Yonezawa Uesugi clan cemetery, Feudal mausoleum in Yonezawa, Japan.
The Uesugi clan mausoleum in Yonezawa is a burial ground for multiple feudal rulers, equipped with wooden memorial chapels and stone lanterns. The site is surrounded by large cedar trees that cast shade over the graves and pathways.
The site was established in the early 17th century and holds remains of eleven regional rulers from different periods. Its recognition as a national monument underscored its importance as a record of feudal history.
The cemetery is arranged according to a specific pattern, with the graves of successive rulers positioned left and right by generation. This layout reflects how the family expressed their authority and their place in society.
The site is easy to reach and accessible during most daylight hours, located just minutes from a train station. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the graves are scattered across uneven paths and under trees.
Vassals brought over 1,000 stone lanterns to the site as offerings across generations, each one bearing a name and purpose. This remarkable collection reveals the bonds between the rulers and their loyal followers.
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