Tsuruoka Park (Tsurugaoka Castle ruins)

4.0

Built around the ruins of Tsurugaoka Castle, Tsuruoka Park, sprawling in the center of Tsuruoka City, is a renowned destination for cherry blossom viewing in spring. 730 cherry trees grow on the park’s ground, particularly around the castle’s moat, and in spring the tree’s petals cover the waters of the moat. Also selected as one of the 100 best places in Japan for cherry blossom viewing, each year around April the park bustles with great numbers of visitors come to enjoy the flowers. Shonai-jinja Shrine stands on the site where the tower of Tsurugaoka Castle once stood, and the shrine’s treasure house displays various items connected with the lords who once ruled the domain from here. Some of the park’s many other highlights include an ancient Japanese cedar several hundred years old, and a museum dedicated to Tsuruoka-born author Shuhei Fujioka.

Spot details

Address: Yamagata Pref. Tsuruokashi Babachou 4 Map
Area: Shonai Area (South)
Phone: 0235252111
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Admission fee]Free
Parking Lot: Available(302spaces)
Smoking: Available
Wi-Fi: Not available
Wheelchair accessible: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

A Day in Tsuruoka City

Yamagata | Area Guide

Review

Grest Place for Hanami

Reviewed : 2019.04.26

We visited the park on 21 Apr and it was the time for full bloom. The park wasnt overcrowded and there were many stalls for food and games. There are buses from train station to the park but they...
Stunning in full bloom

Reviewed : 2018.04.19

We were lucky enough to visit Yamagata prefecture when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Tsuruoka Park is beautifully laid out with the cherry blossoms along that river and all around the park...
Nice landscaped park with some interesting temples

Reviewed : 2017.08.11

Tsuruoka has a lot to offer for such a small city and the park is one of those sights. Nice for an afternoon walk. Besides the landscaping a number of temples (Idea and an Inari Shrine) can be...