Experience the National Treasure "Uesugi Honraku-chu Rakugai-zu Byobu" and the story of the benevolent lord Uesugi Takayama
About this spot
A museum within the cultural complex "Denkoku-no-mori" (伝国の杜) near Uesugi Shrine, housing and displaying precious materials related to the Uesugi family. The centerpiece is the National Treasure "Uesugi Honraku-chu Rakugai-zu Byobu" (上杉本洛中洛外図屏風), said to have been given by Oda Nobunaga (織田信長) to Uesugi Kenshin. Painted by the brush of Kanoh Eitoku (狩野永徳), the lively scenes of the capital Kyoto are depicted vividly among gold clouds. While original viewings are limited-period exhibitions, the permanent display features faithful reproductions and videos allowing visitors to savor every detail. The museum also excels in sections introducing the "Uesugi Family Documents" (上杉家文書), a National Treasure collection of ancient documents since the medieval period, and exhibits on the reforms of Uesugi Takayama (上杉鷹山), the benevolent lord who restored the faltering finances of the Yonezawa domain. Interactive exhibit rooms where visitors can learn through hands-on activities make this museum delightful for three-generation trips, with engaging displays for all ages.
Tips
Just a short walk from Uesugi Shrine, the museum stands on the moat's edge in Matsugasaki Park. Permanent exhibit admission is 410 yen for adults; special exhibitions have separate fees. Closure dates vary seasonally, so confirm the opening calendar before visiting. The facility is barrier-free, allowing comfortable visits with wheelchairs and baby carriages.
Best time to visit
Takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Late morning hours are relatively uncrowded, allowing quiet enjoyment of the painted screens.
Access & map
〒992-0052 Yamagata Prefecture, Yonezawa City, Marunouchi 1-chome 2-1
Model course featuring this spot
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Yamagata
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