―伊佐沢の久保桜 Isazawa no Kubo Zakura“Isazawa’s Ancient Cherry Blossom Tree”
An ancient sakura tree, said to be over 1,200 years old, is carefully protected in Nagai’s Isazawa area.
―最上川堤防千本桜 Mogami Gawa Teibou Senbon Zakura “Mogami Riverbank cherry Blossoms”
Pink cherry blossoms (somei-yoshino variety) blooming with a background of snowy mountain peaks of early spring – the beauty of Mogami Riverbank Senbon Zakura.
―あやめ Ayame “Irises”
Nagai Koshu, a variety of iris found only in Nagai, is lovingly grown in Ayame Koen (“Iris Park”) alongside many other varieties. The best season to view irises is from mid June to early July.
―白つつじ Shiro Tsutsuji “White azaleas”
Exclusively white azaleas bloom in Shiro Tsutsuji Koen (“White Azaleas Park”), located in central Nagai, covering the area like snow. The best season to view is from mid to late May.
―もみじ回廊 Momiji Kairo “Japanese Maple Tree Lane”
In autumn, as the temperature changes, these broad-leaved trees in Nagai became a beautiful combination of colors.
―丸大扇屋 Marudai Ogiya
The Marudai Ogiya is an important Yamagata Prefecture cultural heritage site. Once a thriving merchant house where traders dealt Japanese goods like kimono, this building features a traditional thatched roof (kayabukiyane) and Japanese garden, where the atmosphere of the past generations still lingers today.
―長井小学校 第一校舎 Nagai Shogakko Dai Ichi Kosha “Nagai Elementary School the first building”
In February, when the city is covered with snow, the area in front of Nagai Elementary School is lined with snow lanterns handmade by Nagai locals. Their gentle glow warms the heart of the city.
―雪灯り回廊 Yuki Akari Kairo Matsuri “Snow Lantern Lane Festival”
Every year on the first Saturday of February, the entire city shines with snow lanterns handmade by the people of Nagai. The streets become promenades of glowing snow lanterns.
