Tsuruoka Natsu Mōde: Pilgrimage to 9 Temples and Shrines in Yamagata's Tsuruoka City | Extended Period from July 1–20! Recommended for Summer Tourism

Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, will host the 'Tsuruoka Natsu Mōde Goshuin Pilgrimage' from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Monday, July 20, 2026 (a national holiday), in collaboration with nine local temples and shrines. (Note: Some participating sites will conclude on Monday, July 6.)

'Natsu Mōde' (Summer Pilgrimage) is an emerging Japanese tradition where people visit shrines and temples in July—the midpoint of the year—to express gratitude for the first half and pray for peace, safety, and good health in the second half.

In 2025, Tsuruoka City launched this event for the first time, initiated by Shōnai Shrine and supported by DEGAM Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau. All nine temples and shrines in the city endorsed the concept. In this historic city, where spiritual culture centered on Dewa Sanzan and the legacy of a castle town thrive, many visitors participated during the six-day event, visiting various sites for prayer and reflection.

Goshuin stamps from each temple and shrine in 2025 (Reiwa 7)

In 2026, coinciding with the 'Yamagata Shonai Summer Tourism Campaign,' the event period has been extended to allow visitors a more relaxed pace. Participating sites will display 'Natsu Mōde' banners and offer special 'Natsu Mōde' goshuin stamps, including limited-edition versions.

Amid the clear summer air, this pilgrimage offers a serene journey through tranquil precincts—a chance for locals and tourists alike to connect with Tsuruoka’s spiritual culture. The event is easily combinable with visits to local tourist attractions, hot springs, seaside recreation, and seasonal culinary experiences.

Use this Natsu Mōde pilgrimage—filled with gratitude for the past six months and hopes for the next—as an opportunity to enjoy Tsuruoka’s unique charms, including its history, culture, nature, and cuisine.

Event Overview

Name: Tsuruoka Natsu Mōde Goshuin Pilgrimage

Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Monday, July 20, 2026 (National Holiday) ※ Some temples/shrines conclude on Monday, July 6

Location: 9 Temples and Shrines in Tsuruoka City

Participating Sites (in alphabetical order)

・Tamagawa-dera ・Kinchu Shrine ・Sannose Hikami Shrine ・Shōzen-in ・Shōnai Shrine ・Zenpō-ji ・Taidō-ji ・Dainichibō ・Dewa Sanzan Shrine

Highlights

・Display of unified 'Natsu Mōde' banners ・Distribution of special 'Natsu Mōde' goshuin stamps ・Limited-edition goshuin stamps from the 'Tsuruoka Three Temples Prayer Project' (Dewa Sanzan Shrine, Zenpō-ji, Shōnai Shrine), 300 copies each

About Natsu Mōde

The 'Natsu Mōde' tradition was first proposed by Asakusa Shrine in 2014 and has since spread nationwide. It encourages visits to shrines and temples at the six-month mark of the year to express gratitude for the past and pray for peace in the months ahead.

Natsu Mōde Official Website ≫ https://natsumoude.com/

Related Links

Tsuruoka Tourism Guide – Tsuruoka Natsu Mōde Goshuin Pilgrimage

Tsuruoka Tourism Guide – Tsuruoka Three Temples Prayer Project

Yamagata Shonai Summer Tourism Campaign Special Site

Tsuruoka Tourism Guide – Joint Press Conference for 'Yamagata Shonai Summer Tourism Campaign' Held This Summer

Inquiries

DEGAM Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau (General Incorporated Association)

Please contact via inquiry form.