Ako Castle Ruins

"Ako Castle Ruins are located around 20 minutes' walk from JR Banshu Ako Station, or around 10 minutes' drive from the Ako Interchange of Sanyo Expressway. The castle was constructed over a 13-year period, starting from 1648, under the supervision of Asano Naganao; it is famous because of its connection with the ""47 Ronin"" of the Ako domain. Ako Castle was a flatland castle built on the coast of a type that was very unusual in early modern Japan, with a peculiarly-shaped outer wall; the twists and turns in the stone walls, and the unusual angles at which the gates are positioned, show that this was a castle built very much with defense against attack in mind. A Tenshudai (platform for a Tenshu, or Main Tower) was built, but no Tenshu was built on it. Ako Castle Ruins have been designated as a National Historic Site and as a Site of Scenic Beauty; the site has also been developed as an urban park."

Spot details

Address: Hyougo Pref. Akoushi Kamikariya 1 Map
Area: Harima (Himeji, Tatsuno, Ako) Area
Phone: 0791436839
Hours: [Honmaru/Ninomaru Garden] 9:00-16:30 (Admission until 16:00) *Honmaru/Ninomaru Garden Exceptions open everyday
Closed: [Honmaru/Ninomaru Garden] New Year's Holiday (12/28-1/4)
[Other than Honmaru/Ninomaru Garden] open everyday
Fees: Free
Parking Lot: Available(240spaces)
Note: 0791-43-6839 (Things related to tourism)
0791-43-6962 (Things related to cultural assets)