Tsuruoka is located in the middle of the Shonai area on the Sea of Japan side of Yamagata Prefecture, which is a culture zone that features three important Japan Heritage sites: the Dewa-sanzan (three mountains of Dewa), the Kitamae-bune boat ports, and silk related to Samurai. A former castle town, Tsuruoka gained a unique blend of Edo culture from the frequent travels of feudal lords, and Kansai culture from the comings and goings of Kitamae-bune boats. This rich history and traditional culture is still alive in the streets of the city today. To the east lie the three sacred mountains of Dewa, a place of mountain worship. Tsuruoka is the only Japanese city named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. Home to a laboratory for the Institute for Advanced Biosciences at Keio University and other corporations and institutes involved in cutting-edge technological research and development, Tsuruoka presents a distinct blend of tradition and modernity.
Shonai Airport→Tsuruoka：Limousine bus (about 25 min.)
Yamagata Airport→Tsuruoka：(Airport shuttle: about 35 min.) ⇒ Yamagata Sta. ⇒ (Higahiway express bus: about 2 hr.) ⇒ Tsuruoka City
Tokyo→Tsuruoka：Highway express bus (about 8 hr.)
Sendai City→Tsuruoka：Highway express bus (about 2 hr. 20 min.)
Yamagata City→Tsuruoka：Highway express bus (about 2 hr.)
JR Tokyo Station→JR Tsuruoka Station：Joetsu Shinkansen (change trains at JR Niigata Station to local express; about 4 hr.)
JR Tokyo Station→JR Tsuruoka Station：Yamagata Shinkansen (change trains at JR Shinjo Station to local train; about 4 hr. 30 min.)
SVA offers the following programs to support and subsidize conferences and conventions in the Shonai area.
1. Helpful Items for Conventions
(i) Setting up welcome signs, flags (national or larger)
(ii) Providing convention bags (up to 200 free of charge)
(iii) Providing area maps, tourism pamphlets and more
(iv) Lending tourism DVDs
2. Consultation/Introductions for All Convention Needs
(i) Introducing unique venues, lodging facilities, transportation options
(ii) Planning and consultation for pre-/post-convention events (suggesting welcome receptions, excursions)
(iii) Introducing interpreters, tourism volunteers
3. Subsidies
(i) Requirements
•Regional/national: At least 200 participants staying in the area
•International: At least 50 participants staying in the area
(ii) Amounts
•1,500 yen/resident of Japan staying in the area
•5,500 yen/nonresident of Japan staying in the area
* Maximum total subsidy of 3 million yen per conference/convention
Cherry-picking
Kamo Aquarium
In addition to the living traditional culture and history, visitors to Tsuruoka can also enjoy an abundance of foods and a distinct, traditional food culture founded on over 50 native crops whose lineage has been preserved over the years.
Shonai Visitors Association
| Facility | Rooms | |
| Hotel | 7 | 949 |
| Ryokan | 87 | 1,192 |
| Total | 94 | 2,141 |
Venues
