Timeless beauty and springtime. History and cherry blossoms in Yamagata Prefecture

Springtime is a special time in Yamagata Prefecture. Kaminoyamajo Castle is shrouded in cherry blossoms. The Yonezawa and Tendo areas go back in time with their festivals. See the cherry blossom petals floating in the soft, spring wind and walk the historical streets. Feel the life of Japan with your whole body. Come visit Yamagata and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Encounter spring and floating petals at Kaminoyamajo Castle

Kaminoyamajo Castle is currently an information center and garners many visitors. You can go inside and from the top, you can see the castle town drenched in the colors of spring. Far away, you see the mountains against the horizon. From outside, you get a view of the majestic castle and the floating cherry blossom petals. Try taking pictures from all angles. There are paths around the castle, so you can take a walk under the warm, spring sun. The area that the castle is located is known for its hot springs. There is steam in the air and it feels somewhat nostalgic even if you’ve never been there. Come celebrate the coming of spring where time moves a little slowly.

Hours	Cherry blossom viewing season is usually around middle of April 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM Closed Thursdays
Address	3-7 Motojonai, Kaminoyama-shi, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	・Yamagata Eki Nishiguchi Washington Hotel: From Yamagata Station, ride the JR Ou Line to Kaminoyama Onsen Station. Or take a 5-min. taxi ride. ・Yamagata Eki Nishiguchi Washington Hotel or Yamagata Nanokamachi Washington Hotel: 20-min. car ride from the hotel
URL	https://kaminoyama-castle.info/

Feel the history at the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival

The Yonezawa Uesugi Festival is a mark of springtime in the area. It celebrates the accolades of a famous samurai general, Kenshin Uesugi. It is held from April 29th to May 3rd every year, and the city buzzes with excitement. One of the highlights is the reenactment of a certain battle. The samurai fighting each other to the beat of the Taiko drums is a sight to behold. You can really feel the history and culture of Japan. Enjoy the view of beautiful Yonezawa and the history of samurai in Japan.

Event period	April 29th – May 3rd ※The battle reenactment is on May 3rd
Address	Matsukawa Riverside 4-41 Aioi-cho, Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	・Yamagata Eki Nishiguchi Washington Hotel: From Yamagata Station, ride the JR Ou Line to Yonezawa Station. Or take a 50-min. taxi ride. ・Yamagata Eki Nishiguchi Washington Hotel or Yamagata Nanokamachi Washington Hotel: 50-min. car ride from the hotel
URL	https://uesugi.yonezawa-matsuri.jp/

A battle under cherry blossoms! Human chess in Tendo, Yamagata

“Ningen Shogi” signifies spring in Tendo, Yamagata. Shogi is a form of Japanese chess and it is an event that literally means “human shogi”. On a special board, you’ll see that the chess pieces are samurai in uniform being directed by professional shogi players. The event garners many visitors who come to watch each move with bated breath. Enjoy some unique excitement under the warm sun and among the cherry blossoms.

Event period	April 12th, 13th
Address	Tendo Park (Maizuru Park) Tendo, Tendo-shi, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	・Yamagata Eki Nishiguchi Washington Hotel: From Yamagata Station, ride the JR Ou Line to Tendo Station. ・Yamagata Eki Nishiguchi Washington Hotel or Yamagata Nanokamachi Washington Hotel: 25-min. car ride from the hotel
URL	https://www.city.tendo.yamagata.jp/tourism/event/tendosakurafestival.html