Guesthouse Watausagi — Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan Not just a place to sleep. A place to slow down. Pick up local mountain vegetables, Shonai rice and regional sake from the neighbourhood supermarket and cook in our fully equipped kitchen. Settle into the rhythm of everyday Tsuruoka — a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy between sacred mountains and the Sea of Japan. Built in 1953, renovated in 2024. Quiet residential area, 1km from city centre. Clean, safe and affordable. A guesthouse, not a hotel. ――――――――――――――――――――― KITCHEN & FACILITIES ――――――――――――――――――――― 3-burner gas stove, grill, toaster, microwave, electric kettle, hotplate, takoyaki maker, onsen egg cooker, shaved ice machine, pots, pans, tableware and cutlery. Washing machine, hair dryer, Wi-Fi. Free car park (limited — enquire in advance). Board games, yoga mats and foam rollers available. ――――――――――――――――――――― CAPACITY ――――――――――――――――――――― Up to 20 guests. Full-property bookings from 8 guests. 8 single beds + 12 single mattresses. ――――――――――――――――――――― GOOD TO KNOW ――――――――――――――――――――― ♦ Covered bicycle parking — popular with cyclists and motorcycle travellers ♦ Lively mix of international and Japanese guests ♦ Group bookings welcome: reunions, parties, training camps and more ♦ Day-use and car camping on request (not available on peak dates) ♦ Pets may be accommodated — please enquire ♦ Long-stay discount: 10% off for stays of 4 nights or more ♦ Regular events open to travellers and locals ♦ Mixed-gender dormitory. Photo ID required at check-in.

Hi, I'm Sachi — owner of Guesthouse Watausagi in Tsuruoka, Yamagata. I'm a licensed architect, real estate agent and property consultant specialising in vacant home revival. This guesthouse is one of those projects — a 1953 family home I renovated with my own hands, reopened in 2024. Every corner carries a story. Beyond the credentials? I'm just completely obsessed with Tsuruoka. I love films, books, yoga, walking by water and hiking through the satoyama hills. I live at the foot of the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains and feel grateful for it every single day. I'm currently studying English hard — because I want to connect with you properly. My English is a work in progress, but I will give it everything. Talk to me. I'm also a data nerd. I analyse guest feedback and share findings on our blog and inside the guesthouse. A short survey is available on-site — your input genuinely shapes this place. Check-in is self-service, but I try to be here in person whenever I can. Ask me anything — the best route through the Three Mountains of Dewa, hidden local restaurants, rainy day plans. I've got answers. When I'm not around, our website has a hand-picked local map. Travel tips are also on our blog and YouTube — including live streams I've recently become slightly addicted to. Subscribe and come say hello. [ EVENTS AT WATAUSAGI ] Watausagi English — Card Game Night in English An English-only card game night for travellers who want to connect with locals and fellow guests. Different countries, same table, real laughs. Kanji Art — Calligraphy Experience Choose a word that means something to you — love, dream, journey — and write it in Japanese calligraphy with real ink and brush. No skill needed. Just the quiet pleasure of making something to take home. Both events are ticketed. Check dates and book via DM.

Tsuruoka — Japan's best-kept secret, and one of its most rewarding destinations. A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Ancient sacred mountains. A world-record jellyfish aquarium. Samurai history. Pristine Japan Sea coastline. World-class architecture. All within reach of one base. Winter here is something else — exceptional powder snow, legendary ski slopes, and winter flavours found nowhere else in Japan. For in-depth guides and local tips, visit our official blog and website map. ♦ SACRED MOUNTAINS & SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS The Three Mountains of Dewa (Haguro, Gassan & Yudonosan) A 1,400-year-old pilgrimage believed to offer death, rebirth and spiritual renewal. Each mountain deserves its own day. · Mt. Haguro Shrine (stone steps, cedar forest, National Treasure pagoda) · Mt. Gassan Shrine (summer only; shrine nestled among snow) · Yudonosan Shrine ("Do not speak of what you see here.") ♦ NATURE & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Yudonosan Ski Resort Legendary powder snow and terrain park "R-Heaven." Gassan Ski Resort Japan's only spring and summer ski resort, open late April to August. ♦ CULTURE & SAMURAI HISTORY Matsugaoka Reclamation Site 3,000 samurai laid down their swords and cleared 312 hectares of forest by hand in two and a half years — out of pride, not necessity. Japan Heritage site. The only place in Japan to see the full silk-making process. Cherry blossoms in spring. Chidokan Beautifully preserved Edo-period samurai school. ♦ ARCHITECTURE & ART Shongin Tact Tsuruoka Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA. A world-class building that draws architecture lovers globally. ♦ SIGHTSEEING Kamo Aquarium (Jellyfish Dream Hall) World's largest jellyfish aquarium with around 60 species. The centrepiece tank "Kurararium" is breathtaking. Sea of Japan views from the grounds. ♦ FOOD Alchecchiano — Michelin Green Guide. Chef Okuda's acclaimed restaurant: Shonai local ingredients, Italian technique. 15-min walk.