Tsuruoka
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
