Tateyama Park (楯山公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Located on a hilltop north of Atarazawa Station (左沢駅), this park is a nationally designated historic site developed on the ruins of Atarazawa Tateyama Castle (左沢楯山城), built during the Nanboku-cho period, and is affectionately nicknamed the Best Park in Japan (日本一公園). From the gazebo at the summit, you can look out over the greatly meandering flow of the Mogami River (最上川), the townscape of Atarazawa, and even the Asahi Mountain Range (朝日連峰), a view also selected as one of the Mogami River's best viewpoints. Take in the Mogami River, tonight's stage for the lantern floating and fireworks, from up on the hilltop first. Once the sun starts to set, head down to the riverbed, pick up dinner from the food stalls, and secure your viewing spot.

Tips

Since spots fill up quickly in the evening on the day of the fireworks display, it's ideal to arrive at the riverbed by around 16:00. Order food from the stalls early, before they get crowded. The temperature by the river can drop suddenly after sunset, so keep a light jacket on hand. Insect repellent spray is essential from the evening onward.

Best time to visit

About 2 hours 30 minutes. The way the light changes from dusk until the lanterns begin to float is one of the highlights of this festival

Access & map

〒990-1101 山形県西村山郡大江町左沢