2025 Tsuruoka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

During the snowy season, explore the sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. These mountains symbolize blessings for the present, past, and future, making them renowned pilgrimage sites. The route spans 1.7 kilometers and takes about an hour one way. Starting from the Suijin Gate, the snow-covered surroundings create a pure and dreamlike atmosphere. Crossing the vermilion Sacred Bridge, you'll encounter towering cedar trees and the National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda, followed by the 2,446-step stone stairway divided into three sections. If you feel tired climbing the steps, you can take a break at a teahouse near the second section. After a bit more climbing and passing through a torii gate, you'll reach the summit, where the Dewa Sanzan Shrine awaits. Despite the challenges of walking in the snow, the breathtaking scenery makes it all worthwhile.

When I learned that it is one of the 'Three Mountains of Dewa' and a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Japanese, I decided to visit. This pilgrimage path has over 2,000 steps, but it is not particularly steep. Along the way, you can see thousand-year-old cedar trees, a black five-story pagoda, small bridges, and flowing streams. Out of respect, visitors do not make loud noises, allowing for a moment of tranquility. 📍Address: Haguromachi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 🚗 Transportation: Get off at JR Tsuruoka Station and take a bus to Mount Haguro, getting off at Suginomori Gate.

[Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium] "Kamo-sui" for short Amazing variety of jellyfish! 💡 Interesting tanks continue one after another, including jellyfish with a yellow color that I've never seen before and jellyfish with countless thread-like antennae♪ The exhibition room with a large tank called "Kuranetarium" is fantastic, and it feels like you're with jellyfish in the sea👏 They also focus on breeding jellyfish, and you can look at baby jellyfish under a microscope. There are also fish exhibits, so even adults can enjoy it♪ Jellyfish ramen and jellyfish ice cream are on the menu at the restaurant with a view of the sea😊 Because it's a municipal aquarium, the low prices are also attractive⭐️ Adults 1500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen. Wow! Annual pass is 3000 yen for adults and 1250 yen for elementary and junior high school students! If you live nearby, this is a wonderful aquarium you'll want to visit regularly❤️ 📍Address: 657-1 Imaizumi Okubo, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours: 9am - 5pm #Tsuruoka #Yamagata #Yamagata trip #0 yen trip November

I went to Yamagata~☻ This time, I've put together 7 great spots that I've actually visited on my trips to Yamagata so far! 🥰 I hope this will be helpful for your trip to Yamagata♪ ① Suiden Terrace A hotel floating in the middle of a rice field! The sauna is also popular🧖♀️ ② Hirata Farm ③ Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium The largest variety of jellyfish on display in Japan🪼 Take a photo in front of the giant jellyfish tank♪ ④ Bunshokan A location used in the movie "Rurouni Kenshin"! ⑤ Yamagata Museum of Art ⑥ Ginzan Onsen ⑦ Nogawa Tofu-ya If you're going for a foodie stroll in Ginzan Onsen, this is the place to go! #Yamagata #YamagataTrip #YamagataTourism #YamagataGourmet #TravelWithMe

From small to large tanks, we will introduce you to spots where you can feel relaxed by watching jellyfish swaying back and forth! Today, we will introduce "Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium" in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The large round tank with many jellyfish swimming in it, as shown in the top picture, became famous overnight for its beautiful appearance, and recently it has become a spot that you cannot miss at the aquarium😍 Of course, the jellyfish tank is a must-see here🪼About 80 kinds of jellyfish are permanently exhibited in a cylindrical tank through a round window🎐 The main attraction, the large round tank, is a world-class 50mm diameter tank. The 200m aquarium is called the "Jellyfish Dream Theater" and has about 10,000 moon jellyfish floating in it 🤩 My personal recommendation is the jellyfish in the 6th picture that glows like illumination, "Ecochiru" even has a cute name 🥰 The other glowing jellyfish are truly mystical 🧙♀️ [Things you should definitely try ✅] Of course, there are other exhibits besides jellyfish, but what I would like to recommend at this aquarium is the "Backyard Tour" which is held three times a day and can be experienced for only 300 yen 😍 However, it is limited to the first 10 people, so it is quite a high hurdle, but I hope you will try it somehow! Event times: 10:30, 13:30, 14:30 [Recommended access ✈️] The best way to get to Kamo Aquarium is from Shonai Airport! Only 15 minutes by car✨By the way, if you try to go by Shinkansen, it takes more than 5 hours at the shortest and the cheapest is the same price as an airplane, but it only takes 1 hour from Haneda to Shonai! So it's definitely better to go by plane‼ ️If you want to go sightseeing from the western to northern parts of Yamagata, you should definitely go by plane✈️ It's hard to go sightseeing in Yamagata without a car, so if you can't drive, invite someone who can! 〜〜〜〜〜Information〜〜〜〜〜〜📍Tsuruoka City Kamo AquariumAddress: 657-1 Okubo, Imaizumi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata PrefectureOpening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00)Cost: Adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yenRecommended: Backyard tour experienceCaution: It's hard to get a spot in front of the large aquarium〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 #Sakura2024 #Domestic travel #Japan's greatest views #Yamagata sightseeing

