Tsuruoka Park [鶴岡公園]
Tsuruoka Park in spring
Photo by Yamagata Prefecture
Moat of Tsuruoka Park
Photo by photolibrary
Tsuruoka Park is a park located about 1.5 km southwest of JR Tsuruoka station.
The site of former Tsurugaoka Castle became this park.
So, this park is also called "Tsurugaoka-jôshi Kôen" meaning "Tsurugaoka Castle ruins park".
The original castle was constructed around the early 15th century.
The castle tower hadn't been built but only two corner towers were built.
After the end of samurai period, the castle was demoloshed in 1876.
Shonai Shrine
Photo by photolibrary
Taihokan
Photo by Yamagata Prefecture
The center of site is surrounded with two moats.
Shonai Shrine (荘内神社) established in 1877 is on the site.
And there is a European‐style building Taihokan (大宝館) by the shrine.
This park is the most famous for cherry blossoms in Yamagata Prefecture.
There are about 730 cherry trees in this park.
The best season of cherry blossom is from the middle to late April.
How to get here
By route bus, about 10 minutes from JR Tsuruoka station.
