Tsuruoka Overview
Tsuruoka is a city in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 January 2020, the city had an estimated population of 125,389 in 49,024 households, and a population density of 95.74 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 1,311.53 square kilometres. Tsuruoka is the biggest city in Tōhoku region in terms of land area.
Tsuruoka Key Statistics
Population121371
Area1312 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés107 / 5 / 28
Practical Essentials for Tsuruoka
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Tsuruoka.
Visit ↗Getting Around Tsuruoka
Tsuruoka Main Station & Rail Lines
鶴岡 (Tsuruoka)
Train Travel to Tsuruoka
Tsuruoka is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Tsuruoka
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Tsuruoka
Cover Your Trip to Tsuruoka
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Tsuruoka
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Tsuruoka downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Tsuruoka.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Tsuruoka Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Tsuruoka.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Tsuruoka.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Tsuruoka
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Tsuruoka
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Tsuruoka
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Tsuruoka
When was Tsuruoka founded?
Tsuruoka was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Tsuruoka?
Tsuruoka is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Tsuruoka?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 121,371.
What is the land area of Tsuruoka?
Tsuruoka covers roughly 1312 km².
What is the main railway station in Tsuruoka?
The primary hub is 鶴岡 (Tsuruoka).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Tsuruoka?
The city has roughly 107 parks, 5 museums and 28 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Tsuruoka expensive to live?
Tsuruoka is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Tsuruoka?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Tsuruoka?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Tsuruoka has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Tsuruoka?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Tsuruoka?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Tsuruoka?
Tsuruoka hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Tsuruoka?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Tsuruoka?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Tsuruoka?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Tsuruoka?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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