[Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture] What kind of place is Yonezawa? Trivia series to help you understand the region, including its history, sightseeing spots, and specialties

When someone asks, "What kind of place is ○○○?" The Trivia Box series is packed with useful trivia for such situations . We will carefully select and introduce trivia that characterizes the region from all angles such as history and culture.

This time, I would like to open up a treasure chest of trivia related to Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. What kind of area is Yonezawa City?

A place connected to the famous Sengoku warlord “Uesugi Kenshin”! Yonezawa City with the Uesugi Family

Uesugi Takayama

Yonezawa City was ruled by the Uesugi family for 272 years. The days that the Uesugi family lived in Yonezawa were filled with hardships.

The ancestor of the Uesugi family Uesugi Kenshin . Kagekatsu, who succeeded Kenshin, served as one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's close advisors, the Five Elders, and ruled over 1.2 million koku in Aizu. However, in 1600, the Western army was defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara, and Kagekatsu, who was an enemy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, had his territory reduced to 300,000 koku in Yonezawa. His territory, which is his source of income, will be cut by 75%... When a situation like this occurs, the first thing that comes to mind is usually to reduce staff. However, Kagekatsu did not reduce the number of his retainers at all and chose to walk the path of hardship together.

However, the Yonezawa clan's hardships continued. Kagekatsu's grandson, the third lord of the domain, Tsunakatsu, suddenly passed away at the young age of 25. Since he had no children yet, his family and domain were in danger of being destroyed due to the lack of a successor. By adopting an adopted child, he narrowly avoided being destroyed, but he was unable to avoid the punishment of having his territory reduced to 150,000 koku. Compared to the Aizu era, the territory was a whopping one-eighth. The domain's finances were dire, and it was in a state of debt hell.

The person who saved them was Yozan Uesugi, who became the 9th lord of the domain.

"If you do something, it will happen. If you don't do something, nothing will happen. If it doesn't happen, it's because you didn't do it for others."

He is also famous for leaving behind this famous quote. Takayama became the lord of the domain when he was 17 years old. He took the initiative to be extremely frugal, create rice fields, provide irrigation water, and engage in a number of initiatives to promote agricultural production, all of which achieved great success. He also put effort into the field of education, opening Kojokan, a domain school. By the time Takayama died at the age of 72, the domain had almost completely paid off its debts. He is a great man who truly embodies the spirit of "do what you do" and laid the foundation for modern Yonezawa City.

Uesugi family mausoleum
Uesugi family mausoleum

To honor these achievements of the Uesugi family, Yonezawa City has many historical sites dedicated to the Uesugi family. Uesugi Shrine, a famous tourist destination, is a shrine dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin. Within the precincts, there is Keishoden, which houses many important cultural properties, including items related to the founder of the family, Kenshin, the first lord of the domain, Kagekatsu, senior vassal Kanetsugu Naoe, and the ninth lord of the domain, Takayama.

Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum

Matsumisaki Shrine, adjacent to the east side of Uesugi Shrine, is a shrine dedicated to Mt. Uesugi Takayama. Additionally, the Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum, which is adjacent to the southeast side of Uesugi Shrine, is a must-see. In addition to containing valuable items related to the Uesugi family, you can learn more about the history of the Uesugi family and Yonezawa City.

Information＜Uesugi Shrine＞

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Information＜Matsumisaki Shrine＞

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Information＜Denkoku-Mori Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum＞

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Festivals with a historical feel are held in early summer and winter.

Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival
Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival

In Yonezawa City, there are festivals that can be called seasonal features of early summer and winter.

The Yonezawa Uesugi Festival is held from April 29th to May 3rd every year , and is held in conjunction with Matsumisaki Shrine's regular spring festival. Among the most famous are the Uesugi procession and the Battle of Kawanakajima on the final day. During the Uesugi procession, people dressed as samurai wearing glittering armor parade through the streets of Yonezawa. The Battle of Kawanakajima is an event that reenacts the scene of the confrontation between Uesugi and Takeda, which is said to be the biggest battle in Sengoku history. The powerful battle scene where both armies get mixed up is a masterpiece. It's irresistible for Sengoku fans.

The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival, a winter tradition is also popular. More than 300 snow lanterns and candles are lit in 1,000 snow caves set up in Matsumisaki Park, creating a fantastical backdrop to the snowy landscape of Yonezawa. Yonezawa is a harsh place with a lot of snow, but the way the warm lights sway seems to represent the gentle and strong hearts of the people. Why not enjoy its emotional appearance?

Tengendai Plateau, a leisure spot that can be enjoyed both summer and winter

Tengendai Plateau

Ou Mountain Range, Azuma Mountain Range, and Iide Mountain Range. Yonezawa City is surrounded by steep mountains, and its beautiful natural scenery is also a unique tourist resource. Tengendai Plateau , located at an altitude of 1300 meters . It is also famous as the starting point for Mt. Nishi-Azuma, which is listed as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, and is a popular leisure spot where you can enjoy mountain climbing and trekking in the summer, and skiing in the winter.

