Tsuyama is a city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 102,294 and a population density of 200 persons per km². The total area was 185.73 km². The area increased in 2005 as the result of a merger with adjacent towns, which also boosted the city's population to more than 100,000.
History
The city was founded on February 11, 1929. Tsuyama is known for the 17th centuryTsuyama Castle, whose grandeur was said to rival that of Himeji Castle in neighboring Hyōgo Prefecture. The castle was destroyed in 1874, and today only the stone foundations remain, save for a single turret that was reconstructed in 2005. The castle ruins remain Tsuyama's main tourist attraction along with Joto Street, a narrow street of old, traditional buildings that was once part of the pilgrimage route from Kyoto to Izumo, and Shurakuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden constructed in 1657. On February 28, 2005, the town of Kamo, the village of Aba, the town of Shōboku, and the town of Kume were merged into Tsuyama.
Climate
Tsuyama has a humid subtropical climate with very warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter.
Festivals
Cherry Blossom Festival - This event is held in Kakuzan Park where around 5000 cherry blossom trees attract people from all over western Japan. Many picnickers arrive before dawn and set down blue tarps and then remain until dusk, grilling out and drinking sake.
Gongo Festival - The Gongo, or Kappa, is a fictitious animal said to live in rivers. The festival is based around the legend that the Gongo can be seen in the Yoshii River in summer. Local people congregate on the banks of the river wearing traditional Japanese clothing and eat and drink at the many temporary stalls set up there. The festival culminates in a spectacular firework display on the Sunday evening.
Tsuyama Autumn Festival - Many people parade through the town pulling danjiri.
Lion Dance Festival - The Lion Dance Festival, held at Takata Shrine, began around 710 A.D. to thank the gods for a good harvest. A male and female lion, each controlled by twelve dancers, perform a soul-stirring dance imitating a struggle. The lions keep time with a flute and drum. The dance is believed to drive away the devil and impurity.
Old Izumo Street Festival - A festival on Joto Street during which they wear traditional clothes and open a theater, tea houses, and various stalls.
