3 Yamagata’s Recommended Walking Route in Spring: Famous Cherry Blossoms Spot, Oldest Architecture in Yamagata City and Venue of Traditional Japanese Sports

This time, we focused on shrines, which you can visit within 20 minutes on foot or by bus from Yamagata Station, from about 1,800 ones in Yamagata Prefecture. We would like to suggest a walking route , whose starting point is the famous cherry blossom spot perfect for a trip to Yamagata city in the spring, including valuable shrines that can provide various benefits and play an important role in the history of Japan.

“Yamagata Kengokokujinja” with the spring scenery surrounded by the cherry blossoms has immense power from over 40,000 gods!

“Yamagata Kengokokujinja (山形縣護國神社)” was built in 1872 to enshrine the Satsuma domain and people who pass away during the war related to Yamagata prefecture. It is said that there are more than 40,000 gods now. Therefore, it becomes the most popular spot that is visited by the over 130,000 worshipers in the prefecture on New Year’s Day because it is believed that you can get great power. People pray for various good lucks, such as family safety, business prosperity, victory, and money luck, which is especially popular. You can feel the majestic power from the largest casting guardian dog in Japan, the large torii gate with a height of 10m colored in bright vermilion, and the worship hall that enshrines the heroes who gave their lives for the country. By the way, don’t miss the spring’s approach with the different pink color by Yoshino cherry tree and weeping cherry tree.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:30PM／1st to 3rd January 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Address	2-8-75 Yakushimachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	A 1-minute walk from Chitose Park Waiting Area Bus Stop where it takes 16 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station
URL	https://yamagataken-gokokujinja.jp

Yamagata City’s oldest shrine “Suwa Shrine” reborn as a barrier-free modern structure

Reference from ラテンなおばさん “山形：諏訪神社“

“Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社)” is founded in 1474, and known as the oldest shrine in Yamagata City. It is said one day, when the people were suffering from poor harvest due to the continuous sunshine, God was worshiped by the spirit received from “Suwa Taisha” in Shinshu in his dream. Then it rained heavily and the eggplants were harvest. Since then, eggplants have been believed to be “God’s blessing,” and even today, worshipers still have the custom of bringing 5 eggplants and offering them, bringing 2 back as receiving the power of God. Suwa Shrine was constructed in 2002 and has a modern atmosphere with white stone torii and shrines gates. The magnificent shrine is barrier-free, with the automatic doors of the shrine office, and the hand wash of a modern motion sensor. The deity is a god revered by Sengoku warlords such as Shingen Takeda. Players from the local soccer team Montedio Yamagata also come to pray for victory. This shrine is good to pray for victory.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	1-1-55 Suwa-machi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station
URL	http://yamagata-suwa.jp/abouts.html

The venue of Japanese traditional sports “Horetsu Shrine” bringing good luck, warding off evil and fulfilling romance

“Horetsu Shrine (豊烈神社)” is said to be beneficial for fulfilling romance and reunion, in addition to good luck. It began in 1821, and was erected in 1880 at its present location. Surrounded by lush greenery, the precincts have a solemn and mysterious atmosphere that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The hall of worship, which is a wooden building with a history of spinning, is full of taste. You can feel great power in the dignified appearance that has been gaining deep faith from people for a long time. By the way, at the annual festival held in October every year, you can see the Shinto ritual “Dakyu”, which is held only in three places in Japan. Old-fashioned Dakyu is an equestrian competition in which athletes divided into red and white throw a ball into the gate using a special stick. It is a valuable ceremony that has been designated as an intangible cultural property of the prefecture, so if you have a chance, please come to visit it.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM ※Please contact by phone for more information.
Address	7-47 Sakurachō, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station
URL	http://umahituji2014.web.fc2.com/index.html