#AccommodationReview I took a whirlwind solo trip to Shonai, Yamagata Prefecture for the first time in a while🌾 I stayed at SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE, which I often see in magazines' hotel features🙌 This hotel is a hot topic because it was designed by architect Shigeru Ban☺️💗 The renovated sauna is popular among sauna lovers!! You can do self-loyly, and bathing in the open air feels great✨ I highly recommend it for sauna lovers🥺❤️ The library also had an excellent selection and was well-stocked! You can bring books to your room, so it was nice to be able to read lots of books🥰 The food was also delicious, mainly using ingredients from Shonai🍽 It's a really nice hotel, so I recommend dropping in when you feel like going somewhere for a bit! I think this is a hotel that can be used as a travel destination😊 I also recommend it for solo travelers🫶 🏨 Hotel informationHotel name: SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSEAddress: 23-1 Shimotorinosu, Pekinda, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture #trip_sauna #solotravel #hocance #hotelstay #yamagata #hotspring

If you want to escape from your daily routine and refresh yourself for 1 night and 2 days, we'd like to introduce you to a recommended travel plan💓 [Plan Features🌟] A plan to spend time in Shonai, Yamagata Prefecture, soothing with hot springs, saunas, spectacular views, and delicious food✨ It's a plan that can be enjoyed by girls' trips and couples, but the hotel we recommend here has a rich library, so it's highly recommended for solo travelers🥰❤️ Schedule━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━【Day1】11:00~ Depart from Haneda Airport✈️12:00~ Arrive at Shonai Airport12:10~ Take the Shonai Airport shuttle bus to Tsuruoka Station🚎 (about 30 minutes)13:03~ Take the bus from Tsuruoka Station to Kamo Aquarium🚎 (about 40 minutes)13:44~ Kamo Aquarium 🐠15:30~ Take a taxi to SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE🚕18:00~ Dinner at MOON TERRASSE in the hotel 🍷20:00~ Take a bath in the hot spring or sauna, or read a book♨️📖 【Day2】6:30~ Morning hot spring and sauna🧖♀️8:00 ~ Breakfast 🌾10:30~ Take a taxi to Tsuruoka Station🚕10:50~ Arrive Tsuruoka Station. Leave your luggage in a locker and check out the brochure at the tourist information center11:43~ Take a bus to Haguro Zuishinmon Gate🚎(about 36 minutes)12:40~ Haguro Mountain Zuishinmon Gate ⛩12:50~ Head to the National Treasure Haguro Mountain Five-Story Pagoda13:10~ Take a break at Ninozaka Chaya🍵14:00~ Sanshingosaiden ⛩. 14:25~ Travel by bus from the top of Mt. Haguro to Tsuruoka Station🚎(about 50 minutes)15:20~ Cafe time at Fruit Shop Aomoriya🍰16:17~ Take the airport shuttle bus from Tsuruoka Station to Shonai Airport🚎(about 30 minutes)17:45~ From Shonai Airport to Haneda Airport✈️18:50~ Arrival at Haneda AirportSpot information━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━📍 Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium🗺Address: 657-1 Okubo, Imaizumi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture🚗Car: About 30 minutes from JR Tsuruoka Station, about 20 minutes from Shonai Airport🚌Route bus: [Tsuruoka Station - Kamo - via Kamo Aquarium Go to Yunohama Onsen and get off at Kamo Aquarium】✅Recommended point: Cranialium ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE🗺Address: 23-1 Shimotorinosu, Beijing, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍MOON TERRASSE🗺Address: 23-1 Shimotorinosu, Beijing, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture Suiden Terrace 2nd floor✅ Recommended menu: Non-alcoholic drinks ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍MOON TERRASSE/FARMER’S DINING IRODORI - Moon Terrace/Irodori🗺Address: Suiden Terrace 2nd floor, 23-1 Pekin Tashita Torinosu, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture✍️Notes: Only one type of breakfast is available! ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍 Mt. Haguro🗺Address: Temmuke, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata🚗How to get there: 53 minutes by bus from JR Tsuruoka Station (to the summit) 38 minutes by bus from JR Tsuruoka Station (get off at "Zuishinmon") 50 minutes on foot from Zuishinmon (to the summit)✅Recommended point: A sacred place that has existed since ancient times ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍 Haguro Mountain Five-Story Pagoda🗺Address: Haguro Mountain, Temmuke, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka City🚗How to get there: Take the bus bound for "Haguro Mountain Summit", "Gassan 8th Station" or "Zuishinmon" from bus stop No. 2 in front of Tsuruoka Station for 35 minutes and get off at Zuishinmon and walk for about 10 minutes✅Recommended point: National treasure ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍Ninosaka Chaya🗺Address: 33 Haguro Mountain, Temmuke, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture✅Recommended menu: The specialty is Chikara-mochi ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍 Sanshingosaiden🗺Address: 7, Temukai, Temukai, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata🚗Directions: Walk up the approach from the bottom or take a bus to the top✅Recommended point: Power spot ⋆┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⋆📍Fruit Shop Aomori-ya🗺Address: 7-24, Suehiro-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata✅Recommended menu: Caramel fig banana tart cake ⭕️Recommended points of this trip━━━━━━━━━━━✅A hotel perfect for staying in with a sauna, hot springs, and a library✅Seeing jellyfish at the world's best jellyfish aquarium is soothing✅As long as you can reserve your flight and hotel, you can enjoy it on a whirlwind trip the day before! ✅Perfect time to read, climb Mt. Haguro, and reflect on yourself ❌Things to note about this trip━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⚠️There aren't many buses, so be sure to check the timetable! ⚠️It's only one night, so it's recommended to pack your luggage compactly. You don't have to check your luggage every time, so a bag is easier than a carry-on! Light is the best! If you have any recommended solo travel spots, please let me know in the comments🤗❤️ #besttrip2023 #domestictravel #solotravel #shonai #yamagatatrip #mthaguro #hotelstay

