Historic Port City – Nagai City, Yamagata

Till the samurai era ended, the main transportation for logistics had been maritime transit. Not only commodities, but people, culture, information, of course money,,, etc, many things came into Nagai City through Mogami River (see also; http://funtravelinjapan.blogspot.jp/2013/08/in-middle-of-yamagata-prefecture.html).  Despite the inland location of the city which is about 200km away from the nearest sea port – Sakata City (see also; http://funtravelinjapan.blogspot.jp/2013/08/beach-of-back-side-of-japan-sea-of.html#uds-search-results) - Nagai was an important port town in this region.

The atmosphere of the city is very different than that of other ones in this area.  It looks urbanized and sophisticated thanks to the import of outside culture.  Just walking around the streets is fun enough to feel the distinctive character.  

FYI:

• About Nagai City: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagai,_Yamagata
• Nagai Tourist Association (Japanese): http://www.kankou-nagai.jp/
• Travel Info of Nagai: http://www.jnto.go.jp/tourism/en/s021.htm 

Downtown Nagai

Downtown Nagai

Downtown Nagai

An old storehouse.
There are a lot of old storehouse remaining in the city.
The city uses them to attract tourist. 

Inside of this house was converted to a party room. 

@ Ayame (= a kind of iris) Park.

@ Ayame (= a kind of iris) Park.

@ Ayame (= a kind of iris) Park.

Nagai Station

Nagai Station

Downtown Nagai