Tsuruoka, Historical city in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Tsuruoka is a city in Yamagata Prefecture with rice paddies in the plains and vineyards on the slopes, stretching from the coastline to the mountains. The settlement consists of several small centers, fishing villages by the sea, and temples on forested hills inland.
In 1889 the town received its status as a city and became the administrative seat for surrounding villages and coastal areas. Several mergers during the 20th century greatly enlarged the municipal territory and connected mountain regions with the seashore.
Fishermen along the coast still process crabs and squid using methods passed down through families, selling their catch at markets throughout the city. Local shops offer handmade soba noodles that visitors can try in small neighborhood restaurants where everyone greets each other by name.
Visitors can find parking near temple grounds and along main roads, while coastal villages offer small public lots. Steep sections in the mountain areas require sturdy footwear and extra time for hiking.
The city contains three sacred mountains that pilgrims visit year-round, climbing to small shrines at different elevations. Some farms offer guided tours through their vegetable fields, where visitors can see rare local cultivars grown nowhere else in the region.
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