#Accessible by public transport #Car-free trip OK

Tsuruga Castle

The Castle Tower Shows Different Appearances Throughout the Seasons

Nearby Ryokans

What is Tsuruga Castle?

Rising above the center of Aizuwakamatsu City, Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle) is a renowned castle whose predecessor is said to be Higashikurokawa-kan, built by Ashina Naomori approximately 630 years ago. It is the only surviving castle tower with a red-tiled roof, and is known as the “crown jewel” of the Aizu region.

After the Meiji Restoration brought an end to the samurai era, Tsuruga Castle was regarded as a relic of the past and dismantled in 1874. However, it was reconstructed in 1965, and later in 2000, the Hihiyagura (Rice Storehouse Turret) and Minamihashirinagaya (Southern Longhouse) were restored using traditional Edo-period techniques. In 2011, the castle tower’s roof was replaced with red tiles, restoring its appearance from the late Edo period. Today, it stands as the only Japanese castle with a red-tiled keep.

The castle grounds have been developed as “Tsuruga Castle Park,” and most of it has been designated a National Historic Site. The interior of the castle tower also houses the “Wakamatsu Castle Tower Local Museum,” which displays historical materials from the Aizu region and serves as a place to learn about the Aizu domain and the Boshin War.

It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, having been selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”.

Highlights of Tsuruga Castle

Spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow cover—Tsuruga Castle Park offers a different charm in each season. Spring is especially spectacular when the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, bathing the stone walls and castle tower in a stunning pink backdrop. In autumn, the autumn leaves adorn the castle, creating a beautiful contrast between the stone walls and the foliage reflected in the moat. In winter, the entire castle is blanketed in snow, creating a mystical sight.

At night, the castle tower is lit up with illuminations throughout the seasons, creating a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.

Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time

First, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Tsuruga Castle Park, which spans a vast 220,000 square meters.From the observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy a wide-ranging panoramic view of the Aizu townscape, Mount Bandai, and Mount Iimori. At dusk, the castle tower is lit up, creating a completely different look from the daytime.

If you tire of walking, head to Rinkaku and relax with matcha green tea and sweets while overlooking the garden. For 600 yen per seat, you can enjoy matcha and a sweet potato bun.

Visitors from April to September are also recommended to experience a traditional Japanese boat cruise.
The castle tower viewed from the water reveals a different perspective, offering a valuable experience to reflect on history while listening to the guide’s commentary.

For lunch, savor Aizu specialties at the Tsurugajo Kaikan restaurant. Located at the North Exit Gate entrance, the “Dining Area: Ninomaru” offers local dishes like wappa rice, sauce katsu don, and Kitakata ramen.

Within the grounds of Tsuruga Castle, around 1,000 cherry trees—primarily Somei Yoshino—are planted, and the site has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.” In spring, it becomes a highly popular destination, with the entire cityscape enveloped in soft shades of pink.

The highlights of cherry blossom viewing here are diverse, including the cherry blossom tunnel around the Ninomaru area, the sight of trees in full bloom rising above the stone walls, and the enchanting illuminated night blossoms after sunset.

During the illumination period, the Honmaru lawn is sometimes opened to the public for a limited time, and in some years, interactive lighting events such as “My Light,” which allows visitors to change colors using a smartphone, are held in the Obiguruwa area. With different atmospheres to enjoy by day and night, visitors are encouraged to check the latest schedules and event details each year, as they may vary.

Check out the recommended model course

Spot Information

Business Hours/Closed Days: Castle Tower Admission: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (admissions open until 4:30 PM); Open year-round.

Price: Adults: 410 yen (520 yen for Castle Tower + Rinkaku), Elementary and Junior High School Students: 150 yen
*Free with presentation of a disability certificate.

Access

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

・Train: From Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Ban’etsu West Line, take the “Haikara-san” or “Akabee” downtown sightseeing bus and get off at “Tsurugajo Iriguchi” (approximately 20 minutes).

・Car: Approximately 15-20 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban’etsu Expressway.

・Other: There are three paid parking lots (360 spaces in total) in the vicinity: Nishidemaru, East Exit, and South Exit. The first hour costs 200 yen, and each additional hour costs 100 yen. Please note that there may be temporary closures or entrance restrictions in the event of bad weather or heavy snowfall in winter.

TSURUGA Higashiyama Souhonzan

Originally built in the Showa era as a traditional Aizu kaiseki restaurant, the beautifully preserved wooden building was transformed into a private hot spring retreat and reopened in 2022. Guests can enjoy exclusive use of a spacious 169㎡ royal suite, complete with a personal butler who provides attentive and tailored service throughout your stay.