Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle
Tohoku Region
Tsuruga Castle, also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, is a historically significant Japanese castle located in the heart of Aizuwakamatsu city in Fukushima Prefecture. Originally built on the site of Kurokawa Castle by Gamō Ujisato in 1592, it was designed as a modern fortification with an unprecedented seven-story tenshu completed in 1593. The castle played a crucial role during the Sengoku period and the Edo era as a stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate in the Tōhoku region. It endured the intense Battle of Aizu during the Boshin War in 1868, where it was besieged by forces equipped with modern artillery. Although damaged and demolished in 1874, the castle was reconstructed in concrete in 1965 as a symbol of the city, now housing a museum and offering panoramic city views from its observation gallery. The castle grounds have been preserved as a public park and National Historic Site, celebrating its rich samurai heritage and cultural importance in Japan.
Plan your trip to Japan with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to check the official website for seasonal events such as the Sakura Festival and special exhibitions. The castle museum is open daily from 8:30 to 17:00, with the last admission at 16:30. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues. Discounts are available for groups and persons with disabilities. Spring, especially during cherry blossom season, offers the most picturesque experience. Parking is available but limited, so consider using public transport or rental bicycles.
Interesting facts
- •Tsuruga Castle once boasted an unprecedented seven-story tenshu built in 1593, a rarity among Japanese castles.
- •During the 1868 Battle of Aizu, the castle was shelled for over a month by western artillery, marking a shift in Japanese warfare.
- •One turret survived the 1874 demolition by being relocated to a Buddhist temple five kilometers away.
- •A velodrome operated within the castle's inner bailey until 1957, an unusual use for a historic site.
- •The castle grounds are now a National Historic Site and host seasonal events like cherry blossom festivals.
History
The castle's origins trace back to 1384 when Ashina Naomori built Kurokawa Castle in the Aizu basin.
It was rebuilt and renamed Tsuruga Castle by Gamō Ujisato in 1592, featuring a large seven-story tenshu.
Throughout the Edo period, it served as an important Tokugawa military stronghold.
During the Boshin War in 1868, the castle was heavily besieged and eventually surrendered to the Meiji government forces.
The original structures were demolished in 1874, with only one turret surviving.
The site became a National Historic Site in 1934, and the tenshu was reconstructed in 1965, revitalizing the castle as a cultural landmark.
Place Guide
Main Tenshu (Keep)1593 (original), 1965 (reconstruction)
The seven-story tenshu reconstructed in 1965 serves as the castle's centerpiece, housing a museum with exhibits on samurai history, the castle's architecture, and the Battle of Aizu. Visitors can ascend to the observation gallery for panoramic views of Aizuwakamatsu city and the surrounding mountains.
Castle Grounds and Park
The castle grounds, preserved as a public park, feature reconstructed walls, moats, and gates. It is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and hosts cultural events throughout the year.
Yagura Turret and Corridor1991 (reconstruction)
Reconstructed in 1991, this turret and connecting corridor represent the castle's defensive architecture and provide insight into the samurai era fortifications.
Contact
Phone: 0242-27-4005