Kasajo Park (霞城公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This park preserves the ruins of Yamagata Castle, founded by Mogami Yoshiaki, and is designated as a National Historic Site. Yamagata Castle was one of Japan's largest concentric-plan flatland castles, and the park retains the moats and stone walls, with the Nino-no-maru Higashi-Ohte Gate and the Honmaru Ichimonji Gate reconstructed in wood to convey the castle's former grandeur. Passing through the square-shaped gate feels like stepping into the history of the castle town of Yamagata, adding wonderful excitement to your date. A vigorous equestrian statue of Mogami Yoshiaki stands in the plaza, serving as a popular spot for commemorative photos. In spring, cherry blossoms fringe the moat, making it one of the prefecture's premier flower-viewing sites, and the spacious park's changing seasonal character makes for a perfect, pleasant post-lunch stroll.

Tips

About 10 minutes' walk from JR Yamagata Station, free entry. The spacious grounds are best explored in comfortable walking shoes. The interior of the Higashi-Ohte Gate turret is open only during specific periods, so confirm in advance if you wish to view it. Some gates close at night, so exit the park before dark.

Best time to visit

Allow about 1 hour. Early afternoon during daylight hours is ideal for strolling. Spring offers cherry blossoms and early summer offers fresh greenery reflected in the moats.

Access & map

〒990-0826 Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Kasajo-cho 1-7