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Yonezawa Castle Ruins / Matsugasaki Park
A top cherry blossom spot where you can enjoy local food and a sense of history.
Opened in 1874 as a relaxing public space, this park sits on the former grounds of Yonezawa Castle, once home to the Uesugi clan, who ruled the area for generations, and also known as the birthplace of the Sengoku-era warlord Date Masamune. Parts of the stone walls and moats still remain, offering a subtle glimpse of the past.
Around 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted throughout the park, and in spring their buds begin to bloom. The pairing of the red bridge over the moat (Hishimon Bridge) with the cherry blossoms in full bloom is especially striking—a scene that captivates visitors. At night, the area is illuminated, creating a different mood from daytime.
Every year from April 29 to May 3, the area hosts its biggest event: the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival, held in memory of the Sengoku-era warlord Uesugi Kenshin. The cherry blossoms are often at their peak during this time, and food stalls line the park, adding to the festive buzz.
Nearby, you’ll find restaurants serving local specialty Yonezawa beef, as well as Uesugi Joshi-en, a shop where you can buy jellies and jams made with Yamagata fruits, sake, and more. Enjoy some local flavors while you’re in the area.
Highlights
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A castle town of the Uesugi clan, founded by Uesugi Kenshin, said to have been the strongest Sengoku warlord
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Famous as the birthplace of Date Masamune, a Sengoku-era warlord who ruled the Tohoku region.
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The park has 200 cherry trees, making it a popular spot for hanami in spring.
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The Yonezawa Uesugi Festival is held every year from April 29 to May 3, and you can also watch performances by people dressed as armored warlords.
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At the nearby shop Uesugi Joshi-en, you can try local specialties.
Photos
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A photogenic scene created by the red bridge (Hishimon Bridge) over the moat and the cherry blossoms
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Illuminated at night, the cherry blossoms take on a glossy, elegant atmosphere different from daytime
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The park is also home to Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to the famed Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin
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At the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival, food stalls line up, making it easy to grab local bites
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At the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival, a procession of the Uesugi army in full armor marches through town (usually held on May 3)
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
English is available.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes, at Uesugi Joshi-en and the Uesugi Museum.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
There are two public restrooms, and restrooms are also available at each facility.
Q
Are there smoking areas?
A
Two locations.
Q
Is there parking?
A
Free parking for 300 vehicles (regular cars and large buses).
Q
What are the visiting hours for Uesugi Shrine?
A
Main shrine hall hours: 7:00am-5:00pm. The rest of the shrine grounds and the park are accessible 24 hours.
Q
Where can I buy the Yonezawa Castle goshuin-style castle stamp?
A
Sold at the tourist information desk of the Yonezawa Tourism Convention Association.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 米沢城址 / 松が岬公園
- Postal Code
- 992-0052
- Address
- 1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata
- Phone
- 0238-21-6226 (Yonezawa Tourism Convention Association)
- Closed on
- Open daily
- Hours
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Open to stroll freely
Some facilities in the park have set business hours. - Admission
- Free
- Access
- Approx. 10 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station (JR Ou Main Line)
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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