[Yamagata] Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to the Sengoku period lord Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Shrine is one of Yamagata Prefecture's most popular tourist spots. It is a 10-minute bus ride from JR Yonezawa Station, a 5-minute walk from the Uesugi Shrine stop

Photo by yy – RIMG0063(2008) / Size-adapted.

Established in 1876 on the site of the main keep of Yonezawa Castle, the shrine enshrines Uesugi Kenshin, a powerful daimyo of the Sengoku period, and Uesugi Yozan, famous for his quote, "If you try, you can do it; if you don't try, you can't do it; failure is only due to lack of effort." Later, only Kenshin was enshrined,
and Yozan was moved to another location. However, for the people of Yamagata, it remains a place of spiritual support, a place where irreplaceable great figures are enshrined. Many people visit the shrine seeking blessings for "good fortune and the fulfillment of wishes," not only for New Year's visits, baby blessings, weddings, and prayers for safety, but also throughout the seasons and for various events.
There are many sights to see as a tourist spot, including the moat which retains its original appearance, and the castle ruins which offer a wonderful sense of history. In particular, the Maizuru Bridge, where the "Kake Midare Ryuu no Banner" and the "Bishamonten Gun Banner" are displayed, is a precious place where one can imagine the exploits and actions of Uesugi Kenshin.

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