Cherry Blossoms in Tsuruoka Park
©AFLO
A park built on the ruins of Tsurugaoka Castle, which was where the Sakai family lived for some 250 years as feudal lords of the Shonai Domain. The moats, stone walls, and hundreds-of-years-old cedar trees offer reminders of the castle that once stood here. Located in the central part of the city, the park features flowers that bloom throughout the four seasons. In particular, the 730 cherry trees have been selected as one of "Japan's 100 Top Cherry Blossom Spots" and the area is also known as the best spot for cherry blossoms in the prefecture. Furthermore, it also features a collection of cultural assets and historical ruins.
Street address
- 4 Babacho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata
Access
- Take train to Tsuruoka Station on the JR Uetsu Line. In front of Tsuruoka Station, take a Shonai Kotsu bus from the no. 1 bus stop toward Yunohama Onsen for 10 min. Get off at Shiyakusho-mae and walk for 2 min.
Opening Hours
Closed
Best season
- Apr., Oct.
Point
- Best time for cherry blossoms: mid-to-late April

Spots around
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Atsumi Onsen
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Kamo Aquarium “Jellyfish Dream House”
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Kaminoyama Castle
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Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
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Chido Museum
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Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters)
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Cherry Blossoms in Hiyoriyama Park
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Kaminoyama Onsen Kurort
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Sake Brewery Museum, Toko-no-Sakagura
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Yonezawa Station
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Somaro
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Yunohama Onsen
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Hagurosan Goju-no-to(five storied pagoda)
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Uesugi-Jinja Shrine
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Fruit Picking
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Japanese Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Dishes)
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Yonezawa Beef
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Sankyo Soko
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Mogami Gorge Basho Line Sightseeing (Traveling down the Mogami River by boat)
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Togashi Candle Shop (Picture Candle Painting Experience)
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Bunshokan
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Kaminoyama City Sightseeing Fruit Orchard
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Romantic Sunset Cruises from Sakata Port
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Zao Okama crater lake
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Zao Onsen district
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Shonai Airport
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Studio Sedic Shonai Open Set