Tendo Shogi Town: Human Shogi Chess and Japan's No.1 Shogi Piece Production Area
Tendo Shogi Culture
Tendo, Yamagata, is the "Shogi Hometown" producing about 90% of Japan's shogi pieces. The tradition reportedly began when Tendo domain samurai made pieces as a side job in the Edo period.
Highlights
- Human Shogi: Held each April during the Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival; people dressed as samurai and princesses walk across a giant shogi board
- Tendo Shogi Museum: Museum to learn about shogi history and piece-making processes
- Shogi Piece Calligraphy Experience: Craft experience learning craftspeople's techniques
- Tendo Onsen: Hot spring district flowing through the city
About Human Shogi
- Timing: Third Sunday of April (within the Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival)
- Venue: Lawn plaza at Maizuruyama (Tendo Park)
- Content: Pro shogi players compete while human "pieces" move according to the game
Getting There
- Alight at JR Ou Main Line Tendo Station (about 15 minutes from Yamagata)
Tips
Human Shogi overlaps with cherry blossom season โ very large crowds. Arrive early to secure a viewing spot. Purchase shogi piece souvenirs after bathing in Tendo Onsen.
๐ Location & Access
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This article is compiled by the Tabitabi JAPAN editorial team from official and primary sources, including facility and shrine/temple websites, tourism information published by municipalities and tourism associations, and cultural-property records released by national and local governments. Prices, opening hours and event dates may change, so please also check the official information of each facility or local government before you visit.