[Yamagata, Yonezawa City] Nationally Designated Historic Site ‘Uesugi Family Mausoleum’ | Visiting Report of a Historic Spot Where Uesugi Kenshin and Uesugi Yozan Rest

2026/05/20 2026/05/24 This site contains advertisements.　Category: visit to a shrine or temple

Yonezawa City, located in the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, is a historic town known as the castle town of the Uesugi clan.

The nationally designated historic site in Yonezawa City, “Uesugi Family Mausoleum” (official name: Grave Site of the Lords of Yonezawa Domain, Uesugi Family), is the mausoleum of successive lords of the Yonezawa Domain, including the highly popular Sengoku warlord Lord Uesugi Kenshin, the first lord of Yonezawa Domain Lord Uesugi Kagekatsu, and the ninth lord Lord Uesugi Yozan, famous for the phrase “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Along the approach to the mausoleum, tall cedar trees rise on both sides, creating a very quiet and solemn atmosphere.

I actually visited the “Uesugi Family Mausoleum,” affectionately known by the citizens as “Otamaya,” and will report on it along with photographs.

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What is the Uesugi Family Mausoleum (Gobyosho)? A historic site in Yonezawa where successive lords are laid to rest

Uesugi Family Mausoleum is the burial site of the successive lords of the Yonezawa Domain, the Uesugi family. The mausoleums of the lords, from Uesugi Kagekatsu to the 11th lord, Uesugi Nariaki, are lined up here, and it is also designated as a National Historic Site.

In addition, the remains of Lord Uesugi Kenshin, who is famous as a Sengoku-period warlord, were moved from Yonezawa Castle during the Meiji era and are now enshrined at this location.

The sight of the successive lords’ mausoleums neatly arranged among the cedar trees creates a very mystical atmosphere. Despite being a tourist spot, it is a special place enveloped in tranquility.

Experience the solemn atmosphere! Visit report of the Uesugi Family Mausoleum

The Cedar-Lined Approach is Enchanting

Uesugi Family Mausoleum‘s greatest appeal is undoubtedly the approach lined with cedar trees.

Lanterns are lined along the approach, and as you proceed further, the atmosphere becomes increasingly enchanting. The scenery with sunlight filtering through the trees is also beautiful, making it clear why it is a popular spot for photos.

Especially on rainy or cloudy days, the atmosphere seems likely to become even more mystical.

The Mausoleums of Successive Lords in a Row!

At the center is the mausoleum of Lord Uesugi Kenshin, and around Kenshin, the mausoleums of successive lords are alternately arranged on the left and right. There is no excessive decoration, reflecting the Uesugi family’s ‘simplicity and strength’ in its home style, with a calm yet dignified presence.
The remains of Lord Kenshin were buried in a jar after being encased in lacquer while still wearing his armor. They were enshrined at Yonezawa Castle’s main keep, having been transported from Kasugayama in Echigo (Niigata Prefecture) through Aizu (Fukushima Prefecture). This mausoleum seemed to serve as a refuge within the castle temple in case of emergency.

After the death of the first feudal lord, Lord Uesugi Kagekatsu, in 1624 (Genna 9), it became the mausoleum for subsequent feudal lords up to the 11th lord, Nariaki. It is said that in 1876 (Meiji 6), with the dismantling of Yonezawa Castle, Lord Kenshin’s remains were also moved to this location.

Furthermore, Lord Kagekatsu’s mausoleum was built about 370 years ago, and it seems that the construction style varies according to changes in the era and burial methods.

Access and Basic Information for the Uesugi Family Mausoleum

The Uesugi Family Mausoleum is located about a 20-minute drive from Yonezawa Station.

Parking is also available, but since it is located in a residential area, it may be difficult to find for first-time visitors. We recommend using a navigation system.

Also, it seems that goshuin can be received at the admission desk.

