Founded in 1950 by the former Lord Sh身nai in order to preserve local culture, this museum features Sakai-family artefacts, two Meiji-era buildings, a traditional storehouse and a kabuto-zukuri (farmhouse with a thatched roof shaped like a samurai helmet). The museum is on the southwest corner of Tsuruoka-k身en, the site of the former Sakai castle.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.76 MILES
The 2446 stone steps through ancient cedars to Haguro-san's summit (419m) have been smoothed by centuries of pilgrims. The climb, taking up to two hours,＃
16.69 MILES
Accessible from July to September, Gas-san (1984m) is the highest of Dewa Sanzan's sacred mountains. From Hachig身me (匐磁醴; eighth station) the route passes＃
16.22 MILES
Accessible from May to October, Yudono-san (1504m) is the spiritual culmination of the Dewa Sanzan trek. Coming from Gas-san it's a short walk from the＃
5.73 MILES
The world's largest jellyfish tank 每 containing 30 to 40 species at any one time 每 was given a spark by a Nobel Prize每winning scientist who discovered a＃
15.62 MILES
Beyond the giant red torii of this shrine, ancient tradition (and stern-faced priests) forbids disclosure of what you witness. It's forbidden to＃
4.25 MILES
Seven kilometres west of Tsuruoka is this Zen Buddhist temple, complete with five-tier pagoda and large gateway. It dates from the 10th century, when it＃
16.62 MILES
At the peak of Gas-san is the deeply spiritual Shint身 shrine of Gassan-jinja. Before entering you must be 'purifed': bow to receive the priest's＃
Historical Obata ('NK Agent') Building
13.17 MILES
This building featured in the 2009 Academy Award每winning Best Foreign Language film, Okuribito (云仁曰太午; Departures). You can't go in, but you'll see stills＃
Nearby Northern Honsh迂 (T身hoku) attractions
4.25 MILES
Seven kilometres west of Tsuruoka is this Zen Buddhist temple, complete with five-tier pagoda and large gateway. It dates from the 10th century, when it＃
5.73 MILES
The world's largest jellyfish tank 每 containing 30 to 40 species at any one time 每 was given a spark by a Nobel Prize每winning scientist who discovered a＃
8.76 MILES
The 2446 stone steps through ancient cedars to Haguro-san's summit (419m) have been smoothed by centuries of pilgrims. The climb, taking up to two hours,＃
4. Historical Abumiya Residence
12.94 MILES
Opposite the city hall, this private home once belonged to a wealthy shipping agent. With a beautiful garden and a fascinating variety of room divisions＃
5. Historical Obata ('NK Agent') Building
13.17 MILES
This building featured in the 2009 Academy Award每winning Best Foreign Language film, Okuribito (云仁曰太午; Departures). You can't go in, but you'll see stills＃
13.2 MILES
This sprawling hilly park has views of the ocean and is a wonderful spot for a stroll or a picnic, especially at sunset. In April, 400 cherry trees burst＃
15.62 MILES
Beyond the giant red torii of this shrine, ancient tradition (and stern-faced priests) forbids disclosure of what you witness. It's forbidden to＃
16.22 MILES
Accessible from May to October, Yudono-san (1504m) is the spiritual culmination of the Dewa Sanzan trek. Coming from Gas-san it's a short walk from the＃