Yonezawa, Castle town in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Yonezawa is a city in Yamagata Prefecture in the southern Tōhoku region, spread across a valley between forested mountains along the Mogami River. Rice paddies, orchards and residential neighborhoods alternate between the old castle walls in the city center and the newer commercial streets.
The Uesugi family moved their seat here in the early 17th century and built the castle and surrounding streets according to feudal-era rules. After the abolition of domains in the 19th century, the settlement transformed into an administrative town with schools, factories and a direct rail line.
The Uesugi castle remains stand at the center of a public park, where visitors walk among restored walls and a wide moat. Shrines and exhibition halls on the grounds display armor, weapons and documents from the samurai period.
Most points of interest lie within walking distance of the train station, while orchards and wineries sit in the outer districts. Winter visitors should bring warm clothing, as heavy snowfall is common between December and March.
Several hot springs lie just a few kilometers outside the city center, used by locals for outdoor bathing for centuries. These onsen are fed by underground volcanic flows that keep the water warm throughout the year.
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