♨️Wenhai Hot Spring Bankuoya♨️ We stayed in a room with an open-air bath that flowed directly from the source. From the moment you enter the hotel you will feel like you are in a luxury hotel. Although it is not a new hotel, it does not feel old. The abalone for dinner was very satisfying. Also the Yamagata beef shabu shabu was delicious and after filling up on rice I was full. The sea bream rice for breakfast was also delicious. Address－Japan 〒999-7204 Yamagata, Tsuruoka, Yuatsumi, Tei−１ Environment/Facilities - Three large public baths and open-air hot springs Price per person: HKD 3,000 per night including breakfast and dinner for two Rating - 💜💜💜💜💜 #hotspringhotel #goodplaceforkids #Yamagata #foodie #travelinjapan

Italian cuisine made with ingredients such as native crops, meat, and fish from the Shonai area of ​​Yamagata Prefecture. The owner and chef is Masayuki Okuda. There are three lunch courses to choose from: 4,400 yen, 7,700 yen, and 15,000 yen. This was my first time here, so I chose the most affordable 4,400 yen course. I was full after eating five dishes: appetizer, risotto, main dish, pasta, dessert, and coffee! Everything was well seasoned, so I was able to finish it all even though I was full. The staff were very polite and explained each dish to me. It's a little far from Tsuruoka Station, so it's best to go by car or taxi. I walked an hour each way as a walk lol If you're going to Tsuruoka, be sure to visit! The course starts at a set time, so make a reservation on the official website! Al Checcano Main Store 43 Ongahara Inari, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 997-0806 #Yamagata Prefecture #Tsuruoka City #Tsuruoka Lunch #Al Checcano #Italian Restaurant

A five-story pagoda, a national treasure, stands among the cedar trees along the approach to Mt. Haguro, one of the three mountains of Dewa. The current pagoda is said to have been rebuilt about 600 years ago. Further walking, you can enjoy the refreshing view of Suganotaki waterfall. It is a sacred place that is believed to have miraculous powers and is a sobering experience. A spot worth visiting in the hot summer👍 #QuintessaCampaign

A hotel built on water. The rooms are compactly designed, with even the air conditioner hidden inside the walls. Outside the window you can see the water, with fine waves swaying in the breeze. The hotel built on top of that is just fantastic. Furthermore, the interior of the hotel is like a library, with many books lined up. The food is gentle and made with local ingredients. This is a hotel that everyone should know about. #breathtakingview#hotspringtrip

1. Address: 657-1 Imaizumi Okubo, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture Recommended point: 5-meter jellyfish dome theater Rating: 5 A must-see for jellyfish lovers. The world's largest variety of exhibits, and at the jellyfish cultivation center, you can see the growth process of jellyfish from newborns. It's a small aquarium, but it's very satisfying!

