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Tsuruoka

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN TOHOKU

Tsuruoka City is located in the western part of Yamagata Prefecture alongside the Sea of Japan. In 2014, it became  designated as the first UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ in Japan. Three "Japan Heritages” are featured here: Dewa Sanzan's Journey of Rebirth, the Samurai Silk, and the Kitamae-bune Maritime Road.

Other unique attractions that make Tsuruoka a valuable destination include 1400 year old sacred mountains: Mt. Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and Mt. Haguro; beautiful forests; the Kamo Aquarium, which boasts the biggest jellyfish display in the world; and a unique culinary culture.

Tsuruoka

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1 Feb 2024

"Travel by JR Pass！Delicious Tsuruoka Gourmet Journey" new page opened.
"Travel by JR Pass！Delicious Tsuruoka Gourmet Journey" new page opened.

Gastronomy Tourism special page is now available!Please take a look!

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30 Jan 2024

The chef training program was held on january 25, 2024
The chef training program was held on january 25, 2024

"Achieving Food Diversity through Creativity and Ingenuity"

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30 Jan 2024

The Circular Yunohamawāru Project was held on january 23, 2024
The Circular Yunohamawāru Project was held on january 23, 2024

"Revitalizing the Region with 'Food Circulation': Yunohama Onsen's Gastronomy Tourism"

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26 Jan 2024

Report on the Gastronomy Summit Held on November 14, 2023.
Report on the Gastronomy Summit Held on November 14, 2023.

The Necessity of 'Collaboration' Consciousness for Becoming a 'Gastronomic Sanctuary'"

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26 Jan 2024

Report on the Tsuruoka Gastronomy Tourism Workshop Held on November 13, 2023.
Report on the Tsuruoka Gastronomy Tourism Workshop Held on November 13, 2023.

"Discovering the value of Shojin Ryori, but how to convey it is a future challenge."

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Attractions in Tsuruoka

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MOUNTAINS

DEWA SANZAN

Discover the ‘Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa,’ one of the Three Main Shugendo Sites in Japan with a 1400 year-long history.

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GASTRONOMY

UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Tsuruoka was named the first UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ in Japan in 2014. Discover a culinary culture like no other, here.

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JELLYFISH

AQUARIUM

Kamo Aquarium contains the biggest collection of jellyfish in the world—come marvel at some of nature’s most fascinating and ethereal creatures!

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OUTDOORS

HIKING TRAILS

Many hiking trails criss-cross the landscape of Tsuruoka. Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in nature.

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Find some peace at one of our woodland shrines and experience the Japanese art of "bathing in forests.”

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A little well-known fact is that Japan has collections of mummies. In fact, most of them have been found Mt. Yudono.

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ONSEN

HOT SPRINGS

Have a relaxing soak after exploring the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in one of our hot spring villages.

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No travel itinerary is complete without learning a bit about the area you find yourself in. Learn about this region’s history, culture, and religion in one of our museums.

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EVENTS

FESTIVALS & SEASONS

There are many festivals in Tsuruoka; check if there is one ongoing during your intended period of travel!

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Learn why Tsuruoka's culture is registered in the Japan Heritages List—a collection of Japanese legacies designated by the Agency of Cultural Affairs

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Tohoku is well-known for it deep snow and winter sport activities. Check out the best places to ski in Tsuruoka.

Watch our documentary for free on Indieflix!

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dewa sanzan, dewasanzan, dewa mountains, Yamagata, Tohoku, Yamabushi, northern Japan, go to dewa sanzan, haguro, hagurosan, mt. haguro, mount haguro, yamabushi training, yamabushi experience, gassan, yudono, Tsuruoka, Sokushinbutsu, unesco gastronomy, hiking in Japan, go to tohoku, tohoku travel, tsuruoka yamagata, tsuruoka, tsuruoka city, shonai, shonai region, shônai, shônai region, unesco creative, pagoda, Japan heritage, kamo aquarium,
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