Tsuruoka Park 鶴岡公園（鶴ケ岡城址公園）
For about 250 years, the Shonai Clan’s Sakai family has considered Tsurugaoka Castle Site its residence. The remnants of the castle, such as moats, stone walls, and centuries-old cedar trees, evoke the historical presence of the castle. Throughout the four seasons, beautiful flowers bloom abundantly, and the park, selected as one of the “100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” boasts approximately 710 cherry blossom trees. It is renowned as one of the premier cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture. The area around Tsuruoka Park, where historical sites and cultural assets converge, has also appeared in Fujisawa’s works, retaining a strong sense of the castle town’s atmosphere.
Here are the point of interests worth a visit around Tsuruoka Park:
● Chidokan
● Chido Museum
● Shonai Shrine
Information
| Access | ● Take the bus bound for Yunohama Onsen (via Kamo or via Zenpoji temple) ● Get off the bus at Chidohakubutsukan Bus timetable: https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/yunohama_kamo_tt.html You can also borrow a bicycle for free at the Tsuruoka Tourist Information Center in front of the JR Tsuruoka station, inside the building called “FOODEVER”. However, please note that the rental is only available for a limited time from spring to November. |
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| Address | 11-45 Babachō, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0035, Japan |
| Entrance fees | Free |
| Cherry blossom season | Mid-April (2023’s blooming season was very early compared to usual). ● You have around 10 days to see the cherry blossoms from the moment the “kaika” 開花 (“first bloom”) has been proclaimed before it starts to fall down. Check our Facebook page as we will post when the kaika has been announced. ● Please note that the peak period to see cherry blossoms only last 5 days from the moment the “mankai” 満開 (“full-bloom”) day has been proclaimed. ● Please also note that cherry blossoms might fall earlier than planned if the weather has been particularly bad (wind, rain…) See more 「 Tsuruoka’s Cherry Blossom Festival 」 |
| Autumn foliage season | Mid to Late november |
| Snowy season | Late December to Late February |
| Other notable dates | October : Shonai Taisai |
| Related Pages | Tsuruoka Sakura Matsuri : Tsuruoka’s Cherry Blossom Festival、 Tenjin Matsuri、 Shonai Taisai |
