Tsuruoka boasts a number of distinct neighbourhoods along the Sea of Japan coast, near the Zenpō-ji temple and the working film set of Studio Sedic. It’s backed by the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa and renowned as the home of author Fujisawa Shuhei.

Things to do

Follow the 2,446 stone steps to the summit of Mount Hagura, one of the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa. The trail takes you past 600-year-old sugi trees and the five-storey pagoda of Gojūnotō before reaching the summit shrine of Sanjingōsaiden that was built in honour of the mountain spirits.

Want to experience a working Japanese movie set? Head to Studio Sedic, which sprawls across the Shōnai Plain. Wander through a recreated Edo-era trading town and charming mountain villages while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Japanese TV and film industry.

If you’re a fan of Japanese fiction, visit the Fujisawa Shuhei Memorial Museum, which honours the life and work of this Tsuruoka native. It’s located in the Castle Park that he incorporated into many of his novels, with personal belongings and rare editions of his works on display.

A short drive from Tsuruoka takes you to the Zen Buddhist temple of Zenpō-ji, which was built for the Dragon King in the 10th century. After admiring its ornate gate and five-tier pagoda, see the famous unique jinmen-gyo (human-faced carp) that occupy a nearby pond.

Getting around

Tsuruoka is around 25 minutes’ drive from Shonai Airport, which has daily flights to Haneda Airport, or a four-hour train journey from Tokyo. Buses travel throughout Tsuruoka, but having your own vehicle is best for exploring the surrounding area.