Sakura Shrine
The shrine honors Emperor Daigo and Kojima Takanori. It is said that upon failing to capture Emperor Godaigo, Kojima Takanori carved a phrase expressing his shame on a cherry tree near the shrine.
Tsuyama Museum of Science Education
Also, known as Tsuyama Wonder Museum, it's great destination for those traveling with children. The science museum features a variety of exhibits, from body organs to wildlife displays.
Former Residence of Mitsukuri Genpo
Mitsukuri Genpo was an important figure during the time when Japan first encountered the West. He translated many Western texts into Japanese and helped create policies in dealing with the Western powers. His former residence is on Joto Street — look for the prominent signs.
Tsuyama Archives of Western Learning
A museum with information and artifacts relating the Japan's first contact with the West. It also gives information about the important role the city of Tsuyama played in interacting with the West.
Joto Street
During the Edo period, Tsuyama was one of the stops for those making the pilgrimage to Izumo Shrine. Joto Street is where they passed by and stayed, and the houses along this street have been preserved so that visitors can get a feel for what the city was like back in its days as a castle town.
Nakayama Shrine
A shrine built in 707 dedicated to the god of cattle and horses, the current shrine dates back to 1559.
Tsuyama Folk Museum
As Tsuyama has been the center of Mimasaka culture since the province was established, the museum displays artifacts and information from the founding of Mimasaka to the present, including a replica of the original Tsuyama Castle.
Umenosato Park
For those in the area in February or March, just prior to the cherry blossoms, this park makes a great location to see Japan's other famous flowers; plum blossoms. With 3800 plum trees, it's extremely beautiful to see them all in bloom.
Tokumori Shrine
Dating back to 1664, this shrine was built by Tsuyama's first daimyo, Mori Tadamasa. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and it houses one of Japan's Three Great Mikoshi portable shrines.
Kibune Shrine
The shrine is believed to have come from Kurama's Kifune Shrine sometime during the reign of Emperor Sujin.
Soja Shrine
One of the top three shrines of the Mimasaka area. The current shrine dates back to 1562.
Chohoji Temple
A Tendai Buddhist temple originally constructed during the Heian Period. Today, it is famous for the 4000 hydrangea bushes planted throughout the temple grounds.
Yaideten Shrine
Sugawara no Michizane stopped here for eight days, and so it is dedicated to the God of Learning.
Kakuzan Park
This park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle, which was once considered to be the most spectacular castle in the entire nation. Since the castle was decommissioned during the Meiji Period, all that remains today are the castle walls however, they are truly well-preserved, and a walk around the castle grounds offers many great views of the city and a feel for the castle's former grandeur. The small turret, the only castle structure in the park, was built in 2004 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Tsuyama Castle. There is also a small area containing a few animals such as white peacocks, a boar, and rabbits. The park has gained fame as not only being the best place in Okayama but also as the best place in the entire Chugoku region for viewing cherry blossoms with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees within and around the park. It is also a great place to view the changing leaves in the fall.
Shurakuen Garden
Constructed in 1657 by Mori Nagatsugu, one of Tsuyama's feudal lords, Shurakuen was used as a place to entertain guests. The structures within the garden date back to the original garden, making it historical, as well as beautiful.