Uesugike Byosho has a quiet and solemn appearance surrounded by a grove of cedar trees. It is lined with the mausoleums of successive feudal lords of the Uesugi Clan who ruled the Yonezawa Domain - from the 1st feudal lord of Kenshinto the 12th feudal lord of Narisada. You will feel the dignified atmosphere as you approach the shrine. 

Previously, the mausoleums were built alternating left and right centered on the 2nd feudal lord of Kagekatsu. However, the remains of Kenshin, who was enshrined in the honmaru (inner citadel) of Yonezawa Castle by way of Aizu from Echigo Kasugayama (Niigata Prefecture), was relocated to the Useugike Byosho in 1876. A landscape has now been formed with the mausoleums lined up in order centered on Kenshin. This conveys the family traditions of simplicity and vigor of the Uesugi Clan to the current day. It is as though it tells the history of the Uesugi Clan and the Yonezawa Domain. Even now, worshippers continue to visit from all over the country to remember Kenshin and the other successive feudal lords.

Hanging snow lanterns and paper-covered snow lamps are also set up inside the Byosho during the period of the Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival (around mid-February) - an event that has become a winter tradition in Yonezawa. The Byosho at night lit up by the soft flames of the candles has a completely different appearance to that during the day. It is wrapped in a magical atmosphere. Why don't you stop by here in addition to Matsugasaki Park that serves as the main venue of the Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival?