Uesugi Shrine (上杉神社)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A shrine enshrining Uesugi Kenshin, the general celebrated as the strongest of the Warring States period, standing at the center of Matsugasaki Park (松が岬公園), the site of Yonezawa Castle's main citadel, surrounded by a moat and stone walls. After the shrine buildings were destroyed in the great Yonezawa fire of the Taisho era, they were rebuilt to a design by Ito Chuta, an architect born in Yonezawa. Bronze statues of Lord Uesugi Kenshin and Lord Uesugi Yozan stand along the approach, and a stone monument inscribed with Yozan's famous saying Naseba naru (Where there's a will, there's a way) is another highlight. The treasure hall on the grounds, Keishoden (稽照殿), houses precious cultural artifacts, including armor and swords said to have belonged to Kenshin, and a helmet with the character for love on its crest, said to have been worn by Naoe Kanetsugu. Worshipping while telling the story of these warlords to your grandchildren is sure to stir the history-loving blood of the grandparents' generation. Starting a tour of Yonezawa's castle town here is the classic choice.

Tips

About 10 minutes by car or bus from Yonezawa Station, with several free parking lots nearby, so it's reassuring for a three-generation family traveling by car. The treasure hall, Keishoden, requires a separate admission fee and has a winter closure period, so check in advance if you want to view it. The grounds have many gravel paths, so comfortable walking shoes are best.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 15 minutes. The clear morning hours are quiet, and the scenery reflected in the moat is beautiful too.

Access & map

〒992-0052 Yamagata Prefecture, Yonezawa City, Marunouchi 1-chome ４−１３