Shinjo

Shinjo is a mountain basin city in Yamagata Prefecture with two main rivers running through its territory. The Mogami River flows through the southwestern section while the Masugata River passes through the central area near the Kamuro Mountain Range.

The area operated historically under the Shinjo Domain ruled by the Tozawa Clan during the Edo period. It received official city status on April 1, 1949.

The Shinjo Matsuri festival in August displays thirty elaborately decorated floats that draw inspiration from kabuki theatre and folk traditions. This annual celebration shapes the rhythm of community life and brings residents and visitors together through shared festivities.

The city is accessible via the Yamagata Shinkansen line with trains that can reach Tokyo in about three and a half hours. Shinjo Station serves as a key transit hub for travelers moving to and from larger urban centers.

The city is known as a birthplace of numerous manga artists, which led to the creation of the Shinjo Mogami Manga Museum. The museum displays works by these local creators and highlights the area's long artistic tradition.

Location: Yamagata Prefecture

Inception: April 1, 1889

Reference: 062057

Shares border with: Kaneyama, Mamurogawa, Sakegawa, Tozawa, Okura, Funagata, Mogami, Yuzawa

Website: https://city.shinjo.yamagata.jp

GPS coordinates: 38.76503,140.30164

Latest update: December 17, 2025 07:42