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Uesugi Shrine

山形県

4.2

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Uesugi Kenshin is enshrined as the deity of this power spot.

This shrine enshrines Uesugi Kenshin, who is known as the strongest warrior of the Sengoku period. It is said to bring good luck, academic success, and prosperity in business. On the Maizuru Bridge leading to the shrine, there are military flags with the characters "Bi" and "Ryu". It is a must-visit spot for history lovers.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

A Shrine with Blessings of Good Fortune and Wish Fulfillment

Uesugi Shrine enshrines Uesugi Kenshin, a warlord from the Warring States period who was known as the strongest in that era. The shrine is built on the site of the main castle of Yonezawa and is revered by many people due to its historical background and relevance. Many visitors come to Uesugi Shrine to seek good luck and happiness, wishing to emulate the power and courage of Uesugi Kenshin. In addition to blessings of good fortune and wish fulfillment, the shrine is also known for its blessings of academic success and business prosperity. Uesugi Shrine is also known as a power spot, and its sacred atmosphere and historical value make it a popular destination for many people. You can offer your prayers calmly while feeling the presence and teachings of Uesugi Kenshin.

Point 2

Keishoden, an Exhibition Hall for Uesugi Family Heirlooms and Important Cultural Properties

画像引用：米沢観光ナビ

Keishoden at Uesugi Shrine is a place where Uesugi family heirlooms and many important cultural properties are exhibited. It's a must-see spot for history fans. At Keishoden, valuable items related to the Uesugi family are on display, including important cultural properties. You can touch on the history and culture of the Uesugi family and catch a glimpse of their glory and military prowess. Of particular note is the helmet adorned with the character "ai" (love), which is said to have been designed by the wise strategist and warrior, Naoe Kanetsugu. This helmet is very famous and has attracted many people with its beauty and historical value. Keishoden also serves as a place to pass down the Uesugi family's legacy as part of Uesugi Shrine, making it a valuable repository and exhibition hall of cultural properties for visitors.

Point 3

Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom Along the Water Moat

Uesugi Shrine is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and in mid to late April, around 200 cherry trees bloom beautifully along the water moat. During this time, the area around the shrine is adorned with cherry blossoms, providing visitors with a beautiful spring scenery. Of particular note is the Uesugi Festival, which takes place during the festival period from April 29th to May 3rd. A gorgeous parade of armor-clad warriors, numbering in the thousands, marches through the streets as the "Uesugi Parade". The festival also features a reenactment of the "Battle of Kawanakajima", the largest battle in the history of the Warring States period. This powerful event has become an attractive event that cannot be missed by history enthusiasts and tourists alike. The beauty of the cherry blossoms at Uesugi Shrine and the excitement of the Uesugi Festival bring great joy and inspiration to both locals and visitors alike. It can be said that this is an attractive spot where you can feel the arrival of spring and the breath of history.

Point 4

The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival: Where Snow and Lanterns Merge

Every year on the second Saturday of February and the following day, the Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival is held at Uesugi Shrine. During this festival, over 300 snow lanterns and 1,000 snow bonbori (snow caves) are prepared and lit with candles. The shrine is enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere during the festival, with the lanterns and bonbori shining beautifully in the snow. At night, the lights gracefully dance in the snow, creating a fantastic snowscape throughout the entire shrine. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the festival while appreciating the candlelight shining in the quiet snow. The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival is known as a unique winter tradition and is a major attraction for both locals and tourists. The fantastic scenery created by the merging of the white snow and warm light heals the heart and provides visitors with a special experience.

Point 5

A Memorial Hall where you can experience the history and culture of the Uesugi family!

The Uesugi Memorial Hall is the former residence of the 14th generation Uesugi Earl Shigekuni, built on the site of the second bailey of Yonezawa Castle. The building was completed in 1896, but was destroyed in the Yonezawa Great Fire of 1919. It was then rebuilt in Japanese cypress in 1925, and became the elegant Japanese-style mansion it is today. The building is designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. The current Uesugi Memorial Hall is open to the public as the only place where you can enjoy Yonezawa's local cuisine, "katamono". Katamono is a food made by mixing plants and other ingredients with rice to supplement nutrition during times of famine. The local cuisine, which reproduces the taste of this traditional dish, plays an important role as the origin of the local food culture. In addition, the beautiful garden surrounding the Uesugi Memorial Hall is modeled after the Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo. You can enjoy the traditional local cuisine while strolling through the garden and feeling the history. The Uesugi Memorial Hall is an attractive tourist spot where you can experience the history and culture of the Uesugi family.

Sightseeing

A Shrine Dedicated to the Sengoku Warlord, Uesugi Kenshin!

Uesugi Shrine is a shrine located in Yonezawa City, dedicated to the Sengoku period warlord, Uesugi Kenshin. The shrine was built on the site of Yonezawa Castle's main keep, and is positioned as a place to honor Uesugi Kenshin's achievements and military prowess. Uesugi Shrine is said to have benefits such as good luck, wish fulfillment, academic success, and business prosperity, and is visited by many worshippers. Additionally, on the approach to the shrine, the Maizuru Bridge displays a military flag with the characters "Bi" and "Ryu," which symbolize Uesugi Kenshin's faith. "Bi" represents Uesugi Kenshin's strong faith in Bishamonten, while "Ryu" symbolizes Fudo Myoo. This flag is said to have been used as a signal for a charge during battle. Uesugi Kenshin deeply believed in Buddhism and is said to have fought on the battlefield with the support of Bishamonten and Fudo Myoo. Uesugi Shrine is an important place to honor his faith and military prowess and to inherit his spiritual power. Uesugi Shrine is loved by many people for both its history and faith, and gives strength and courage to those who visit. Visitors can pray for the achievement of their own wishes and goals while touching upon Uesugi Kenshin's achievements and beliefs.

Access

Access in 10 Minutes by Car from Yonezawa Chuo IC!

When accessing Uesugi Shrine using public transportation, first arrive at JR Yonezawa Station. From there, take the city loop bus and board the clockwise route. After riding the bus for about 11 minutes, you will arrive at the "Uesugi Shrine Mae" bus stop. From the bus stop, it is about a 5-minute walk to Uesugi Shrine. If using a car, get off at the Yonezawa Chuo IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway and drive for about 10 minutes to arrive at Uesugi Shrine. Either way, you can easily access Uesugi Shrine. Choose the appropriate route depending on your means of transportation and enjoy visiting Uesugi Shrine.

Basic Information

	Address	1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata 992-0052
	Business Hours	N/A
	TEL	0238-22-3189
	Web Site	https://www.uesugi-jinja.or.jp/

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