Castle / Ruins of Castle Spots in Japan

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Castle / Ruins of Castle

Iwasaki Castle

3.5

31 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Nisshinshi Iwasakichou Ichiba 67

A Warring States period castle located in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture. The grounds, designated Iwasakijoshi Park, are a great place for enjoying cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage in autumn, and other scenery. Iwasaki Castle Museum is also located on the grounds. A variety of special exhibitions and events are also held here, and on weekends and holidays the site bustles with tourists and families with children.

日進市の戦国時代の様子を今に伝える貴重な城址です。お城は鉄筋コンクリート造で木造ではありません。お城の隣には岩崎城歴史記念館があります。岩崎城歴史記念館もお城の中も歴史的に展示物があります。
Tamba Kameyama Castle Ruins

3.0

41 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kameokashi Kosechou North Ages 81-1

Tamba Kameyama Castle was built by Akechi Mitsuhide as a strategic base in Tamba Province (the old name for the area north of present-day Osaka and Kobe) during the late 16th century. During the regime of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the importance of the castle led to its further fortification and the development of a castle town. During the Edo Period, the government ordered the most powerful feudal lords to update and repair the fortifications. As a result of the abolition of the feudal system at the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the castle was demolished, and many of its documents and wall stones were sold off. The site of the castle was abandoned and unused until 1919, when members of the Omoto sect of Shinto unearthed stones from the former castle walls and reconstructed the walls, which remain standing today. The entire castle site is the property of the Omoto sect, and those who wish to tour it must apply at the reception desk.

明智光秀の丹波攻略の拠点として機能した城であるため、城好きであれば是非とも行ってみたい城ではありますが、実際に足を運ぶと非常にガッカリするでしょう。新興宗教法人『大本』によって遺構や敷地は買収され、彼らの事務所で入場料を支払うものの、立ち入ることの出来る箇所はかなり限られているからです（敷地内のほとんど区域は、彼らの神域として定められているため、基本的に立ち入ることが出来ません）。立ち入ることが...
Tatsuno Castle

4.0

29 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hyougo Pref. Tatsunoshi Tatsunochoukamikajou 128-1

The site of a castle located close to the Tatsuno City Museum of History and Culture. The castle is believed to have been built in 1499 at the top of Mt. Keiro by Akamatsu Murahide. After four successive generations of lords from the Akamatsu clan, it is said the castle's tower was destroyed when it capitulated during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of the area on the order of Oda Nobunaga. Thereafter, repairs were made using the stone foundation and then a new castle was built. In 1979, the inner citadel and two-tier corner tower were rebuilt. Today, a trail leads from behind the current Tatsuno Castle to the site of the old castle at the top of the mountain.

ここは子供時代の軍師、黒田官兵衛が敵方の赤松に捕えられて、父の黒田聖隆がこの龍野城に乗り込み、直談判して取り返したとの物語が伝えられています。現在の龍野城は後年、１６７２年に脇坂安政が築城したとされている。本丸御殿、真っ白な城壁、埋門などが復元されている。桜の時期にも行ったことがあるが、白い城壁と桜のコラボが素晴らしかったのを覚えている。
Marugame Castle

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Marugameshi Ichibanchou

Marugame Castle is a flatland-mountain castle built in Kameyama at a height of approximately 66 meters. It is also called Kameyama Castle. This castle has won fame as a fine stone walled castle; various methods of stacking stones can be seen in this castle such as using stone worked on by a mason which is stacked up and implanted with Japanese clover, stacking natural stone which has been joined together and stacking the unworked surface of quarried stones. The castle tower is enshrined by a stone wall and is said to be the highest in Japan, which is one of the castle towers out of the 12 remaining castle towers in existence and even now conveys a characteristic beauty of form which is harmonized with nature. In 1957, the Ote Ichino-mon Gate and Ote Nino-mon Gate were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Koyama Castle Observation Deck, Yoshida-cho

3.5

32 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Haibara-gun Yoshidacho Kataoka 2519-1 Noman Terayama Park

A castle that serves as an observation deck, located a five-minute walk from the Kataoka Kita-Yoshida Tokubetsu Shien Gakko bus stop, a 25-minute ride on the Shizutetsu Just Line Bus from JR Shimada Station. Takeda Shingen first used this site as a fortress in 1568, but built a castle in 1571 and renamed Koyama Castle. Visitors can see relics dug up among the castle ruins, pictures of samurai, and a tea house. The observation deck affords a view of Mt. Fuji, and the cherry trees on the grounds are illuminated during the spring blossom season.

