◆ Cherry blossoms in Kajo Park with history and style

First of all, this is Kajo Park.
It is located in the center of Yamagata City and is easily accessible from the station.
Approximately 1,500 cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the large garden, making it a cherry blossom viewing spot where many people gather in the city.

In addition, the ruins of the castle, which has been certified as one of the “100 Fine Castles of Japan”, are very spectacular, and the row of cherry blossom trees seen from “Ninomaru Higashi Otemon” is especially spectacular.
It is lit up at night, so be sure to check out the gorgeous cherry blossoms that are different from the daytime.

◆ How to enjoy this ...

There are also cultural facilities such as the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, Yamagata Museum of Art, and Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum on or near Kajo Park.
This is a place you should definitely visit to learn about Yamagata’s art and history.

And recently, the main building of the former prefectural hospital “Saiseikan”, which is called “Yamagata City Folk Museum”, is popular.
It seems that the number of visitors has been increasing steadily since it was introduced on the TV program!

It was designated as a National important cultural property in 1966 (Showa 41) and was relocated to its current location in 1967.
The building is a four-story three-story building with unique designs such as glass windows and doors as well as the color of the outer walls. This is based on the “giyofu architectural style (pseudo-Japanese)” that was often seen in Japan in the early Meiji era.

Especially in this season, the contrast between the falling cherry blossoms and the building is very beautiful.
In addition, admission is free in the hall!
Many of the medical and local materials on display are valuable and very interesting, so please take a look inside.

◆ Mamigasaki riverside cherry blossom line with beautiful illumination

Next, I would like to introduce “Mamigasaki riverside cherry blossom line”.

Here you can see a row of cherry blossom trees about 2.3km along the river.
The cherry blossoms that bloom from both sides of the road to cover the road are like a tunnel.
It is good to walk along the river, but it is also recommended to relax in the river while feeling the river breeze.

Also, this is also lit up at night. The cherry blossoms you see while being surrounded by silence are also beautiful.

The road is very crowded during the flowering period, so please be careful if you go by car.

◆ Unexpectedly a little-known spot? !! An irresistible park for train enthusiasts

And finally, shooting iron, riding iron … Good news for people who like railways.
The second park behind JR Yamagata Ekimae Odori stores steam locomotives that were actually used for passenger trains for nearly half a century until 1969 (Showa 44) during the JNR era.

In this season, you can see the cherry blossoms fluttering along with them.
The maximum output is 159 horsepower, and it is surprising that it ran more than 2.4 million kilometers.

If you keep staring at it, it seems that you can see the old days when you smoked and ran through Yamagata during the period of high economic miracle.

Fortunately, there are stairs beside the locomotive so you can see the driver’s cab up close.

Arasa-I’m a girl, and I quietly climbed the stairs, but the shame of the trip is abandoned!
Please take the plunge and feel like a driver.

◆ After cherry blossom viewing, relax at the café ...

After cherry blossom viewing, I want to take a break.
“SLOW JAM” from Kasumicho, Yamagata City is a cafe that offers everything from café menus to sweets that make use of Yamagata’s “seasonal” ingredients.

I especially recommend this “Saba Sand”.

Sandwiched between the fragrant baguettes is mackerel with original sauce!
If you chew on a crispy and chewy baguette, the taste of mackerel will spread in your mouth.

It’s voluminous and comes with soup, so you’ll definitely be full.

The temperature will rise this weekend, and it seems to be a perfect day for cherry blossom viewing.
Please go out with your family and friends.

* Due to the spread of the new COVID-19 virus, Hours, regular holidays, and business forms may differ from this article.
Please inquire at the store in advance for the latest business conditions and infection prevention measures.