Denkoku no Mori (伝国の杜)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A museum located within Denkoku no Mori (伝国の杜), a cultural complex close to Uesugi Shrine, housing and displaying valuable materials connected to the Uesugi family. Its biggest highlight is the National Treasure Uesugi-bon Rakuchu Rakugai-zu Byobu folding screen, said to have been given by Oda Nobunaga to Uesugi Kenshin. The bustling scenes of the capital of Kyoto, painted by Kano Eitoku, come vividly to life among golden clouds; while the original is displayed only for a limited period, the permanent exhibit lets you savor its details at leisure through fine reproductions and video. There's also a rich collection covering the National Treasure Uesugi Family Documents, a body of historical papers dating from the medieval period, and a corner introducing the reforms of Uesugi Yozan, the wise lord who restored the finances of the struggling Yonezawa domain. With a hands-on exhibition room where you can learn by doing, this museum's design, appealing across generations from children to grandparents, is a welcome feature for a three-generation trip.

Tips

Just a short walk from Uesugi Shrine, standing beside the moat in Matsugasaki Park. The permanent exhibit costs 410 yen for adults, with special exhibitions priced separately. Closed days vary by season, so check the opening calendar before your visit. The museum is barrier-free, so you can visit with peace of mind using a wheelchair or stroller.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 15 minutes. Mornings are relatively uncrowded, letting you quietly savor the world of the folding screen.

Access & map

〒992-0052 Yamagata Prefecture, Yonezawa City, Marunouchi 1-chome ２−１