza is especially known for the country music festival which takes place on the first Saturday in August. Enthusiasts from all over the region, Japanese and foreigners alike, gather to hear some of the best country and western music that Japan has to offer. Come on down, grab yourself a beer and a plate of fried noodles and join in the fun!
Afterwards there will always be time to dip in a hot spring, hike in the mountains and all that other stuff.

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