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 The southern sister city of Sakata in the Shonai region. Home of the Sakai-clan, at one time, Yamagata's wealthiest, most powerful and influential clans. Tsuruoka sports a moat and ramparts of a past castle. Tsuruoka Koen (Tsuruoka Park) is arguably the most beautiful park in Shonai for "hanami" cherry blossom viewing, according to those who live in Tsuruoka (cf Hiyori Park, Sakata). Central Tsuruoka also has many other historic buildings, museums and temples, and is a useful base for touring the three sacred peaks of the Dewa Sanzan. |
 Right next to the Tsuruoka Park sits the beautiful Chido Hakubutsu-kan museum complex, former site of a residence used by the Sakai clan. The period buildings house various exhibits detailing the culture and lifestyle of former Tsuruoka. Definitely worth a look for anyone wanting to understand the history of Shonai better. |
 Zenpo-ji temple, along with Risshaku-ji (Yamadera) in Yamagata city and Jion-ji in Sagae city are the prefecture's three largest Buddhist temples. Since it's foundation around 1450, this temple has been connected with worship of Ryujin (dragon god), the guardian deity of fisherman. In the pine and crypotmeria surrounded precincts are a five story pagoda and many other valuable structures and articles, including a painting "Osho-kun," designated as a National Important Cultural Asset. (20 minutes by car from Tsuruoka Station. Buses available.) |
 On National Route 112 to the south-east of Tsuruoka lies Asahi village, one of the most rural and mountainous parts of the prefecture. Next to the main road lies a museum village and a bungee jump bridge. One jumps 34m from a suspension bridge over a river. The view around the bridge is pretty, with the river below, a waterfall to the side and the trees in front. What better place to throw oneself off a bridge?! Due to the heavy snowfall, jumps may only be made between April and early November. |
 The neighbouring town of Kushibiki is home to the 500 year-old Kurokawa Noh. The tradition has been handed down from generation to generation of the local people since the 15th century. The main event is the night-long Ogisai in early February. |
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Pagoda's, temples, mountains, shrines, statues, plays literary works. Kyoto? Nara? Nope, just humble, little Shonai. After going to Kyoto and Nara (which were breathtaking as well) and talking with the people in each of the cities, I can say, for myself at least, Tsuruoka and Shonai in general offers you cultural beauty, second to few, if any, without all the bells, whistles and flag waving.
There is so much more to see in Shonai that is not listed here. For example, giant windmills, a state-of-the-art planetary observatory, the Dewa International Forum (a remarkably well-run, professional, centre for cultural exchange in the Shonai region, 0235-25-3600) , an Amazon Folk Museum (I kid you not! This is inside the Dewa International Forum) and some great festivals. I just can't list'em all. For anyone interested in checking out Shonai, I recommend an excellent guide book written by two former Shonai residents called, "Shonai First-hand." Available from the International Forum.
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