#springwander A mountain with an altitude of 414 metres located northwest of Mt. Tsuki, the main peak of the Three Mountains of Dewa. A few minutes on the mountain road from the Suijinmon gate where the bus stop is located, a 29-metre-high five-story pagoda stands tall as if it blends in with the cedar tree. It is said that it was founded by Taira Masakado in the year of Tenkei (938), and it is one of the few Buddhist buildings that remain in Mt. Haguro, which was in the form of a combination of Shinto and Buddhism. It was designated as a national treasure in 1966. There are a whopping 2,446 stone steps from the five-storied pagoda to the top of the mountain. There are difficulties along the way, so I want to be careful when choosing shoes. When you reach the top of the mountain, the Sanjinai Festival Hall, which has one of the largest thatched roofs in Japan, is enshrined. The current Goseiden was built in Bunsei (1818) with a large amount of money of 5,275 ryo (more than 500 million yen in modern times). It is characterised by a bright vermilion-coloured shrine, and fine carvings are applied everywhere. On the way back, you can also use a bus to and from the top of the mountain.

Address: 23-1, Tonosu, Tanashimo, Beijing, 997-0053 Atmosphere/Facilities: A hotel surrounded by books, just like a library. There is also a library for guests to relax in. Recommended points: At night, there is a bar and an automatic sake and wine machine, so you can enjoy Yamagata's alcohol at a reasonable price. Average price: 10,000 yen per night with breakfast, 500 yen per glass of sake and wine Budget per person: 12,000 yen and up if you want to enjoy alcohol as well Rating: 4.5 stars

#springwander There are about 500 cherry trees planted in the park, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura. The contrast between the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the blue sea is exceptionally beautiful. Night lighting is also carried out according to the flowering season, and the fantastic night cherry blossoms are also worth seeing. In addition, about 40 October cherry blossoms, which bloom some flowers around October, are also planted, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms twice a year.

Later, when I researched online about places to visit in Yamagata Prefecture, I came across Mt. Haguro, one of the sacred mountains in the eyes of the Japanese. Walking along the shrine trail, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and fresh air along the way. The black five-story pagoda has been repaired, so be sure to come and see it if you have the chance. #Japan #JapaneseAttractions #Yamagata #Mt.Haguro #MarchDestinations2025

#2月好地方2025 Japan's historic mountain training grounds: Dewa Sanzan One of them is the one we visited today: Mt. Haguro. 💞Recommendation reason: Mt. Haguro covered with snow is still solemn and elegant. It takes about 30 minutes to walk slowly from the very beginning of the Shinmon Torii to the five-story pagoda, of course, this includes the time for taking photos📷. Finally we arrived at the famous tourist attraction **Haguro Mountain Five-Storied Pagoda** and it was snowing heavily. It was really super romantic and beautiful. ⚠️Please note: The trails are slippery during the snow season, so you should wear crampons or go to the center next door to change into rain boots and trekking poles to avoid slipping and getting injured! #Japan #snow #Mt. Haguro #Mt. Haguro Five-Storied Pagoda

In the spring cherry blossom season, take a self-driving trip to Murakami City, slowly driving along the 2-kilometer cherry blossom tunnel on the Arakawa embankment. The falling pink snowflakes on the car window resemble special filter effects. While parking and strolling, you may encounter elderly women in kimonos who will hand you homemade sakura mochi, saying 'Young people should be happy.' For lunch, savor the dreamy Murakami beef at the century-old restaurant 'Itoya,' where charcoal-grilled beef tongue is sprinkled with sansho pepper, and the aroma of the fat mixes with the falling cherry blossoms. On the way back, detour to the Five-Story Pagoda on Mount Haguro and ring the bell of happiness at dusk.

