‘Denkoku no Mori’
- a museum and cultural facility dedicated to the history of the Uesugi and the Performing Arts.
Last Update(2025/05/29)
About
‘Denkoku no Mori’ is a facility that consists of the Yamagata Prefecture ‘Okitama Culture Hall’ and ‘Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum’. Located on the second floor are the ‘Large Meeting Room’ and ‘Small Meeting Room’, which can be used for receptions and academic conferences. Also available is an information library and activity room, café corner and museum shop.
Google street view
You can view part of the interior of the building from Google street view.
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
‘Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum’ contains thousands of items related to the Uesugi clan, important cultural items and national treasures.
Permanent exhibition
The permanent collection exhibition room is centered on the theme of ‘the Okitama Region and Yonezawa during the Edo period’, with focus on the culture and history of the Uesugi Clan. Included in the exhibition are videos, dioramas and even a matchlock shooting game for you to try.
Located in the ‘Uesugi Bunhanakan’ is the ‘Uesugi Rakuchū Rakugai Zubyōbu’ decorative folding screen (original and copy) and ‘The Uesugi Clan Archives’ (national treasure) on permanent display.
・For more information on permanent displays Museum Pamphlet (PDF)
・National Treasure Uesugi Rakuchū Rakugai Zubyōbu’ (Decorative folding screen) Pamphlet (PDF)
Admission charge
Permanent exhibition
| Permanent exhibition | |
| Adults | ¥410（330） |
| High school/ university/ college students | ¥210(150) |
| Elementary/ middle school students | ¥110(60) |
( )indicates prices for those in groups of 20 or more
Exhibition room
Exhibitions in the exhibition room are changed around every two months with many items being related to the Uesugi Clan, the Yonezawa domain, and the culture/history of the Okitama region – as well as works by local artists.
National Treasure: The Uesugi Clan's Views of Kyoto Folding Screen
Spring: April 19, 2025 (Sat) - May 18, 2025 (Sun)
The original folding screen will be on display for a limited time. For a guide to viewing the sights of Kyoto found on the folding screen.
·Exhibition schedule can be found here (Japanese)
·Entrance fee differs with exhibition
|
〔Early Term〕 | Special Exhibition
The Uesugi Clan Residences — Castle, Edo Estate, and Hakushaku-tei This exhibition explores the main palace of Yonezawa Castle during the Edo period, the clan’s three Edo residences, and the Uesugi Hakushaku-tei, which marks its 100th anniversary since reconstruction this year. Through beautifully detailed architectural plans, we delve into the functions and roles of these historical buildings. |
〔Early Term〕 |
Thematic Exhibition The Story of Indigo and The Story of Safflower Indigo blue and safflower red—two iconic colors essential to Japan’s traditional color culture—are derived from the leaves of the indigo plant and the petals of the safflower. Though both used as dyes, each has given rise to a unique cultural legacy. This exhibition revisits the history of these two natural dyes, the techniques developed to use them, and the exquisite designs and garments they inspired, offering a renewed appreciation for their enduring beauty. |
〔Early Term〕 |
Special Exhibition The Prayers and Faith of Uesugi Kenshin The Sengoku period was an era in which belief in ikusagami—gods of war invoked for victory—rose to prominence. This faith was vividly reflected in the design of weapons and armor worn by samurai warlords. This exhibition highlights the ikusagami and religious practices that Uesugi Kenshin held sacred, offering a deeper look into the spiritual world of the Uesugi clan. |
November 29,2025(Sat.) |
Thematic Exhibition Bruno Munari — Art Before It Meets Art Bruno Munari (1907–1998) was an Italian artist whose inventive and humorous works spanned a wide range of fields, including product design, graphic design, and picture books. This exhibition presents approximately 200 works and documents, offering a glimpse into Munari’s unique personality and the messages and charm embedded in his creations. |
|
February 14,2026（Sat.）--March 15,2026（Sun） |
Collection Exhibit The World of the Uesugi Family Documents VIII This exhibition focuses on the unique physical characteristics of the ancient documents that led to the Uesugi Clan Archives being designated a National Treasure. By examining their form and features, we uncover the historical insights they reveal. |
Opening hours
9:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closed
・April – November : 4th Wednesday of the month
December – March : Every Monday
End of year holidays
*Please note there may be changes to this schedule due to maintenance.
Okitama Cultural Hall
The ‘Okitama Culture Hall’ is a concert hall with 500 seats and one of the most extravagant stages in the Yamagata Prefecture. This one stage allows for 3 different types of performance.
·Concert Hall’ with German Steinway Piano.
·Theatre’ with a large and extravagant play stage for various performances.
·Noh-Gaku-Dō’ The portable Noh stage located at the entrance of ‘Denkoku no Mori’.
The Noh Stage can be moved into the hall via a hover device. This is the only Noh theatre in Japan to do so.
You can view this here
Access
Denkoku no Mori
1-2-1, Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0052 (google map)
TEL 0238-26-8000 FAX 0238-26-2660
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum TEL 0238-26-8001
Okitama Cultural Hall TEL 0238-26-2666
[E-mail]
Around 2km from JR Yonezawa Station, Uesugi-Jinja Shrine Area
Yonezawa City Circle Route Bus: Get off at ‘Uesugi-Jinja Mae’ (210 Yen)
Around 4km from Tohoku-Chuo Expressway Yonezawa Chuo IC(E13-9)
Yonezawa sightseeing Navi
