Tsuruoka Park (Photo by Ashley Sussman/Stripes Japan)
Yamagata’s Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku Region is known for its stunning landscapes and execellent snow and hot springs. In the summer, its expansive green spaces are a welcome reprieve from the heat in the southern areas. My family and I planned our visit to Tsuruoka City, Yamagata’s “Culintary Capital” to do just that: escape and explore a new place. During our visit to Tsuroka in May, we found what we were looking for, a relaxed family getaway with plenty to see and do. Below are the places I enjoyed most. Don’t miss your chance to get to know this relaxing city with good eats and plenty of small-town charm.
Ashley self-portrait illustrations (Illustrations by Ashley Sussman/Stripes Japan)
Kamo Aquarium
(Photo by Ashley Sussman/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Ashley Sussman/Stripes Japan)
For those who enjoy aquariums and especially jellyfish, Kamo Aquarium is a good place to spend a few hours as it is considered to have one of the biggest collections of jellyfish in the world, according to Tsuruoka City’s website. The jellyfish and all the other sea creatures in the impressive aquarium, allow visitors to enjoy a deep-sea exploration. There is also a large stadium space where guests can sit and watch sea lions perform throughout the day. Though we visited on a weekend, it was not so busy, allowing guests to explore as they please. Don’t worry about crowds because the aquarium is large enough that you don’t feel squeezed in or rushed to get out the door. I took many photos while admiring the unique characteristics of each of the sea animals on display. After some time observing residents, I stopped at the gift shop, which sells all sorts of souvenirs and knick knacks. The shop stocks many aquatic-themed items, from stickers and stationery to plushes and jellyfish-inspired umbrellas. The moon jellyfish umbrella was my favorite and I made sure to buy it immediately!
Simply flavorful ramen
Tashiro Ramen (Photo by Ashley Sussman/Stripes Japan)
After an early morning of exploring around Yamagata, I was curious to try a local specialty for lunch. This was my first introduction to Tashiro Ramen and their simple, yet filling, bowl of chashu pork ramen. Inside the small restaurant, diners have the option between western or tatami mat seating. My family and I picked the tatami side, sitting on cushions and wedging in under the short-legged table. Tashiro’s simple menu has two ramen options: chashu pork and chuuka soba. I ordered the pork and was delighted with the nice combination of chewy noodles and light soy-based broth. It came topped with locally sourced scallions and thin slices of pork. Every spoonful was like enjoying something made in the comfort of someone’s home, in comparison to Tokyo’s ramen which bursts with a stronger flavor. At 850 yen, the ramen was an inexpensive way to enjoy the local fare and refuel for the next stop on our trip. It was so good, in fact, that I’m still dreaming about those steamy, flavorful noodles. I can’t wait to go back and enjoy the beauty of Yamagata and its delicious bowls of ramen.
Strolling Tsuruoaka Park
Tsuruoka Park (Photo by Ashley Sussman/Stripes Japan)
If you want to take a little break and enjoy a change of scenery, Tsuruoka Park, one of Yamagata’s famous parks, is a great place relax and enjoy nature. I visited on the weekend during a rather cloudy and quiet afternoon, so I was able to enjoy a slow stroll and take in the park’s many willow trees. When I was there, wisteria were blooming on the wooden pergolas perched above the benches, which overlook a large river. In the spring, the park’s many sakura cherry blossoms trees draw many visitors, so it’s worth timing your trip around this time. In addition to the stunning landscape, the serene park is steeped in history as it was once home to Tsurugaoka Castle constructed by the Sakai Clan during the Edo Period in 1622. Today, some of the portions of its walls and moat still remain, as well as a few shrines dating back to the period. You can enjoy the park and learn about the area history at the Chido Museum nearby.
Things to know
Kamo Aquarium
Address: Okubo-657-1 Imaizumi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-1206
Hours: Mon. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Taisho Ramen
Address: Osakayama-309 Tashiro, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0302
Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch only)
Phone: 0235-57-4614
Tsuruoka Park
AloJapan.com