It’s getting warmer now, and Tengendai Kogen will be open for summer starting from 9th June 2023 (Friday)!

The summer schedule is jam-packed full of events and happenings for visitors to enjoy their journey up the mountain!

Mt. Nishi-Azuma Pre-Opening Safety Prayer Ceremony

Date: 9th June 2023 (Friday)

Time: 10:00 am

Location: Koufuku no Kane (Bell of Bliss) Square

The paths and lifts will be open to visitors after the prayer ceremony concludes.

Contact

Tengendai Kogen
〒992-1461
Shirabu Onsen Tengendai, Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata

TEL: 0238-55-2236

Tengendai Kogen website
 

Event flyer PDF

This post contains the following information:

-    Nearby Carparks
-    Traffic Information
-    Seating information for the Battle of Kawanakajima
-    Refreshments Booths location

Parking Information

Please refrain from parking your cars at the nearby supermarkets or convenience stores.

Free parking is available near Matsugasaki Shrine.

Parking at the following locations will also be free on 3rd May:
-    Yonezawa City Hall (400 lots)
-    Saxa Inc. (350 lots)
-    Fujikura Automative Asia Ltd. (150 lots)
-    Okitama Sogo Shicho Office

Traffic Information

Traffic is expected to be congested during the festive period, especially on 3rd May. Regulations will be enforced along the routes shown on the access map (page 4 of the event flyer) to allow the processions to proceed safely. Please take note of the dates and times that the traffic controls are enforced below:

Orange path – Min’you Nagashi Folk Dance Parade route. Closed on 29th April, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Green path (solid lines) – Buteishiki procession route. Regulations in effect on 2nd May, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Blue and red paths – Uesugi Parade routes. Regulations in effect on 3rd May, 9:50 am – 11:40 am

Orange dotted path – Battle of Kawanakajima site. Regulations in effect on 3rd May, 11:00 am – 4:30 pm

Yellow path (outside Uesugi Shrine) – Regulations in effect on 28th April, 9:00 am to 3rd May, 10:00 pm

Please also note that bus frequency will be reduced on 29th April and on 3rd May.
Battle of Kawanakajima spectators can park their bicycles near Matsukawa Kasenshiki (Matsu Riverbank)

Battle of Kawanakajima Seating Information

The green areas marked as 一般席 on page 4 of the flyer are free seats.
Tickets for reserved seats can be purchased on Rakuten Ticket. For more information on reserved seating, please check this post.

Refreshments Booths

Refreshments will be sold in booths along Denkoku no Mori, and near Aioi bridge at the Matsukawa Kasenshiki (Matsu Riverbank).

Event Information

Highlights on 29th April

Highlights on 2nd May

Highlights on 3rd May

Last but certainly not the least, the main highlights of the Uesugi Festival will be held on 3rd May, a holiday!

Rise and shine, because the Uesugi Parade will be hitting town early! The 1,000-strong parade consists of over 200 participants making up the Uesugi army, along with other participants ranging from Yonezawa city elementary schoolers to omikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) bearers from the Uesugi Shrine.

The omikoshi procession sets off first from Yonezawa Nanbu Elementary School at 9:50 am, while the Uesugi army departs from Yonezawa Kojo Elementary School at 10:30 am. These separate processions will meet in front of Yonezawa Shinkin Bank’s main branch, merge, and head to the Battle of Kawanakajima site at Matsukawa Kasenshiki (Matsu Riverbank) together. Watch as the flags bearing the Uesugi clan’s crest flutter with the spring breeze!

Duration: 9:50 am ~ 12:30 pm

Note: Please observe the procession quietly. Do not shout or get close to the procession members as they pass.

And that’s not all, because the reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima will blow your socks and shoes off! The Battle of Kawanakajima occurred in the year 1561 between the armies of Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, two incredibly powerful daimyo (domain lords) of the Sengoku period. This thrilling battle is the main highlight of the festival and it's a definite must-see for all!

Duration: 2:00 pm ~ 3:30 pm
Venue: Matsukawa Kasenshiki (Matsu Riverbank)

For more information on access routes and road closures, please check this post.
Highlights on 29th April
Highlights on 2nd May

Throughout his life, Uesugi Kenshin had always fought valiantly in the frontlines of battle. The buteishiki ceremony was held by Uesugi Kenshin before battles to pray to the deities for victory based on the firm belief that it would stomp out dishonourable and crooked acts on behalf of the deities.

The Uesugi festivities have yet to end! Start off your evening on 2nd May (Tuesday) with the buteishiki procession, which will march from Uesugi Mausoleum, pass Zennichisan Senshouin temple, and end at Uesugi Shrine. Hang around if you’re in the area!

Time: 4:40 pm ~ 5:30 pm

There are also two more performances lined up for all to enjoy! Check them out as you wait for the buteishiki rituals to begin proper!

5:30 pm – Yamagata ‘Ai’ Samurai Troupe Sparring
6:10 pm – Uesugi Taiko Performance

And the highlight of the day is the buteishiki ceremony itself! Catch a glimpse of the Sengoku era as you observe the rituals that have been recreated with the help of the Buteishiki Preservation Society! These include the sacred Gotensui morale-boosting rites, the Uesugi gunmen’s firing display, and many more!

Time: 6:30 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Venue: Denkoku no Mori open field

For more information on access routes and road closures, please check this post.
Highlights on 29th April
Highlights on 3rd May

The highlight of spring is right around the corner! Formerly known as the castle town’s spring festival, the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival celebrates coming of spring after the harsh winter prior. And what’s a grand festival without an opening festival of its own?

Head over to the Denkoku no Mori area and check these out!

Date: 29th April 2023 (Saturday, national holiday)

1.    Opening Ceremony

Time: 9:00 am ~ 9:17 am

An opening address, along with taiko and traditional dance performances will be held!

2.    Stage Performances

Time: 12:40 pm ~ 5:00 pm

A wide variety of song and dance items, both modern and traditional, will be performed at the outdoor stage!

3.    Min’you Nagashi Folk Dance Parade

Location: From Yoneori Kaikan (Yonezawa Textile Hall) to Denkoku no Mori
Time: 11:15 am ~ 12:40 pm

Don’t miss this parade consisting of dancers from all walks of life performing the traditional folk dances, Yonezawa Shinchou and Hanagasa Ondo!

For more information on access routes and road closures, please check this post.
Highlights on 2nd May
Highlights on 3rd May