Lovely gardens and castle, very helpful English speaking staff around to answer any questions and give an insight to the history of the gardens.
Gyoda City Provincial Museum

3.5

34 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saitama Pref. Gyoudashi Honmaru 17-23

The museum is located in the ruins of a castle completed in the Muromachi period by Akiyasu Narita. Although the castle was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, it was a famous heavily fortified caste that did not fall during battles between the Uesugi and Hojo clans, and withstood a flooding attack by Mitsunari Ishida, dispatched by Hideyoshi Toyotomi during the suppression of the Kanto region. It was considered one of the seven main strongholds of the Kanto region. Currently, there is a reconstructed turret located on the site of the destroyed Oshi Castle in the Honmaru area, and you can see a full view of within Gyoda City from the top floor. At the folk museum located on the grounds, you can find exhibits about Gyoda’s history and local culture.

市内循環バスの西循環コースで「忍城址・郷土博物館前」バス停からすぐ。「忍城バスターミナル」からでも徒歩5分ほど。忍城本丸跡地にあり、復元された忍城御三階櫓も博物館の一部となっている。入館料200円。常設展示は撮影不可。館内には忍城の資料、埼玉古墳群の出土品、行田の産業として有名な足袋に関する資料などが展示されているが展示数はそれほど多くない。御三階櫓の最上階(4階)は展望室となっている。
Fukuyama Castle

3.5

2 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Pref. Fukuyamashi Marunouchi 1-8

This castle in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture is also known as Hisamatsu Castle and Iyo Castle. It was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. Originally built in 1622 the five-story main keep was destroyed by fire in battle and then rebuilt. Inside the castle you will find exhibits of the personal items of the local lords and artifacts excavated from the medieval town of Kusado Sengen.

昔、鏡を収納していたことからその名前がついたと言われる鏡櫓です。再建してコンクリート造りになっていますが、歴史を感じさせるたたずまいです。
Gujo Hachiman Castle

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Hachimanchouyanagimachi One flat 659

Gujo Hachiman Castle is Japan’s oldest castle reconstructed out of wood. Building of the fort began in 1559 by Endo Morikazu and by 1667 the shogunate government recognized it as a castle. In 1933 the current castle tower was rebuilt with reference to Ogaki Castle at that time. The sight of the castle appearing to float in the morning mist is a spectacle to behold and is why the castle is also known as the castle in the sky. The four layered wooden castle tower with five floors has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Gujo City.
Shiroato Koen Asuke Castle

4.5

18 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Toyotashi Asukechou Suzawa 39-2

This is the site of Asuke Castle, built on top of Mayumi Mountain in Asuke Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and the castle ruins park which surrounds it. Asuke Castle is a renkaku-style mountain castle which uses the mountain ridge. It is believed to have been built by the Suzuki clan, who once ruled over these lands, at some point after the 15th century. The current castle was restored based on the results of excavation surveys. There are high turrets and rows of traditional houses, a watchtower, and kitchen etc. From the castle keep visitors can look out over the town of Asuke as well as the Iida Highway, and the sight of the changing color of the autumn leaves is quite special indeed.

中津川市にある苗木城のような，再現された山城です。苗木城については，博物館もあり，ボランティアガイドも予約できるというように，至れり尽くせりですし，歴史的にも，かなり忠実に再現されたようです。比較すると，足助城は，史料が少なかったのか，歴史的な忠実さに不安を覚えます。しかし，とりあえず造ってみたことについては，評価したい。京都市にある映画村が，江戸時代の姿をいくぶんか誤解させるように，足...
Hizen Nagoya Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Saga Karatsu-shi Chinzeimachi Nagoya 1938-3 Nagoya Castle Ruins Tourist Information Office

These castle ruins are located at Nagoya, Chinzei Town, Karatsu City. Hizen Nagoya Castle was built during the battles of Bunroku and Keicho when Hideyoshi Toyotomi was invading the Korean Peninsula. At the time it was the second largest castle in size after Osaka Castle. The castle was used as a base camp for the invasion of the mainland and over 140 encampments for soldiers were located in the surrounding area. At present, the castle ruins, as well as 23 other camps in the area, are designated as national historic sites. Artifacts excavated at the site are on display at the Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum.
Matsumae Castle Museum

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Matsumae-gun Matsumaecho Matsushiro 144-banchi

Matsumae Castle is Japan's northernmost castle and was completed in 1854 after its predecessor structure, the Fukuyama Palace, was renovated and reinforced. The castle was created to provide defense in the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate when many foreign ships began appearing in Japan's coastal waters. The castle's original wooden tower was destroyed in a fire in 1949. A reinforced concrete reconstruction, which looks identical to the original on the outside, was completed in 1961 and opened as the Matsumae Castle Museum. Inside, the museum displays archeological artefacts and numerous other items which tell the history of Matsumae Castle.
Tsurugajo Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Fukushima Pref. Aiduwakamatsushi Outemachi 1-1

