Japanese-style boat

Experience Japanese style boats at Tsurugajo Castle, cruising the water surface

Nearby Ryokans

What is the Tsuruga Castle Wabune Boat Experience – Mugenkyo Ferry?

Tsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) is the only remaining castle tower with a red-tiled roof, and is known as the “crown jewel” of the Aizu region.

At Tsuruga Castle, you can enjoy the “Tsuruga Castle Wabune Boat Experience,” a leisurely ride around the castle’s moat aboard a traditional rowboat. You’ll cruise the moat surrounding Tsuruga Castle on a boat similar to the one used for the Mugenkyo Ferry in Kanayama Town.

Mugenkyo is a valley on the Tadami River that flows through Kanayama Town, Fukushima Prefecture, and is famous for the mystical scenery of the river’s surface shrouded in mist in the mornings and evenings. A boatman will pilot the Japanese boat used for the Mugenkyo Ferry that crosses Mugenkyo Gorge, and you’ll tour around Tsuruga Castle’s inner moat for approximately 30 to 40 minutes while listening to historical commentary from a volunteer guide.

Seen from the water, Tsuruga Castle reveals a different charm. From this angle, you can admire up close views of the impressive 30-meter-high stone walls with their elegant “fan-shaped” slope and the beautiful vermilion Roka-bashiBridge—scenes rarely visible from nearby.

Highlights of Wabune (Boat)

In spring, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees around Tsuruga Castle are in full bloom, creating a breathtaking view of the castle and cherry blossoms reflected in the moat. From the traditional Japanese boat, you can admire the rows of cherry trees from the water—perfect for photos. In early summer, the fresh green leaves, and in autumn, the colorful foliage are also mirrored on the water’s surface, offering a different kind of beauty in each season.

Boats accommodate up to six people, making it a great way to enjoy a trip with family and friends. While the boatman quietly rows the boat, a guide will explain the history of the castle and its architecture.

Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time

The traditional boat experience is available only on selected dates from April to September. Be sure to check the schedule on the official website before your visit.

No advance reservations are required; simply check in at the Tsuruga Castle Nishidemaru Parking Lot on the day. Present your Tsuruga Castle admission ticket stub to receive a 200 yen discount on the Japanese boat experience. Gather at the pier 10 minutes before the boat opens.

The bus operates five times a day:

(1) AM10:00-10:30

(2) AM11:15-11:45

(3) PM1:15-1:45

(4) PM2:30-3:00

(5) PM3:45-4:15

The boatman will row you leisurely around the moat for about 40 minutes. On board, you’ll hear stories about the castle’s structure and the Aizu War, making it a truly memorable and special experience.

Enjoy Tsuruga Castle from a variety of angles: from the top of the castle tower, while walking through the park, or even from a boat.

Basic Information

Business Hours/Closed Days: This tour will be held on select days from April 12th to September 28th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM each day (five trips per day). The tour will be suspended during inclement weather (beware of bad weather).

Admission Fee: ¥2,000 per adult, ¥1,000 per elementary and junior high school students
(Present your Tsuruga Castle Tower admission ticket stub for a ¥200 discount per person.)
*The same price applies during peak and regular seasons.

Reservations: Not required (first-come, first-served basis).

Parking: Tsuruga Castle Nishidemaru Parking Lot (paid, municipal)

Official Website: https://www.aizukanko.com/event/953

Other: Please bring your own rain gear, drinks, etc.

Access

Address: 1-1 Oitemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 965-0873

Train: JR Ban’etsu West Line, Aizuwakamatsu Station, approximately 5 minutes by taxi, or approximately 20 minutes on foot (take the “Haikara-san/Akabee” sightseeing bus to Tsuruga Castle Entrance).
Car: Approximately 10 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban’etsu Expressway.

Other： Paid parking is available at three locations nearby: Nishidemaru, Higashiguchi, and Minamiguchi (total capacity: 360 vehicles). The rate is ¥200 for the first hour, with an additional ¥100 per hour thereafter. Please note that parking lots may be temporarily closed or have entry restrictions during severe weather or heavy snowfall in winter.