Sights and landmarks in Tsuyama

Sights and landmarks in Tsuyama

1. See

   Choboji Temple

   長法寺 Chōbō-ji

   A Tendai Buddhist temple constructed during the Heian Period. Today, it is famous for the 4000 hydrangea bushes planted throughout the temple grounds that typically peak in mid-to-late June.

2. See

   Former Residence of Mitsukuri Genpo

   箕作阮甫旧宅 Mitsukuri genpo kyuutaku

   Mitsukuri Genpo was an important figure during the time when Japan first encountered the West. He translated many Western texts into Japanese and helped create policies in dealing with the Western powers. His former residence is on Joto Street — look for the prominent signs.

   Closed · opens 9 am·Free

3. See

   Fukurikikō Shrine

   福力荒神社

   It was built by the former rulers of Mimasaka Province to pray for a safe and healthy childbirth for the daimyo's daughter. The shrine is also said to protect people from viper bites.

4. See

   Joto Old Town House

   城東むかし町家

   Located in the former Kajimura House (梶村家), a wealthy merchant family. The main house was built in the Edo Period and the houses behind were built in the Taisho and Showa Periods. Visitors can enter the house and other buildings and enjoy its lovely garden.

   09:00-17:00, closed Tue·Free

5. See

   Kakuzan Park

   鶴山公園 Kakuzan koen

   This park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle (津山城), once considered to be the most spectacular Japanese castle. Since the castle was decommissioned during the Meiji Period, all that remains₨ are the castle walls however, they are truly well-preserved, and a walk around the castle grounds offers many great views of the city and a feel for the castle's former grandeur. The small turret, the only castle structure in the park, was reconstructed in 2004 out of wood to stay true to the original to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Tsuyama Castle. The park has gained fame as not only being the best place in Okayama but also as the best place in the entire Chugoku region for viewing cherry blossoms due to its 1,000 cherry blossom trees, scenic ruins, and festive atmosphere. It is also a great place to view the changing leaves in the fall. There is a heart-shaped stone in the walls of the former honmaru that is a popular photo-op, particularly among women. It is even featured on some of the souvenirs.

   Closed · opens 8:40 am·¥300

6. See

   Kamo History and Folk Museum

   加茂町歴史民俗資料館

   Located in the Kamo Town Welfare Center, the museum features locally excavated artifacts with information about them.

   Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, closed holidays

7. See

   Kibune Shrine

   貴布禰神社 Kibune jinja

   The shrine is believed to have come from Kurama's Kifune Shrine sometime during the reign of Emperor Sujin.

   Free

8. See

   Kume History and Folk Museum

   久米歴史民俗資料館

   The museum features a variety of locally excavated artifacts from abandoned temples and the Nasuyama ruins.

   Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, closed holidays.·Free

9. See

   M&Y Museum of Art

   M&Y記念館

   This art museum showcases the works of Munakata Shiko (M) and Yanai Michihiro (Y). Yanai Michihiro was a poet from Kagamino, neighboring city of Tsuyama. Munakata Shiko was born in Aomori but visited Tsuyama many times and said it was among his favorite places. He is known throughout Japan for his paintings and woodblock prints. Many works by Munakata are on display.

   Closed · opens 10 am·¥500

10. See

    Nakayama Shrine

    中山神社 Nakayama jinja

    A shrine built in 707 dedicated to the god of cattle and horses, the current shrine dates back to 1559.

    Free

11. See

    Port Art & DesignTsuyama

    ポート アート＆デザイン津山

    A local gallery featuring rotating exhibits. The building is as interesting as the art. It is architecturally built like a temple but was not a religious structure. It was built in 1920 as a local bank and was used as a bank until 1975. This becomes evident upon entering as the interior is well-preserved with the receptionist counters still intact.

    10:00-18:00, closed Tue·Free

12. See

    Sakura Shrine

    作楽神社 Sakura jinja

    The shrine was built where Mimasaka Province's head office was located. It honors Emperor Daigo and Kojima Takanori. It is said that upon failing to capture Emperor Godaigo, Kojima Takanori carved a phrase expressing his shame on a cherry tree near the shrine.

13. See

    Shurakuen Garden

    衆楽園 Shūraku-en

    Constructed in 1657 by Mori Nagatsugu, one of Tsuyama's feudal lords, Shurakuen is a strolling garden used as a place to entertain guests. While the current garden is sizable, the original was three times larger. The garden is considered worthwhile in every season with cherry blossoms in the spring, lillies in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and snow in the winter (if you're lucky).

    Closed · opens 7 am·Free

14. See

    Sōja Shrine

    美作総社宮, mimasaka-sōja-gū

    One of the top three shrines of the Mimasaka area. The current shrine dates back to 1562.

    Free

15. See

    Tokumori Shrine

    徳守神社, Tokumori-jinja

    Dating back to 1664, this shrine was built by Tsuyama's first daimyo, Mori Tadamasa. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and it houses one of Japan's Three Great Mikoshi (portable shrines).

16. See

    Tsuyama Archives of Western Learning

    津山洋学資料館 Tsuyama yogaku shiryokan

    A museum with information and artifacts relating the Japan's first contact with the West. It also gives information about the important role the city of Tsuyama played in interacting with the West.

    Tue-Sun 09:00-16:30·¥150

17. See

    Tsuyama Folk Museum

    津山郷土博物館

    As Tsuyama has been the center of Mimasaka culture since the province was established, the museum displays artifacts and information from the founding of Mimasaka to the present, including a replica of the original Tsuyama Castle.

    Daily 09:00-17:00·¥210

18. See

    Tsuyama Museum of Science Education

    つやま自然ふしぎ館 Tsuyama shizen fushigikan

    Also, known as Tsuyama Wonder Museum, it's a great destination for those traveling with children. The science museum features a variety of exhibits, from body organs to wildlife displays.

    Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00·¥800

19. See

    Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum

    津山まなびの鉄道館

    A museum about trains and rail travel in Okayama with models, dioramas, and memorabilia. The highlight is its train turntable with 13 cars around it.

    Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00·¥300

20. See

    Umenosato Park

    梅の里公園 Ume no sato kouen

    For those in the area in February or March, just prior to the cherry blossoms, this park makes a great location to see Japan's other famous flowers; plum blossoms. With 3800 plum trees, it's extremely beautiful, not to mention fragrant, to see them all in bloom.

    24 hr·Free

21. See

    Yaide Tenmangu Shrine

    八出天満宮

    Sugawara no Michizane stopped here for eight days, and so it was dedicated to him as the God of Learning, when he was posthumously deified.

22. See

    Yayoi no Sato

    弥生の里

    People have been living in Tsuyama and the surrounding area since ancient times. Yayoi no Sato has a museum (the Yayoi Culture Center) containing artifacts and displays about the villages that existed here during the Yayoi Period. Across the street from the center the Yayoi no Sato is a park area containing life-size replicas of Yayoi Period houses and other structures.

    Closed · opens 9 am·Free

23. See

    Yokono Falls

    横野滝

    A scenic waterfall made up of three falls; a small one at the top leading to a 7-meter fall that finally flows down a 16-meter waterfall. It's a popular place among locals to get away and enjoy the nature as well as a nice place to see colorful leaves in the fall. In the summer months there is a restaurant by the waterfall serving nagashi-sōmen (流しそうめん), noodles flowing down bamboo chutes that you catch on your chopsticks to eat.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tsuyama (CC BY-SA 4.0).