'''Tsuyama''' (___R) [http://www.city.tsuyama.lg.jp/index.cfm/1,0,14,15,html] is a city in Okayama Prefecture, Chugoku, Japan.
Understand
Originally known as Soja (not to be confused with present-day Soja in the eastern part of the prefecture) Tsuyama City was established as the capital of Mimasaka Province in 713. While it was not so influential in its early history, in 1603 after Tokugawa Ieyasu successfully defeated the local warlords, uniting the nation under his rule, the city began to develop under Tadamasa Mori whom Tokugawa Ieyasu gave control of the province. Upon becoming ruler, Mori constructed plans to build his castle and thirteen years later, the construction of Tsuyama Castle in Tsuruyama (from which the name "Tsuyama" is believed to have originated) was completed. During its hayday, Tsuyama Castle was considered to be the most magnificent castle in all of Japan; even more beautiful than Himeji Castle, and the city flourished as a castle town.
As the nation came into contact with the West during the 18th century, Western learning became increasingly crucial, and scholars from Tsuyama played an important role in translating foreign writings and forming policies to deal with the West. During the Meiji Period, as castles became less practical and upkeep increasingly burdensome, the government commissioned many castles throughout Japan to be torn down, and Tsuyama Castle was among those chosen to be demolished. Today, the castle walls remain in good condition however, none of the buildings were spared during the Meiji Restoration. A single turret was rebuilt in 2004 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle.
Get in
By train
From Okayama Station, take the JR Tsuyama Line to Tsuyama Station. It takes about an hour and costs ¥1110.
From Tottori Station, take the JR Inbi Line and get off at Tsuyama station. It takes about three hours and costs ¥1450.
From Niimi Station, Tsuyama can be accessed via the JR Kishin Line ¥1280
By car
The Chugoku Expressway (____________) running from east to west passes through Tsuyama. Route 53 Connects both Okayama and Tottori to Tsuyama. From the expressway or Route 53, take the exit at the Tsuyama Interchange.
By bus
The '''JR Highway Bus''' and '''JR Shinki Bus''' have buses in Kyoto and Osaka bound for Tsuyama departing daily.
The bus from Kyoto boards at '''Kyoto Station''' and costs ¥3000.
There are two different boarding points in Osaka. The first stop is at '''Osaka Station''' (¥2670) from the Sakurabashi Exit. The other option is at '''Shin-Osaka Station'''. Buses departing from Osaka are much more frequent than those departing from Kyoto, so it is often easier to reserve seats or buy bus tickets upon arrival in Osaka.
Get around
By bus
The Tsuyama City bus is the '''Gongo Bus''', named after the city's mascot.
By car
Upon exiting the station, there are car rentals available.
By taxi
Taxis are available at Tsuyama Station.
On foot
Although some of the sites are too far to reach on foot, most of the most famous locations are within walking distance from the station. For a map of the area, visit the information center just to the right of Tsuyama Station. '''Kakuzan Park''' will take approximately 20 minutes to reach from the station on foot. Most of the other sites are not far from Kakuzan Park.
Talk
Although there is a dialect specific to Okayama Prefecture, it's not as strong or noticeable as some of the other dialects, but you will find it spoken in Tsuyama. One word that is specific to Tsuyama that is not even used in Okayama is ''bucchi'' which means "very". In standard Japanese, this word is ''totemo''. Rather than using ''bucchi'', in Okayama City they use ''bokke''.
See
Kakuzan Park. __R____ kakuzan koen. 35 Yamashita. 86-822-4572. :40 AM to 5:00 PM. ntrance fee is \210. This park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle, which was once considered to be even more spectacular than
Do
Green Hills Tsuyama. ttp://www.g-h.cc/. Although it offers some gardens and areas for outdoor activities, most people come here for the Glass House, an indoor swimming area. It is divided into two sections: the Pool Zone for fun in the water, and the Fitness Zone for those interested in working out.
Events
'''Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival''' Tsuyama is known in Okayama prefecture as the best place to view cherry blossoms in the spring. The Cherry Blossom Festival, held from early to mid-April, features an impressive 5,000 cherry trees. Located in '''Kakuzan Park''', visitors can enjoy the beautiful flowers among the ancient castle ruins. There is also a Daimyo Procession parade.
'''Gongo Festival''' Celebrated on the first Saturday and Sunday in August in honor of Gongo (a ''kappa'', one of Japan's mythical creatures), the Gongo Festival is a lively celebration with parades in the daytime and fireworks at night. The festival is held alongside the Yoshii River and on the opposite side are various vendors and foodstands. Lanterns are hung from above and the fireworks are shot over the river.
'''Tsuyama Matsuri''' Held in mid-October at Tokumori Shrine, the highlight of this festival is the Daimyo Procession, in which they carry a portable shrine (''mikoshi'') from the shrine down through the Tamachi District.
'''Izumo Street Festival''' Held on the first Sunday in November on Joto Street, this festival features a parade of individuals dressed in traditional Japanese clothing to remind everyone of the city's history as a part of the ancient pilgrimage to Izumo Shrine. Various other performances and events, such as tea ceremonies, are also held.
Buy
'''Tsuyama Neritenjin''' are clay figures of Neritenjin, the Shinto god of learning. In the past, they were made to worship. They are still made in Tsuyama today however, for most people, they are simply a unique souvenir.
'''Washi''' the traditional paper of Japan is still produced in Tsuyama in the traditional fashion.
The best place to purchase souvenirs are in the shops along '''Joto Street'''. The shops that align this street are locally owned and managed, with most of the merchandise being hand-made by the shop owners themselves.
Eat
'''Tsuyama Senbei''' is a delicious specialty of Tsuyama. Unlike many other types of senbei, Tsuyama senbei is a sweet snack. '''Tsuyama manju''' is another tasty treat made here!
Bamiyan. A Chinese restaurant with quite a variety of dishes to choose from.
Drink
Sleep
Tsuyama Kokusai Hotel. 8-2 Yamashita. 86-823-1111. :00 PM. 1:00 AM. tart from ¥6,000 (single).
Tsuyama Kakuzan Hotel. 14-4 Higashi Shinmachi. 86-825-2121. :00 PM. 1:00 AM. tart from ¥6,000 (single).
Hotel Alpha One. 90-16 ___J. wo minutes on foot from Tsuyama Station. 86-824-7733. ttp://www.alpha-1.co.jp/tsuyama/index.html. :00 PM. 0:00 AM. tart from \5900.
Contact
Get out
Okayama With one of Japan's Three Best Gardens, the black castle, and Kibi Plains, Okayama is an easy and enjoyable day trip.
Kurashiki Home to the beautiful '''Bikan Historic District''', it's a great day trip back in time to the Edo Period.
Niimi Known for its two limestone caves, Niimi is a great getaway for nature-lovers.
Tottori With the only '''Sand Dunes''' in Japan, Tottori is popular for those looking for a non-traditional travel experience in Japan.
Himeji Known worldwide for the magnificent '''Himeji Castle'''
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