7 Tourist Spots in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture to Enjoy Nature and Culture

Shinjo City is located in the northeastern part of Yamagata Prefecture and has a population of about 37,000. Situated along the Mogami River basin, it was once governed by the Tozawa clan for 243 years and is known as the castle town of the Shinjo Domain. The famous poet Matsuo Bashō, who traveled The Narrow Road to the Deep North, is said to have visited this area in 1689 (Genroku 2).
Within Shinjo City, you’ll find many tourist attractions such as parks, hot spring facilities, and historical sites. Local specialties like agarashare, chicken giblets, soba, and natto are popular among visitors. You can reach Shinjo from Tokyo by overnight bus, making it convenient for day trips. Arriving in the morning allows you to start sightseeing right away.
Here are 7 recommended tourist spots in charming Shinjo City.

1. Shinjo Castle Ruins (Mogami Park)

About a 15-minute walk from Shinjo Station, the Shinjo Castle was built in 1625 (Kanei 2) by Masamori Tozawa, the first lord of the Shinjo Domain. It served as the residence of the Tozawa family for 243 years, from the first lord Masamori to the 11th lord Masazane. After the Boshin War, it was attacked by the Shonai forces and the castle town was destroyed. Today, the site houses Tozawa Shrine, Tenman Shrine, and Gokoku Shrine, and is known as Mogami Park.
Tenman Shrine has been the guardian shrine of the Tozawa family since their days in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture. Tozawa Shrine enshrines the clan’s founder Hikarimori, domain founder Masamori, and the 11th lord Masazane. It also houses a rare chrysanthemum crest flag from the Boshin War, found only here and at Yasukuni Shrine. Gokoku Shrine, built in 1869, honors those who died in wars from the Boshin War through World War II.
In spring, the park’s 300 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms, bloom beautifully alongside the popular Kado-yaki Festival. In autumn, the maple foliage is also a highlight.

2. Kamuten Park (Mogami Central Park)

Just a 5-minute walk from Shinjo Station on the JR Ou Main Line, Mogami Central Park is affectionately called Kamuten Park, named after the tengu of Mt. Kamuro. The park’s name reflects the wish that it would be a place where people could always “play with Kamuten” under the gaze of Mt. Kamuro.
It features a vast lawn area and colorful playground equipment. From the small hill, you can enjoy views of Mt. Gassan and Mt. Chokai. Facilities also include a basketball court, skateboard area, and “Sportia,” an indoor multi-purpose field with sand-filled artificial turf for tennis and futsal.
You can even see the Tsubasa shinkansen from the park, making it a great stop for train-loving kids.

3. Higashiyama General Sports Park

Located in the hills of Higashiyama, this park is beloved by locals as a relaxing recreational space. The 500-meter loop allows visitors to enjoy a pilgrimage to 33 Kannon statues in about 30 minutes. With facilities such as a gymnasium, baseball field, tennis courts, athletic stadium, and martial arts hall, it offers activities for all ages—perfect for fitting in a bit of exercise during sightseeing.
The park also has the “Hydrangea Grove,” home to about 45,000 hydrangea plants of 34 varieties, designated as Shinjo City’s official flower. The blooms are best viewed in early July. Located just 10 minutes by car from Shinjo Station, admission is free.

4. Former Yahagi Family Residence

About a 25-minute bus ride from Shinjo Station, this National Important Cultural Property can be toured free of charge, with guided tours available upon request.
Although no historical documents remain, architectural analysis suggests it was built in the mid-18th century. The middle gate was rebuilt in the early 19th century, and renovations and extensions were made in the mid-Meiji and early Taisho eras, but it has since been restored to its original form.
This typical farmhouse consists of an upper and lower building, characterized by numerous log-like pillars. The upper pillars are made from polygonal timber finished with an axe or adze. It’s the oldest example of the prefecture’s middle-gate style farmhouses. Inside are bedrooms and guest rooms, surprisingly spacious, along with displays of old farming tools.

5. Torigoe Hachiman Shrine

A 10-minute bus ride from Shinjo Station, this shrine—locally called Torigoe Hachimangu—is also a National Important Cultural Property and the oldest building in Shinjo City. Built in 1638 by Sadamori Tozawa, the adopted son of Shinjo Domain founder Masamori Tozawa, its origin story involves a hawk hunt in which a hawk was called back with divine help from Hachiman, prompting the relocation of the shrine to its current site.
It features a main hall built in 1638, displaying beautiful carvings and colors typical of early Edo architecture, a worship hall built in 1691 with a plain wood construction style of the mid-Edo period, and a connecting hall.
The grounds are home to the “Married Couple Cedars,” two 35-meter-tall cedar trees over 300 years old that share the same roots—making it a fitting destination for couples.

6. Yamuki Tate and Bashō Boarding Site

About a 25-minute bus ride from Shinjo Station, Yamuki Tate is a medieval fort built by Kido Suo in the late 16th century, located where the Nitta River meets the Mogami River. From the Honai Bridge on Route 47, you can view the fort and nearby Yakou Shrine, which enshrines Yamato Takeru, the guardian deity of boatmen on the Mogami River.
The Bashō Boarding Site marks the place where Matsuo Bashō and his travel companion Sora boarded a boat to journey down the Mogami River. Statues of both poets can be seen here. The site also attracted poets such as Masaoka Shiki and Mokichi Saito, who left works inspired by the area. In spring and autumn, the surrounding greenery and foliage add to the scenic beauty.

7. Bashō’s Haiku Monument and Yanagi no Shimizu Spring Site

About a 20-minute drive from Shinjo Station, this site was once home to a fresh spring known as Yanagi no Shimizu, which flowed until the early Showa period. Bashō drank from this spring and composed the haiku:
“In the depths of the water, searching for the icehouse—ah, the willow.”
Here, “icehouse” refers to a court ritual held on June 1, where ice was eaten for health. “Willow” refers to the path shaded by willow trees where travelers could refresh themselves before entering Shinjo from the south. This poem expresses gratitude for the hospitality Bashō received.
The monument was erected in 1781 by haiku poet Ryōta Ōshima, who visited the area out of admiration for Bashō, commemorating the region’s cultural exchanges among poets.

◎ Summary

Shinjo City offers a rich blend of nature and culture. You can explore historical sites linked to the Tozawa clan, walk in the footsteps of Bashō, relax in scenic parks, or enjoy seasonal blooms. Whether you’re after history, poetry, or peaceful recreation, Shinjo provides diverse ways to enjoy your trip in Yamagata Prefecture.