TSURUOKA PARK is the site of the former TSURUOKA CASTLE, residence of LORD SAKAI, leader of the SHONAI HAN and owner of a 140,000 KOKU domain. Numerous cherry trees, including the SOMEI YOSHINO and SHIDARE ZAKURA (weeping cherry), grow on the site of the outer castle and on both sides of the moat. This park has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful cherry-blossom viewing sites in Japan. In the vicinity are many historic buildings constructed in a combination of Japanese and Western styles of architecture such as MEIJI Westernﾑstyle buildings and a school of the SHONAI HAN.

YAMAGATA CASTLE is also known by the name KAJO CASTLE. At KAJO PARK where the castle site has been renovated, there are a statue of the 11th lord of the MOGAMI HAN, LORD YOSHIMITSU MOGAMI as well as a museum and archive. The reconstruction of the main gate of the outer castle gives the area an aura of the heroic feudal age. In spring, the contrast between the cherry blossoms and stone walls of the gate present a lovely scene. The castle is lit up during this period so the cherry blossoms viewed at night are especially beautiful. The YAMAGATA CITY FOLK MUSEUM and YAMAGATA PREFECTURE MUSEUM are also located within the park.

The 40-kilometer highway from AKAYU in NANYO CITY to ARATO in SHIRATAKA TOWN is referred to as the OKITAMA CHERRY BLOSSOM CORRIDOR for its many famous spots for cherry blossom viewing. Many of the trees are over 500 years old, including the KUBOZAKURA designated as a National Natural Monument, the EBOSHIYAMA SENBONZAKURA selected as one of the 100 most beautiful cherry-blossom viewing spots in Japan, the DAIMYOJINZAKURA of KUSAOKA and YAKUSHIZAKURA that were designated prefectural Natural Monuments and the KAMANOKOSHI ZAKURA. Some of the more famous trees include the KUBOZAKURA (variety of EDO HIGAN 1200 years old), YAKUSHIZAKURA (variety of EDO HIGAN 1200 years old), KAMANOKOSHI SAKURA (variety of EDO HIGAN 800 years old). During the blooming season, events are held throughout the area.

The SAGAE PARK is located on NAGAOKASAN in the center of the city and the view from here is wonderful where visitors can see MT. GASSAN AND MT. ZAO as well as the ASAHI MOUNTAIN RANGE. This park has the largest azalea garden in the TOHOKU region and also contains a medicinal plants garden and an herb garden. Although the SAGAE PARK can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is most beautiful when the 40,000 azalea plants of different colors are in full bloom. During blooming season, the park is lit up at night.