Spot Name	Uesugi Family Mausoleum (Yonezawa Domain Lord Uesugi Family Mausoleum)
Phone Number	0238-23-3115
Visiting Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address	1-5-30 Gobyo, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0055
Access	Access About 20 minutes by city bus (city circular route clockwise) from JR Yonezawa Station, get off at Gobyo West Gate, 5-minute walk About 10 minutes by Yamakou Bus (bound for Onogawa Onsen) from JR Yonezawa Station, get off at Gobyo-mae, 5-minute walk About 20 minutes by car from JR Yonezawa Station
Parking	Available
Admission Fee	Adults 500 yen, high school & university students 300 yen, elementary & junior high school students 100 yen *As of May 2026

Places to Visit Along with the Uesugi Family Mausoleum! Nearby Spots

The Uesugi Family Mausoleum does not take much time to walk around, so it is recommended to visit nearby spots as well!
Here, we will introduce some nearby spots that are easy to drop by.

Uesugi Shrine

When it comes to classic tourist spots in Yonezawa, it has to be Uesugi Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Uesugi Kenshin, and many people also visit the Uesugi family mausoleum along with it, making it a popular tourist destination. The shrine grounds are spacious, and in spring you can enjoy cherry blossoms, while in autumn you can see the autumn leaves. For history enthusiasts, it’s a spot you definitely want to visit together.

Spot Name	Uesugi Shrine
Phone Number	0238-22-3189
Visiting Hours	Summer (April 1 – End of October) 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Winter (November 1 – End of March) 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM *Open at midnight on New Year’s Day
Address	1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	About 15 minutes by car from Yonezawa Chuo IC, Yonezawa Kita IC, or Hachimanbara IC About 10 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station
Parking	No dedicated parking lot

Matsuga-misaki Park

The “Matsuga-misaki Park“, located around Uesugi Shrine, is a perfect park for a stroll. The moat and nature are beautiful, allowing you to enjoy the streetscape of Yonezawa at a leisurely pace. The scenery changes with the seasons, making it also recommended as a spot for photography.

Spot Name	Matsuga-misaki Park
Phone Number	0238-22-5111 (Yonezawa City Tourism Division)
Visiting Hours	・Summer (April 1 – End of October) 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM ・Winter (November 1 – End of March) 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM *On New Year’s Day, opens at 12:00 AM
Address	1 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	About 15 minutes from Yonezawa-kita IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
Parking	Available

Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa

If you are looking for souvenirs on your way back from sightseeing, Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa is also recommended. Yonezawa beef gourmet and souvenirs from Yamagata are abundantly available, making it convenient for a meal break as well. If you want to enjoy local gourmet food, be sure to stop by.

Spot Name	Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa
Phone Number	0120-111-339
Business Hours	・Food Court Weekdays 10:00–18:00 (Last Order 17:30) Weekends 10:00–18:00 (Last Order 18:00) ・Restaurant Weekdays 10:00–18:00 (Last Order 17:30) Weekends 10:00–18:00 (Last Order 18:00)
Address	1039-1 Kawai, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	Immediately by car from Yonezawa Chuo IC About 10 minutes by car from JR Yonezawa Station
Parking	Available

Touring Gourmet Spots in Yonezawa

After exploring the historical sites, it is also recommended to enjoy Yonezawa gourmet.

One thing you definitely want to try when sightseeing in Yonezawa is Yamagata’s representative brand of wagyu beef, Yonezawa Beef. Many restaurants offer not only steak and sukiyaki but also casual options like beef skewers and rice bowl dishes, making them perfect for a tourist lunch.

Another must-try specialty of Yonezawa is Yonezawa Ramen. It features a somewhat nostalgic taste with a light soy sauce soup paired with thin, curly noodles.

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Summary

At the Uesugi Family Mausoleum, the tombs of successive lords of the Yonezawa Domain, including Lord Uesugi Kenshin, stand in a row. Since it is only the mausoleum, it may not take much time to visit. Therefore, it is recommended to enjoy Yonezawa cuisine while touring several spots.

About a 10-minute drive from the Uesugi Family Mausoleum, there are many historical sightseeing spots such as Uesugi Shrine, where Uesugi Kenshin is enshrined, and Matsugasaki Shrine, where Uesugi Yozan is enshrined.

It might be nice to reflect on history while traveling.

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