Tsurugajo Castle is Japan’s only red roof tiled castle tower. It is a famous “impregnable” castle that endured a fierce battle lasting about a month during the Boshin war. It is a popular and famous cherry blossom viewing place when in the spring, about 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom. The exhibition room was completely renewed in 2015.
Obi Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Miyazaki Pref. Nichinanshi Obi 10-1-2

These are the ruins of Obi Castle, which served as the residence of the Ito family, lords of the Obi Domain, for the 280 years from 1588 to the early Meiji period. Currently, you can see many things that have been reconstructed and restored in the Showa period (1926-1989) such as the Ote-mon gate and the Edo period (1603-1868) Matsuo-no-Maru residence. In addition, the Obi Castle History Museum is on the premises and exhibits many items and historical materials related to successive lords and their retainers. Besides the Komura Memorial Hall and Merchant Museum, it offers common tickets that can also be used for other paid facilities nearby the castle. It is free to explore the castle ruins.
Iwakuni Castle

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Iwakunishi Yokoyama 3

Kikkawa Hiroie, the first leader of the Iwakuni clan, constructed this castle on the summit of Mt. Yokoyama in 1608. However, due to the “one castle per province” order, it was dismantled a mere seven years later in 1615, and government affairs were carried out in a residence at the base of the mountain. The current castle tower was restored in 1962 based on illustrations and diagrams of the castle tower’s original construction, and offers unbroken views of the Seto Inland Sea area including Kikko Park, Kintaikyo Bridge, the city of Iwakuni and Miyajima. Visitors can also see the stone walls of the former castle tower which have been restored according to the stonework techniques of the time.
Akizuki Castle Ruins (Prefectural Historic Site)

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Asakurashi Akidukinotori

"Located around 20 minutes' drive from the Amagi Interchange of the Oita Expressway, Akizuki Castle was constructed during the Sengoku (Warring States) period (1467-1615) as a Hirajiro site (a castle built on flat ground, rather than on a hill) to serve as the residence of the Akizuki family. Only part of the original castle remains today; the site of the demolished castle was used to build Suiyo Shrine, dedicated to Kuroda Nagaoki, the first lord of the Akizuki-Kuroda domain. Kuromon (""Black Gate"") that served as the main gateway to the Castle was relocated to a site on the processional pathway leading up to Suiyo Shrine; the area near the gate is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. The area in front of the Nagaya-mon Gate-the only part of the castle that survives in its original position-is the venue for Akizuki Nochi no Hina event, held on the day of Chrysanthemum Festival (the 9th day of the 9th lunar month), when around 250 Hina dolls are put on display. Sugi no Baba Street, the road that leads up to the Castle site, features a 500 meter-long avenue of cherry trees."
Nejo Castle Site

4.0

13 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aomori Pref. Hachinoheshi Nejou Negishi 47

The site of a castle which belonged to the Nanbu, a powerful clan which once ruled the northern Ou region in the middle ages. The remnants of the castle's inner citadel, Tozenji-kan hall, earthwork enclosure, and moat can still be seen today. In October 1994, the castle's major historical sites were turned into a historical park and the castle's main building, workshop, barn, and stable were recreated based on archeological surveys of the inner citadel site. A tour provided by a volunteer guide can be arranged with an advance reservation.

Wandering through this area youll feel like your in history, you cn actually dress as a samurai; I decline it just wouldnt look right.
Nakijin Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Imadomari 5101

Before the establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the king of Hokuzan controlled the area from the northern part of the main island to the Amami region. These are the ruins of the castle he occupied, and they were designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 2000. Situated on a peak 100 meters above sea level, Paleozoic limestone was stacked to form a beautiful wall that took advantage of the natural surroundings. The view from “Uchibaru” is especially recommended.
Morioka Joseki Koen

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Morioka-shi Uchimaru 1-37
Echizen Ono Castle

Travel / Tourism

Fukui Pref. Onoshi Shiromachi 3-109

Echizen Ono Castle was built by Kanamori Nagachika who was Oda Nobunaga’s vassal, and recently it has also been called “castle in the sky Echizen Ono Castle”. The Ono basin is surrounded by mountains on every side. The lofty castle rises up at the central part of Kameyama, however, when the castle town is wrapped in a sea of clouds, the castle appears as if it is floating in the sky. It is said that the period from October to the end of April is when this phenomenon occurs, and it is especially likely to occur around November. It is recommended to view it from Inuyama which is located to the west of Echizen Ono Castle.
Uwajima Castle

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Uwajimashi Marunouchi 1

"This castle was built around 1601 by famed castle builder Todo Takatora. The current castle tower was built by Munetoshi, second head of the Uwajima Date clan, in 1666, and is one of only 12 original castle towers still standing in Japan. Due to the towering figure of the chalk white tower standing on top of a mountain, the castle is also known as Tsurushima (""Crane Island"") Castle. The castle's tower has been designated a National Important Culture Property, and the castle in its entirety has also been designated a National Historic Site."