Denkoku-no-Mori (Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum & Oushuu Culture Hall)

Overview

Denkoku-no-Mori is a facility located on a corner of the former Yonezawa Castle grounds, combining a history museum related to the Uesugi family and a cultural hall. At the museum, you can delve deep into the history and culture of the Uesugi family. The national treasure, "Uesugi-hon Rakuchu Rakugai-zu Byobu," is a must-see. This screen depicts the daily life of Kyoto and is said to have been a gift from Oda Nobunaga to Uesugi Kenshin. Approximately 2,500 people are depicted, regardless of social standing, along with animals, plants, famous places, and festivals, offering a glimpse into the Kyoto of that era. Another highlight is the exhibit reflecting on the achievements of Lord Uesugi Takayuki. Famous for his saying, "If you strive, you will succeed; if you do not strive, you will fail," Lord Uesugi Takayuki became the lord of the Yonezawa domain at the tender age of seventeen. He successfully revived the domain's ailing finances, developed industry to enrich the people, and enthusiastically pursued education for future generations. His philosophy and actions offer many valuable lessons even today. Meanwhile, the cultural hall hosts various events, including music, theater, and traditional performing arts. The hall has a seating capacity of 500. While normally used for stage performances like music and theater, one of its features is the inclusion of a movable Noh stage. This Noh stage, usually displayed in the entrance hall, is equipped with an air-levitation system for movement, enhancing the facility's image and utilization. Furthermore, the adjacent Matsuga Misaki Park is a vast park on the former Yonezawa Castle grounds. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage. In spring, the park is painted pink with a profusion of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the vibrant fall colors are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Denkoku-no-Mori is a captivating tourist spot where you can enjoy history, culture, and nature. We encourage you to visit!