Kajo Park

This is a city park built on the ruins of "Yamagata Castle", which was recognized as one of the "100 Great Castles of Japan". "Yamagata Castle" is one of the largest outline-style flat castles in Japan, surrounded by three moats and earthen mounds in the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sanomaru areas. The present castle is believed to be the prototype of the one built by Yoshimitsu Mogami (1546-1614), the 11th lord of the castle. The park is part of the Honmaru, Ninomaru and Sanomaru.

The 35.9-hectare park is planted with approximately 1,500 cherry trees and is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Yamagata. The lovely cherry blossoms in full bloom add color and elegance to the atmospheric ruins of the castle. During the "Kajo Cherry Blossom Viewing Party," held every year in conjunction with the cherry blossom blooming season, the cherry blossoms along the southern moat are lit up from the east, allowing visitors to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms inside and outside the park. The cherry blossoms illuminated by the light reflected on the surface of the moat are exceptionally beautiful.

The park, located in the center of the city, is dotted with many cultural facilities, including the "Yamagata City Museum of History", which has a beautiful architecture that combines Western and Japanese styles, the "Yamagata Prefectural Museum", which introduces the nature and culture of Yamagata Prefecture, the "Yamagata Museum" of Art, and the "Mogami Yoshimitsu History Museum". Take your time and enjoy the castle ruins and nature in the park.