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[Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture] What kind of place is Yonezawa? A treasure box of trivia series that will help you understand the area, including its history, tourist spots, and local specialties
[Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture] What kind of place is Yonezawa? A treasure box of trivia series that will help you understand the area, including its history, tourist spots, and local specialties
what kind of place ○○○ iswhen someone asks you thatThe "Treasure Chest of Local Trivia" seriesis packed with useful trivia for just such situations. We carefully select and introduce trivia that characterizes each region from all angles, including history and culture.
This time, we will open the lid of a treasure trove of trivia about Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. What kind of area is Yonezawa City?
Yonezawa City, a place associated with the famous Sengoku general "Uesugi Kenshin"! Walking with the Uesugi family
Yonezawa City was ruled by the Uesugi clan for 272 years. The days that the Uesugi clan lived in Yonezawa were a series of hardships
The founder of the Uesugi family was the famous, Uesugi Kenshin. Kenshin's successor, Kagekatsu, served as one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's five chief retainers and ruled over Aizu, a territory of 1.2 million koku. However, when the Western Army was defeated in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Kagekatsu, who had been an enemy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, had his territory reduced to 300,000 koku in Yonezawa. His source of income, his territory, was cut by 75%... In such a situation, the first thing one would normally think of is cutting personnel. However, Kagekatsu did not reduce the number of his retainers at all, and chose to walk the difficult path together with them.
However, the Yonezawa domain's hardships continued. Tsunakatsu, the third lord of the domain and grandson of Kagekatsu, died suddenly at the young age of 25. As he had no children yet, the family and domain faced the threat of abolition due to the lack of a successor. Although they narrowly avoided abolition by adopting a son, they were unable to avoid the punishment of having their territory reduced to 150,000 koku. Compared to the time of Aizu rule, their territory was now only one-eighth of what it had been. The domain's finances were steadily declining, and they were in a state of debt hell
The person who saved the situation was Uesugi Yozan, who became the 9th feudal lord
"If you try, it will be done. If you don't try, it won't be done. If something doesn't get done, it's because people don't try."
He is also famous for this famous quote. Yozan became the lord of the domain at the age of 17. He personally implemented great frugality, created rice fields, developed irrigation systems, and undertook various initiatives to promote industry, all of which were a great success. He also focused on education, opening the domain school, Kojokan. By the time Yozan passed away at the age of 72, the domain had almost paid off all of its debts. He truly embodied the spirit of "if you try, you can do it," and was a great man who built the foundation for modern-day Yonezawa City
Uesugi family mausoleum
In honor of the Uesugi family's achievements, many historical sites dedicated to them remain in Yonezawa City. Uesugi Shrine, a famous tourist destination, is dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin. Within the grounds, there is also the Keishoden Hall, which houses many important cultural properties, including items related to the family's founder, Kenshin, the first feudal lord, Kagekatsu, senior vassal Naoe Kanetsugu, and the ninth feudal lord, Yozan
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
Matsusaki Shrine, adjacent to the east side of Uesugi Shrine, is a shrine dedicated to Uesugi Yozan. Also, the Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum, adjacent to the southeast side of Uesugi Shrine, is a must-see. In addition to housing valuable items related to the Uesugi family, you can also learn more about the history of the Uesugi family and Yonezawa City
Information <Uesugi Shrine>
Name: Uesugi Shrine
Address: 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Festivals with a historical atmosphere are held in early summer and winter
Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival
Yonezawa City has festivals that can be called early summer and winter traditions
held annually from April 29th to May 3rdThe Yonezawa Uesugi Festival, coincides with the spring grand festival of Matsugasaki Shrine. The Uesugi procession and the Battle of Kawanakajima reenactment on the final day are particularly famous. In the Uesugi procession, people dressed as warriors in dazzling armor parade through the streets of Yonezawa. The Battle of Kawanakajima reenacts the clash between the Uesugi and Takeda clans, considered the largest battle in Sengoku period history. The spectacular battle scene, with both armies clashing, is breathtaking. It's a must-see for fans of the Sengoku period.
winter tradition,The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival, ais also very popular. Over 300 snow lanterns and 1,000 snow caverns are set up in Matsugasaki Park, and candles are lit inside, creating a magical atmosphere in the snowy landscape of Yonezawa. Although Yonezawa is a harsh place with heavy snowfall, the sight of the warm light flickering seems to represent the gentle yet strong hearts of its people. Why not enjoy this picturesque scene?
