Arrive in Tsuruoka, a castle town in Yamagata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, where a local guide meets you at the starting point. Tsuruoka is known for its deep food culture rooted in Shonai regional cuisine, and the city’s compact drinking districts sit within easy walking distance of one another. As the evening begins, your guide introduces you to the area and sets the tone for the night ahead.

From your first stop, move through Tsuruoka’s bar and izakaya streets with your guide leading the way. At each of the three venues, order drinks and food from the menu, settling the bill directly with the bar before moving on. The pace is relaxed, and your guide connects you with each spot — explaining what makes it worth visiting and helping you navigate the menu if needed.

By the time you reach the third bar, you will have drunk your way through three distinct corners of Tsuruoka’s nightlife, each with its own character. The drinks and dishes you order along the way are yours to choose, and the total cost of what you consume reflects your own selections at each venue. The tour wraps up after the final stop, leaving you with a grounded sense of where locals actually drink in this part of Yamagata.