Located in the same location Yonezawa Castle once stood, Uesugi Shrine was built to honor Uesugi Kenshin, the famous daimyo who led the Uesugi clan during the Warring States period. Today, the shrine is a beloved spot in Yonezawa, being visited throughout the year to make prayers and celebrate traditional events.

Uesugi Shrine

Over 300 historical artifacts, consisting of katanas, armor, and paintings, are located here. A designated tangible cultural property, Keishoden is a great place to visit for those who would like to see artifacts from Yonezawa’s past in person.

Uesugi Shrine Keishoden

Eleven daimyo, leaders of Yonezawa Domain, have their resting place at this cemetery. Surrounded by cedar trees, the cemetery has a solemn and quiet atmosphere. It is a government-designated historic site.

Uesugi Clan Mausoleum

This museum is dedicated to the history of Yonezawa and the Uesugi clan. Only a short walk from Uesugi Shrine, this location houses multiple national treasures. With a theater and digital exhibition room, the museum also features opportunities to learn about Yonezawa’s past using modern technology.

Denkoku no Mori

Toko is a brewery and museum that offers tours to visitors, showing the traditional way that sake is brewed. The brewery was restored in 1984, retaining its traditional feel while operating as a modern sake-brewing facility.

Toko Sake Museum

"During the Edo period, the Tokugawa Shogunate declared Christianity a crime and forbade its practice. This eventually spread to Yonezawa as well. 53 Christians who were practicing their religion in secrecy, including Uesugi clan member Uemon Amakasu, were put to death in 1629.

In 1929, 300 years later, the execution ground was developed into a martyrdom site with statues of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist being presented by Germany to honor the martyrs. In 2008, Uemon Amakasu and the other martyrs were beatified by the Vatican."

Hokusanbara Christian Martyrdom Site