2025 Shinjo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#Sign up for tripbest July Hotel Tester Walking into Xinzhuang City is like being in an ancient Japanese castle. Every brick and tile here exudes a strong sense of history. The castle's appearance is magnificent, and the white walls shine in the sun, making people feel the glory of the past. Looking down from the height of the castle, the beautiful scenery around is in full view. The exhibition hall in the city is also worth a visit. It displays many historical materials and cultural relics about Xinzhuang City, which gave me a deeper understanding of the past of this castle.

#springitinerary This castle was the base of the Tozawa family of the Shinjo domain for approximately 260 years from the beginning of the Edo period to the end. It was built by Masamori Tozawa, the first lord of the Shinjo domain, and the Shinjo domain is said to have owned 60,000 koku, including all of Mogami District and part of Murayama District. The park may seem a little small as a cherry blossom viewing spot, but Tozawa Shrine, Tenma Shrine, and Gokoku Shrine are enshrined within the park, and the moat and pond give it the feel of the Shinjo Castle ruins.

Using the JR PASS is very cost-effective. Shinjo Station (JR Shinjo Station) is the terminus of the Yamagata Shinkansen and the starting point for heading to Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture. From here, take the Rikuu East Line, passing through rural fields and scenic valleys, and in about an hour, you will arrive at this thousand-year-old hot spring town. Although Shinjo Station is small, it is full of local cultural atmosphere, with displays of Shinjo Festival floats and traditional crafts. Before boarding the train, don't forget to taste the local specialties, such as soba noodles and imoni, to add a touch of warmth to your journey. As the train slowly enters the mountains, the steam and tranquil scenery of Naruko Onsen await travelers. This short trip from Shinjo is comfortable and full of local charm, making it an excellent choice for exploring the hidden gems of Tohoku.

Every year from August 24th to 26th, Shinjo City in Yamagata Prefecture holds the Shinjo Festival, which has a history of about 260 years. From August 24th to August 25th, various luxurious and gorgeous floats and queues compete for beauty, and there are also antique shrines parade. Among them, the Shinjo Festival floats are recognized as a world intangible cultural heritage. Each float is decorated with different characters, animals or Japanese folk tales. The elegant dances performed at the Shinjo Castle Site, such as the Hagino Deer Dance and the Nitayama Deer Dance, are like a historical picture scroll that reproduces the feudal era. During the three magnificent days, the music of the festival echoed in every corner of the city, and the summer of Shinjo reached its climax in the passion and enthusiasm of the festival. Date: August 24-August 26, 2024 Location: Shinjo Station Square "abies", 2-2 Duomencho, Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture Transportation: Close to the west exit of Shinjo Station and within walking distance

Located in Shinzhuang City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, the upper reaches of the city is located in the Yizezawa Mountains of Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, and flows through the Yonezawa Basin, the Yamagata Basin, the Shinzhuang Basin, and the Shonai Plain. It is 229 kilometers long and is injected into the Sea of Japan from the wine field. As the only river flowing through the only county, it is the largest river in Japan, and the drainage area accounts for 75% of the area of Yamagata Prefecture, which is one of the three major jets in Japan. By boat from the port of Gukou, the ship will be required to take off the shoes, the cabin is small, but it can accommodate more than 30 people. There is enough heating in the boat. The window is used to adjust the temperature, and the boatman is in the bow. Sitting in the cabin, accompanied by the sound of the boatman, the boat traveled forward. In the most Shangchuan Gorge, there are 48 large and small waterfalls. Of course, compared to the domestic waterfall, this is simply a big witch.