The ropeway that goes to Tengendai Kogen runs from Yumoto Station at the foot of the mountain. You will arrive at Tengendai Kogen Station in 6 minutes while overlooking the mountains of the Iide Mountain Range and the townscape of Yonezawa City. During the snow-free season, camping, mountain climbing, trekking, and hiking are popular, making use of the observation deck, wildflower garden, and camp field. On the Natsuyama Lift, you can enjoy a relaxing walk in the air while admiring the alpine plants beneath your feet.

In the winter, it quickly transforms into Tengendai Ski Resort, where you can enjoy snow activities. What makes it unique is its long operating period. It is open until Golden Week every year, so you can enjoy spring skiing. It has a wide variety of content that can be enjoyed by a wide range of customers, including three slopes with different difficulty levels and a family park where you can play on sleds and mini-skis. There is plenty of high-quality powder snow nurtured by the harsh natural environment.

Information<Tengendai Plateau>

  • Name: Tengendai Plateau
  • Location: 12118-6 Rizan, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • Phone number: 023-855-2236
  • URL: https://www.tengendai.jp/

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If you visit Yonezawa, you must try "Yonezawa Beef" at least once.

Yonezawa beef
Yonezawa beef

"ABC of Yonezawa City" is being proposed by Yonezawa City to promote its specialty products . It is an acronym for Apple, Beef, and Carp. Yonezawa Beef is a very famous brand of beef that is considered one of the three major types of Japanese beef ! If you visit Yonezawa City, you definitely want to try Yonezawa beef! I think there are many people who are enthusiastic about this.

was Charles Henry Dallas who created the opportunity to spread the name of Yonezawa beef to the world . He was a teacher during the Meiji era at Kojokan which was opened by Yozan Uesugi as a domain school At that time, in Yonezawa City, there was no custom of eating four-legged animals. However, Dallas, who likes meat, really wants to eat beef...! So when he took over as a teacher, he brought a Japanese cook from Yokohama. When I tried the cooked Yonezawa beef...I was blown away by how delicious it was! When he left Yonezawa at the end of his term, he took a cow to Yokohama to feed his friends. Everyone who tasted it praised its taste, which is said to have helped spread the name of Yonezawa beef.

Yonezawa beef is characterized by fine marbling and sweet red meat. The melting point of the fat is so low that it melts at the temperature of human skin, so it melts as soon as you put it in your mouth. You can enjoy the soft texture.

Yonezawa beef
Yonezawa beef steak

There are many restaurants near Yonezawa Station where you can enjoy Yonezawa beef, which is great for train passengers. For example, ``Ushi no Ongaeshi Takayama-ko'' serves fresh Yonezawa beef delivered directly from their own farm. You can enjoy the finest, tender beef at a reasonable price. Yonezawa beef is also sold on the first floor, so it's a great place to buy souvenirs.

Information＜The Cow’s Return, Lord Takayama＞

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Yoshitsune ware, a soul food known only to those in the know

Yoshitsune ware
Yoshitsune ware

Speaking of Yonezawa City's meat, it's Yonezawa beef! ...But another recommendation "Yoshitsune ware .

To put it simply, Yoshitsune ware is miso-flavored Genghis Khan. This is an original product from Namikata Mutton Store , made with thinly sliced ​​lamb meat marinated in miso Stir-fry it on a hot plate with plenty of vegetables and you'll have an exquisite meat dish! The mutton is grilled moist and with zero bitterness. Just the smell makes me want food! Once you start eating it, you can't stop asking for another helping! This deliciousness is truly “devil-class”.

What you should get along with Yoshitsune ware is Namikata Mutton Shop's ``Anjamo Nanban'' and ``Grain Mustard . Anjamo Nanban is ``Karashi Nanban'' which is extremely spicy but strangely addictive. The compatibility with Yoshitsune ware is the strongest! It can be used in a wide variety of ways, including adding it to meat dishes and ramen, so those with a spicy tooth will definitely want to keep it on hand. Everyone will be surprised at the beauty of grain mustard. Mustard seeds are whole, plump, and grainy. The moderate acidity, aromatic aroma, and taste without any unpleasant taste will elevate the taste of meat to the next level. It's not only delicious with mutton, but also with all kinds of meat and fish, so it's also recommended as a thoughtful gift for those who love cooking or as a BBQ souvenir.

Information <Namikata mutton shop>

  • Name: Namikata Mutton Store
  • Location: Higashi 2-1-30, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • Phone number: 023-824-6887
  • URL: https://www.umai.co.jp/

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Yonezawa City is the best place to enjoy history, leisure, and gourmet food!

This time, we introduced some trivia about Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.

Yonezawa City, which was named during the Sengoku period and is associated with the Uesugi family, has developed to the present day. Historic sites full of historical romance, a climate where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons, and delicious gourmet food await you. Why not come and experience its charm for yourself?

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