Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Tsuruoka

Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)


This is a large, fairly impersonal hotel with comparatively spacious, stylish rooms and a rooftop sauna and rotemburo (outdoor bath), perfect for a post-hike soak. It's the huge yellow-brick building connected to the S-Mall shopping centre, a few minutes' walk from the train station (turn right as you exit the station).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Honshū (Tōhoku) attractions

1. Chidō Museum

0.97 MILES

Founded in 1950 by the former Lord Shōnai in order to preserve local culture, this museum features Sakai-family artefacts, two Meiji-era buildings, a…

2. Zenpō-ji

4.22 MILES

Seven kilometres west of Tsuruoka is this Zen Buddhist temple, complete with five-tier pagoda and large gateway. It dates from the 10th century, when it…

3. Kamo Aquarium

6.04 MILES

The world's largest jellyfish tank – containing 30 to 40 species at any one time – was given a spark by a Nobel Prize–winning scientist who discovered a…

4. Haguro-san

8.37 MILES

The 2446 stone steps through ancient cedars to Haguro-san's summit (419m) have been smoothed by centuries of pilgrims. The climb, taking up to two hours,…

5. Historical Abumiya Residence

12.16 MILES

Opposite the city hall, this private home once belonged to a wealthy shipping agent. With a beautiful garden and a fascinating variety of room divisions…

6. Historical Obata ('NK Agent') Building

12.41 MILES

This building featured in the 2009 Academy Award–winning Best Foreign Language film, Okuribito (おくりびと; Departures). You can't go in, but you'll see stills…

7. Hiyoriyama Park

12.44 MILES

This sprawling hilly park has views of the ocean and is a wonderful spot for a stroll or a picnic, especially at sunset. In April, 400 cherry trees burst…

8. Yudono-san-jinja

15.92 MILES

Beyond the giant red torii of this shrine, ancient tradition (and stern-faced priests) forbids disclosure of what you witness. It's forbidden to…