[Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture] Camping and overnight drying squid making experience! What kind of place is the popular Nezugaseki?

Nezumigaseki, where Matsuo Basho is said to have passed, is located in the southwest of Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, on the border with Niigata Prefecture.When Yamagata Prefecture was called Oshu (Mutsu Province, Dewa Province), it is said that one could not enter without passing through one of the three Oshu checkpoints: Shirakawa Barrier, Nakoso Barrier, or Nezumigaseki, and Nezumigaseki was one of them

This is the site of the ancient checkpoint, but it is now a popular place for people of all ages to enjoy activities such as swimming, camping, and fishing

also a shop where you can experience making overnight dried squid, one of Nezumigaseki's specialties , which also seems to help create summer vacation memories.

In this article, we will introduce recommended leisure activities in Nezumigaseki and provide information about the surrounding area

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Prefectural border on the road! Is the neighbor from another prefecture?

Although the gates and other boundaries at the former Nezumigaseki checkpoint no longer exist, there are boundary markers marking the division of prefectures on roads within the city

It's unusual to see a prefectural border on a road that separates a single town. It feels strange to see Niigata Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture on the right and left as you face the road

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Did Minamoto no Yoshitsune also land?

The monument in the grounds of Bentenjima Iwajima Shrine was erected in 1966, following the huge popularity of the TV drama "Minamoto no Yoshitsune," and tells the story of Yoshitsune fleeing from his brother Yoritomo, crossing the Sea of ​​Japan by boat from Kyoto to Hiraizumi in Oshu, and landing there

Around Nezumigaseki, there is a legend about Yoshitsune that goes like this: "Yoshitsune and his party rode horseback to Umashita (Murakami City) in Echigo, then traveled by sea from Umashita, docked their boat on the beach at Nezumigaseki, and passed through the checkpoint without difficulty. They then asked Igarashi Jihei, who looked after the officials at the checkpoint, for a place to stay, where they rested from the fatigue of their long journey, before setting off on their journey again."

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Popular with lovers! What is the Love Lighthouse?

Benten Island, near Nezumigaseki Fishing Port, has a promenade and is a popular spot for viewing Nezumigaseki Lighthouse (Love Lighthouse) and beautiful sunsets

On August 29th, 2016, Nezumigaseki Lighthouse was recognized as a "Love Lighthouse" (Love Lighthouse Town) in the "Love Lighthouse Project" jointly implemented by the Japan Romanticist Association and the Nippon Foundation, drawing attention.

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Nezumigaseki, where the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune remains, was also a popular campsite!

Nezumigaseki Campground is popular as a rare campground in Japan where you can drive right up to the beach

After enjoying the sunset, you can relax with the sound of the waves in the background at night. And you can also go swimming early in the morning. It's very appealing.

Nezumigaseki Sososo Campground ＜Information＞

• Name: Nezumigaseki Sososo Campsite
• Address: Nezumigaseki, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-7126
• Phone number: 080-9092-1000
• URL: Atsumi Tourism Association website

Google Maps

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Kids will love it! Adults will love the versatile souvenir "Dried squid" that goes well with alcohol

Nezumigaseki's specialty overnight dried squid , is semi-raw, moist and soft, yet has a firm texture and is full of flavor, making it extremely popular.

In front of the stores where they are sold, you can see the squids hanging out to dry like laundry, swaying gently in the sea breeze

The overnight dried squid looks delicious,The overnight dried fish making experience, which includes the process of cutting the fish and taking it home as a souvenir, is popular with childrenIt seems to be getting it

Try it out and play in the sea until the squid dries up. It's sure to become a fun memory of your summer vacation

Green Blue Atsumi <Information>

• Name: Green Blue Atsumi (various activity coordination)
• Address: 150 Nezumigaseki Hei, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-7126, inside the community center
• Phone number: 050-5848-7946
• URL: https://gb-atsumi.jp/

Google Maps

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summary

There is a legend that is passed down here in Nezumigaseki, one of the "Legends of Yoshitsune" that remain throughout the country

However, nowadays, the area is famous for camping, swimming, and the delicious overnight dried squid. What's more, it is said to be extremely popular with children, as they can even try making the squid themselves

It is no exaggeration to say that the beauty of the sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan is a must-see. It might be wonderful to visit to see the sun sink behind the lighthouse in love

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