🗺️ Kajo Park霞城公園（かじょうこうえん）

Located in the urban park at the site of "Yamagata Castle," which has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 Castles in Japan." "Yamagata Castle" is surrounded by a triple moat and earthen ramparts, consisting of the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru, making it a rare example of a flat castle of considerable scale in the country. The current structure is said to have been built by the 11th lord of the castle, Mogami Yoshiaki (1546–1614). Kajo Park is part of the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru. Covering an area of approximately 35.9 hectares, the park is home to around 1,500 cherry blossom trees, making it one of Yamagata's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. The fully bloomed beautiful cherry blossoms add a unique charm to the historic castle site. During the annual cherry blossom season, the "Kajo Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival" is held, where lights are set up along the cherry blossoms by the southern moat, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the night cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms illuminated by the reflections on the moat's water appear particularly stunning. In the park, almost at the center of the city, there are beautiful buildings that blend Western and Japanese styles, such as the "Yamagata City Folk Museum," and the "Yamagata Prefectural Museum," which introduces the nature and culture of Yamagata Prefecture, along with the "Yamagata Art Museum" and the "Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum," among many cultural facilities. Enjoy a leisurely and relaxing time amidst the castle ruins and nature in the park.

The site of the rare-scale "Yamagata Castle" in Japan has been transformed into an urban park. It is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with around 1,500 cherry trees blooming in spring. The park features numerous cultural facilities, including the "Yamagata City Folk Museum," "Yamagata Prefectural Museum," "Yamagata Art Museum," and "Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum."