Matsugaoka Pioneer Settlement
Open by month
Open in January. No seasonal closure recorded. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): open.
Open in February. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in March. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in April — at its best. Cherry blossoms around mid-April (Matsugaoka Cherry Festival).
Open in May. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in June. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in July. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in August. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in September. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in October. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in November. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in December. No seasonal closure recorded. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): open.
Checked against the official site on 2026-10-12.
Farmland cleared from 1872 by some 3,000 former Shonai samurai who traded swords for hoes; large Meiji silkworm barns still stand and now house a museum and shops.
National Historic Site; Japan Heritage
Nearby
- Tsuruoka Park ≈ 20 min by car
- Chido Museum ≈ 20 min by car
- Mount Haguro (Dewa Sanzan) ≈ 30 min by car
- Yunohama Onsen ≈ 40 min by car
- Kamo Aquarium (Kamosui) ≈ 40 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Best time
- April — Cherry blossoms around mid-April (Matsugaoka Cherry Festival)
- Getting there
- About 20 min by car from JR Tsuruoka Station
Easier with a tour or car - Fee
- Grounds free; Matsugaoka Kaikon Memorial Hall ¥300
- Good to know
- Memorial hall 9:00–16:00; closed Wednesdays (next weekday if a holiday) and at New Year
- Time needed
- 1 h
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-12. Report outdated info