Shonai Shrine and Tsuruoka Park [Yamagata]

【Shonai Shrine Summary】

Shonai Shrine was founded in 1877 (Meiji 10). Located near the center of Tsuruoka City, it was established on the site of the main keep palace of Tsuruoka Castle, the former residence of the Shonai domain lords. It was built by people throughout the Shonai region who revered the successive lords of the Sakai family. The Sakai family demonstrated exceptional leadership as feudal lords, notably overcoming famines in the past without sacrificing their subjects.

The enshrined deities are the first lord of the Shonai domain, Sakai Tadatsugu; the second lord, Sakai Ietsugu; the third lord, Sakai Tadakatsu; and the ninth lord, Sakai Tadanori.

【Shonai Shrine First Torii Gate】

The first torii gate is white and truly magnificent. The approach path runs straight ahead, offering a splendid view.

The moat, stone walls, and centuries-old cedar trees bear witness to its history as a castle town for nearly 250 years.

【Shonai Shrine Chozuya】

Flowers are displayed at Chozuya, and they are replaced every Friday.

【Shonai Shrine Main shrine】

The main shrine to be a three-bay nagare-zukuri style, commonly adopted by shrines nationwide.

【Shonai Shrine Touken Ranbu Collaboration】

Here too, we had a collaboration with the Sword Men (Shinano Fujishiro).

【Tsuruoka Park Taihinkan】

Taihinkan is a Western-style building constructed in 1915 (Taisho 4) to commemorate the accession of Emperor Taisho, characterized by its red dome and white walls.

Currently, we are exhibiting materials related to figures connected to Tsuruoka, such as the Meiji literary masters Takayama Chugyū and Matsumori Tanehisa. Admission is free.

【Tsuruoka Park Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots】

Currently, approximately 710 cherry trees are planted within the park grounds. It has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and is known as one of the premier cherry blossom viewing locations in Yamagata Prefecture.

Although the castle structure itself is not well-preserved, I felt its atmosphere was similar to Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture.

Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park [Aomori]

【Shonai Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Shonai Shrine Nearby attractions】

Yudagawa Hot Springs, Yuzusame Shrine, Chido Museum, Shonai Domain School Chidokan, Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium, Mount Haguro, Dewa Sanzan Shrine

Yutagawa Onsen [Yamagata]

Yuzusame Shrine【Yamagata]

Shōnai Domain School Chidokan [Yamagata]

致道博物館【山形県】

鶴岡市立加茂水族館【山形県】

羽黒山 出羽三山神社(五重塔までの道のり)【山形県】

羽黒山 出羽三山神社(山頂)【山形県】

【Shonai Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Shōnai Domain School Chidokan [Yamagata] Yutagawa Onsen [Yamagata] Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park [Aomori] Yuzusame Shrine【Yamagata]