Tengendai Plateau: A leisure spot you can enjoy in both summer and winter
Tengendai Plateau
Surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Ou Mountains, Azuma Mountains, and Iide Mountains, Yonezawa City boasts stunning natural scenery that is a unique tourist attraction. One such attraction isTengendai Plateau. Famous as a trailhead for Mount Nishi-Azuma, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it is a popular leisure spot where visitors can enjoy hiking and trekking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
The ropeway to Tengendai Kogen operates from Yumoto Station at the foot of the mountain. It takes 6 minutes to reach Tengendai Kogen Station, offering panoramic views of the Iide mountain range and the townscape of Yonezawa City. In the snow-free season, camping, mountain climbing, trekking, and hiking are popular, with the observation deck, wildflower garden, and camping field all within easy reach. The summer mountain lift allows you to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the air while admiring the alpine plants at your feet
In winter, the resort transforms into Tengendai Ski Resort, where you can enjoy all kinds of snow activities. Its most notable feature is its long operating period. It is usually open until Golden Week, so you can enjoy spring skiing. With three slopes of varying difficulty and a family park where you can enjoy sledding and mini-skiing, it offers a wide range of activities to suit a wide range of visitors. The resort is plentiful with high-quality powder snow, nurtured by the harsh natural environment
Information<Tengendai Plateau>
Name: Tengendai Plateau
Address: 12118-6, Riyama, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
If you visit Yonezawa, you should definitely try "Yonezawa Beef"
Yonezawa beef
proposed by Yonezawa City to promote its local products"Yonezawa City's ABCs". It stands for the first letters of Apple, Beef, and Carp. Speaking of Yonezawa City's Beef... it's the super-famous brand beef"Yonezawa Beef,"! Many people who visit Yonezawa City are probably eager to try Yonezawa Beef!
The person who originally helped spread the name of Yonezawa beef to the world wasCharles Henry Dallasa domain school opened by Uesugi Yozanthe Kojokanduring the Meiji era. At that time, there was no custom of eating four-legged animals in Yonezawa. However, Dallas, who loved meat, desperately wanted to eat beef! So when he took up his teaching position, he brought a Japanese cook with him from Yokohama. When he tasted the Yonezawa beef that the cook had prepared, he was so impressed by how delicious it was! When he finished his term and left Yonezawa, he took a cow with him to Yokohama and let his friends try it. Everyone who tasted it praised the flavor, and that is said to have been the catalyst for spreading the name of Yonezawa beef.
Yonezawa beef is characterized by its fine marbling and sweet red meat. The fat has such a low melting point that it melts at body temperature, making it melt the moment you put it in your mouth. You can enjoy its soft texture
Yonezawa beef steak
There are many restaurants near Yonezawa Station where you can enjoy Yonezawa beef, which is great news for train passengers. For example,"Ushi no Ongaeshi Takayama-ko"serves fresh Yonezawa beef delivered directly from their own farm. You can enjoy incredibly tender, top-quality beef at a reasonable price. They also sell Yonezawa beef on the first floor, making it a great place to buy souvenirs.
Information ＜The Cow Returns: Lord Takayama＞
Title: The Cow Returns a Favor, Takayama
Address: 3-1-50 Higashi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Yoshitsune-yaki: a soul food known only to those in the know
Yoshitsune ware
When it comes to meat from Yonezawa City, you might think of Yonezawa beef! ...but another recommendation"Yoshitsune-yaki".
To put it simply, Yoshitsune-yaki is miso-flavored Jingisukan (grilled lamb). Thinly sliced lamb is marinated in a rich miso sauce,"Namikata Lamb Shop." Stir-fry it on a hot plate with plenty of vegetables, and you'll have an exquisite meat dish! The lamb has no gamey smell and cooks up moist and tender. The aroma alone will make you crave rice! Once you start eating, you won't be able to stop reaching for seconds! This deliciousness is truly "devilish."
Along with Yoshitsune-yaki, we also recommend getting Namikata Lamb Shop's"Anjamo Nanban"and"Grain Mustard." Anjamo Nanban is an extremely spicy, yet strangely addictive, spicy chili pepper. It pairs perfectly with Yoshitsune-yaki! It can be used in a variety of ways, such as in meat dishes and ramen, so spice lovers will definitely want to keep it on hand. Everyone will be surprised by the beautiful appearance of the grain mustard. The mustard seeds are plump and perfectly round. Its balanced acidity, fragrant aroma, and clean taste elevate the flavor of meat. It makes not only lamb but also meat and fish delicious, making it a thoughtful gift for cooking enthusiasts or a great souvenir for a BBQ.
Information <Namikata Lamb Shop>
Name: Namikata Lamb Shop
Address: 2-1-30 Higashi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Yonezawa City is great because you can enjoy history, leisure activities, and gourmet food!
This time we introduced some trivia about Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Yonezawa City has developed to this day as a place associated with the Uesugi clan, a name from the Warring States period. Historical sites filled with the romance of history, a climate where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons, and delicious cuisine await you. Why not experience its charm for yourself?
Woman in her 30s / Resident of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture / Writer who handles local gourmet information / Favorite phrase is coexistence and co-prosperity
