With some awesome road trip options available in the surrounding area, renting a car makes sense. Without one, it’d be much harder to experience all that Tsuruoka, 25 miles away, has to offer. Shonai Shrine ought to be at the top of your to-do list here. Tsuruoka Park and Dainichibo Temple are awesome attractions too. Located 30 miles away, Nikaho is another popular destination. If you swing by, make sure you check out Mototakifukuryusui, Kanmanji Temple and Nikaho Highlands.