Panduan
Tsuruga Castle is a historic fortress located in Ote-machi, Aizu Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Commonly known as "Aizu Wakamatsu Castle," it is affectionately called "Tsuruga Castle" by locals. The castle is a flatland mountain castle (hirayamajiro) with a complex layout consisting of the Honmaru (inner circle), Nishimaru, Kitamaru, Ninomaru, and Sanmaru. It is designated as a national historic site, and the main keep has been reconstructed using reinforced concrete to preserve its traditional appearance. The interior of the keep serves as the Wakamatsu Castle Keep Local History Museum, housing various historical artifacts and documents related to the region.
The origins of the castle date back to 1384, when the residence of Ashina Naomori, the 7th head of the Ashina clan, was established. It was originally known as Kurokawa Castle (or Odakaki Castle). During the Sengoku period, the Ashina clan used this area as their base. Following the rule of Date Masamune, the castle developed into the administrative center of the Aizu Clan. The Aizu clan maintained a close relationship with the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the castle became a site of intense fighting during the Boshin War at the end of the Edo period. Today, the area is preserved as "Tsuruga Castle Park," a beautiful historical site.
The most iconic feature of Tsuruga Castle is its beautiful keep with distinctive red tiles. The Honmaru area includes the main keep along with various structures such as the Iio-yagura, Tsukimi-yagura, and Chatsubo-yagura towers, as well as gates like the Iron Gate and Back Gate. Visitors can observe the complex castle structure through the various gates and towers located in the Ninomaru and Sanmaru areas. Inside the keep, the museum offers deep insights into local history. Additionally, the castle is surrounded by several moats (such as Otemae Nishi-hori, Minamachi-dori, and Hyotan-bori), which are essential elements for understanding traditional Japanese castle fortifications.
Tsuruga Castle Park was selected as one of the "100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" in 1990, making it a spectacular destination during the spring cherry blossom season. The scenery changes beautifully throughout the seasons. The castle and museum are open daily from 8:30 to 17:00. Visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended to clearly observe the intricate details of the keep and the surrounding moat structures. For the most breathtaking views, visiting in spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (foliage) is ideal.
Beyond exploring the castle architecture, you can enjoy walking through the well-maintained park areas. A bicycle rental system is available in Aizu Wakamatsu City, and you can use the Tsuruga Castle Station to explore the surrounding area (please note that bicycles must be returned by 4:00 PM). Additionally, you can utilize free volunteer guide services (requires prior application) to receive detailed explanations regarding the castle's perimeter and history.
Near Tsuruga Castle, you will find other historical sites such as Oyakuen Garden and the Matsudaira Family Mausoleum. The Sanmaru area also hosts the Fukushima Prefectural Museum, a local athletics stadium, and a municipal swimming pool, making the surrounding area a hub for both culture and leisure.
An admission fee is required to enter the castle keep. Payments can be made in cash (Japanese Yen) at the counter, or via "WEB Tickets" which allow for credit card payments in advance. Since you will be walking through the grounds and climbing stairs within the keep, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Please note that guided explanations within the exhibition rooms are currently suspended, so please check the current status of exhibits beforehand. If you wish to use a volunteer guide, please ensure you make a reservation in advance.