Yonezawa Castle

Yonezawa Castle is a flatland castle in Yonezawa, Japan, whose site is now occupied by Matsugasaki Park in the center of the city. The remains show stone walls, moats, and avenues of about 200 cherry trees that trace the outline of the former main enclosure.

The warrior Nagai Tokihiro laid the first castle in 1238, which later became the seat of the Date family where Masamune was born in 1567. In the early 17th century, the Uesugi clan took control and administered the domain until the end of the feudal era.

The Uesugi Shrine honors daimyō Uesugi Yōzan, whose name carries weight as an 18th-century reformer of the region. Visitors see locals pray at the shrine and share stories about his frugality and care, which remain rooted in local identity.

The paths through the park run flat and are wheelchair accessible, so the ruins are easy to reach. The Uesugi Museum on the park edge offers restrooms, air conditioning, and seating areas for breaks after the walk.

Each February, 300 large and 1,000 small snow lanterns transform the ruins into a softly glowing field during the Snow Lantern Festival. The candlelight inside the shaped snow domes dances over the snow and creates a quiet, almost dreamlike scene for anyone walking through.

Location: Yonezawa

Inception: 1238

Founders: Nagai Tokihiro

Part of: Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles

GPS coordinates: 37.90960,140.10500

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:20