#JapanFlightEvent Tachibaya, a famous teppanyaki restaurant near Kokura Castle 🔥 If you're looking for delicious teppanyaki near Kokura Castle, 'Tachibaya' is the place! This place is famous for its deliciously grilled teppanyaki, and you can enjoy grilling various types of meat, seafood, and vegetables on the teppanyaki yourself. You can enjoy a special meal in a luxurious atmosphere. Both the taste and the atmosphere are satisfying! #KokuraRestaurant #Teppanyaki #Tachibaya

Access: Car Tourist attraction: Kamo Aquarium #Kamo Aquarium

I've always wanted to visit Shigeru Ban's Suiden Terrace. The building is only reflected in the rice paddies like a mirror for a short period of time each year, and recently, the period when the water is filled has been shortened to be more environmentally friendly. ⁡ Winter in Yamagata is, of course, cold, but the inside of the building is warm despite the many windows, and the warmth of the wood makes it a relaxing place. The exterior has a symmetrical look that architecture lovers love, and I really liked how it blends in with the rice paddies and fits in with the scenery. #DomesticTravelTrip

There are long stairs, but I want to go again.

#japantrip About 30 minutes by bus from Tsuruoka Station. On the way, you will pass Kamo Aquarium. If you are coming by express bus from Sendai, it is better to get off at Shonai Kanko Bussankan and change trains as it is closer and faster. ■BuildingThe facade is majestic. The inside is pure Japanese style.Furnishings that have been used in the past are scattered throughout the building as a design feature.overall is awesome

Located at the center of the summit of Mt. Haguro, the Sanjin Gosaiden is where the three mountain gods of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Yudono are enshrined. The unique landscape of the temple in the vast mountains around it is the architecture arranged according to the natural terrain. The current shrine was rebuilt in 1818 during the Edo period. This is a precious thatched wooden structure that retains its medieval history, such as the long floorboards where yamabushi (ascetics) lived. It was designated as an important cultural property in 2001. #2024TravelReview

#ตามมมะมู 🙏 🔴 Reborn in the sacred land amidst the Dewasanzan mountains The highlight of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture is to walk up Mount Haguro, according to ancient Japanese beliefs, which is one of the three sacred mountains of Dewasanzan. According to beliefs, climbing this mountain is a journey to be reborn, to have a better life than before. If it is already good, it will become even better. On the top of the mountain is the Sanjingosaiden Temple, which houses the three main gods of the Sanzan mountains. When walking through the Zuishinmon Gate, you will see a beautiful pine tree line on the path to the top of the mountain. Along the way, there is also the Five-story Pagoda of Mount Haguro, nestled between the tall trees, looking very sacred and grand. Journey to the sacred mountain peak There is a distance of about 2 kilometers, which is a long stone staircase with 2,446 steps. On both sides, there are more than 400 cedar trees that are 350-500 years old, lined up to the top of the mountain. This makes this place called "Hakuro Mountain Cedar Path", which is registered as a special national treasure. In addition to the legends and beliefs, traveling to the top of this mountain made Mon learn and understand nature more. When I was with my own heart and the quiet atmosphere, I was able to concentrate, reflect on myself, and consider myself more. It was a great time for me to social detox. In conclusion, the place is beautiful, grand, peaceful, and happy, both physically and mentally.

"SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE" Today we would like to introduce SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. 🏨 The hotel appears to float on the rice fields and blend into the surrounding mountain ranges and rural scenery. It was created with a focus on the landscape created by the abundant blessings. It is rare to find a hotel surrounded by rice fields, and the design is very unique and the stylish interior is also lovely. The hotel is conveniently equipped with restaurants, bars, shops, a library, natural hot springs, fitness facilities, etc. ☺️ *·̩͙ ☽︎︎.*·̩͙☽︎︎.*·̩͙*·̩͙☽︎︎.*·̩͙☽︎︎.*·̩͙☽︎︎ⓘⓝⓕⓞ☽︎︎.*·̩͙☽︎︎.*·̩͙☽︎︎.*·̩͙☽︎︎.*·̩͙ 🕊️SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE 📌23-1 Shimotorinosu, Pekinda, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture 𖥧 𖥧 𖧧 ˒˒𖡼.𖤣𖥧 ⠜ 𖥧 𖥧 𖧧˒˒. ⓣⓗⓐⓝⓚ ⓨⓞⓤ 𖥧 𖥧 𖧧 #YamagataHotel #SuidenHotel #tripHotelReview

The aquarium with the most jellyfish 🪼 📍Address: Kamo Aquarium

Kamo Aquarium in Tsuruoka, Yamagata is a soothing spot famous for its jellyfish exhibits. The sight of the illuminated jellyfish floating gently creates a fantastical beauty that seems like another world. Inside the aquarium, cute whale illustrations on the information boards and pamphlets are also eye-catching. You can spend a relaxing time surrounded by the healing power of jellyfish and the cuteness of whales. If you visit Tsuruoka, be sure to enjoy a special time at Kamo Aquarium! #0YenTravelNovember