Culture Tsuruoka's Zenpoji Arlene Bastion Zenpoji's plain wood structures beautifully highlight its complex carvings of flora and fauna. Its tradition of a dualistic..
Festivals Fireworks Festival in Tsuruoka Rashaad Jorden The Akagawa fireworks festival in Tsuruoka is a big celebration that attracts thousands of onlookers.
Museums Seienkaku Residence Alena Eckelmann Sakata, a small town in the northwestern part of Honshu Island, has a rich merchant history that is revealed to the observant visitor..
Culture Zenpoji Temple in Tsuruoka Rashaad Jorden Zenpo Temple in Tsuruoka is a place where people go to feel calm and serenity.
Historical Exploring Yamagata the Basho Way Alena Eckelmann Matsuo Basho, an Edo Era Japanese haiku poet (1644-1694) undertook a five-month journey, mainly on foot, to the north of Japan.
Culture Breathless on Mount Haguro Arlene Bastion The tiring walk up Haguro to reach Sanjin Gosaiden goes through ancient cedar forests and provide mental stamina, but the Shrine..
12 Museums Homma Museum Hannah Warren A large Japanese house and garden in Sakata, with a museum of local art attached.