A Hands-On Historical Journey — Collect the Seals of Five Legendary Warlords and Offer Your Samurai Spirit to Uesugi Shrine
A brand-new interactive stamp rally, “Yonezawa Five Warlords Stamp Tour,” began on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Uesugi Cultural Area of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Much like collecting goshuin (temple stamps), this experience invites you to embark on a mini-journey by gathering the unique seals of five iconic samurai connected to Yonezawa:
Uesugi Kenshin, Uesugi Kagekatsu, Naoe Kanetsugu, Maeda Keiji, and Date Masamune.
Once you’ve collected all five stamps on the official stamp sheet, you can scan the QR code printed on it to send a personal message to your favorite warlord.
These messages—your expressions of admiration and samurai love—will be ceremonially offered at the Hōkokusai (Dedication Ceremony) at Uesugi Shrine.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a unique cultural adventure, this immersive tour lets you connect with Japan’s samurai legacy in a deeply personal way.
It’s more than just collecting stamps — it’s a unique opportunity to connect your own thoughts and spirit with those of the Sengoku warlords.
Yonezawa was a castle town ruled by the Uesugi clan from the Sengoku period through the Edo period.
The city is home to numerous historical sites and cultural assets connected to legendary samurai warriors.
The “Five Warlords Stamp Tour” was designed to let visitors experience the rich history and natural beauty of the area on foot, as they explore the legacy of these iconic figures.
Stamp sheets are distributed free of charge, and you’re free to choose the order and locations you visit.
As you explore, you can create your very own “Bushō In-chō” — a personalized stamp book filled with memories of your journey.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience unique to Yonezawa, blending sightseeing with Japan’s traditional goshuin (temple stamp) culture.
The official stamp sheet includes a QR code that lets you send a message to your favorite warlord.
These heartfelt messages—your expressions of admiration and samurai spirit—will be dedicated at a special Hōkokusai (Dedication Ceremony) at Uesugi Shrine.
It’s a unique and meaningful experience where each participant’s personal thoughts are ceremonially offered, creating a profound connection between past and present, heart and history.
The wall of the Uesugi Count’s Residence, which collapsed due to heavy snowfall in February 2023, is scheduled to be rebuilt by November 2025.
Often referred to as Yonezawa’s guesthouse, this historic residence will soon regain its full beauty.
As the area reaches this milestone, the Five Warlords Stamp Tour offers visitors a wonderful way to explore the surrounding cultural and historical sites.
This is a rare chance to witness history in motion. We hope visitors will feel the changes unfolding in real time—and be inspired to return again to see the newly restored Uesugi Residence in its full glory.
Event Title:
Yonezawa Five Warlords Stamp Tour
Start Date:
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Duration:
Until stamp sheets run out (limited quantity available)
Participation Fee:
Free of charge
Stamp Locations:
- Uesugi Count’s Residence
- Keishōden Hall (Uesugi Shrine)
Note: From Nov. 26 to mid-March, stamps will be relocated to the Tourist Information Center. - Denkoku no Mori / Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
- Uesugi Jōshien (Castle Historical Garden)
- Yonezawa Tourism & Convention Association – Tourist Information Center
Stamp Sheet Distribution Points:
- Yonezawa Station Tourist Information Center (Ask)
- Roadside Station Yonezawa – General Tourist Information Center
Featured Warlords & Themes:
- Uesugi Kenshin – Spirit of Integrity
- Uesugi Kagekatsu – Unyielding Spirit
- Naoe Kanetsugu – Loyal Spirit
- Maeda Keiji – Free-Spirited Soul
- Date Masamune – Resilient Spirit in Adversity
We warmly welcome all visitors to take part in this special experience and explore the legacy of Yonezawa’s legendary warlords.
Contact Information:
Uesugi Count’s Residence
1-3-60 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
TEL: 0238-21-5121
