Guida
Kiyosu Castle is renowned as a vital strategic base where the legendary Sengoku-period warlord Oda Nobunaga entered the castle from Nagoya than the Nakogo Castle, marking his first step toward the unification of Japan. The current castle tower is a reinforced concrete reconstruction completed in 1989, designed to replicate the architectural style of the Momoyama period. Inside, visitors can learn about the history of Kiyosu, the daily lives of Sengoku warriors, and the policies of Lord Nobunaga through immersive diorama theaters and video displays. From the 4th floor of the tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking, wide-angle view of the vast Nobi Plain, which is exceptionally beautiful on clear days.
Throughout history, the lordship of Kiyosu Castle transitioned from the Oda clan to Toyotomi Hidetsugu, and eventually to the Tokugawa clan. The town of Kiyosu once thrived as a major center before its historical role shifted in 1610 when Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the 'Kiyosu-goshi' (the relocation of the seat to Nagoya). Interestingly, materials from Kiyosu Castle were reused in the construction of Nagoya Castle, deeply linking it to the history of the region. Recent archaeological excavations have also uncovered settlements from the Heian period and evidence of historical seismic activity, adding layers of historical depth to the site.
The castle tower features diverse exhibits designed to deepen your understanding of the era. The 1st floor showcases pottery from the Kiyosu Asahi ruins and important artifacts such as swords and armor related to the region. The 2nd floor features a diorama theater that provides a three-dimensional view of the Sengoku period. The 3rd floor focuses on the daily lives and political strategies of the era, while the 4th floor offers interactive experiences like the 'Matchlock Gun Experience Theater' and the 'Kiyosu Karakuri Telescope,' allowing you to engage your senses with history. The view from the windows offers a sense of the vast landscape that once surrounded the castle town.
Kiyosu Castle reveals different faces throughout the seasons. In spring (late March to early April), the cherry blossoms surrounding the castle are in full bloom, and you can enjoy the beautiful night scenery with illuminated trees. In October, the castle often hosts tea ceremonies in conjunction with the 'Kiyosu Castle Nobunaga Festival,' offering unique seasonal experiences. In winter, you might encounter enchanting illuminations or projection mapping on the castle tower, providing a magical atmosphere different from the daytime. You can even view the first sunrise of the year from the top of the tower on New Year's Day.
Beyond simple sightseeing, the castle offers various interactive activities. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, you can participate in a paid experience to try on samurai armor or traditional clothing (uchikake), allowing you to transform into a Sengoku warrior for memorable photos. Additionally, traditional Japanese storytelling through 'Kamishibai' (paper plays) is sometimes performed by 'Omotenashi Josai' hosts on weekends and holidays. Seasonal tea ceremonies also provide a rare opportunity to touch upon traditional Japanese culture. These activities make the history of Japan feel much more accessible and personal.
The area around Kiyosu Castle is perfect for historical walks. The banks of the Gojo River and Kiyosu Park are popular routes for enjoying seasonal flowers. Furthermore, the castle is located near other iconic Japanese fortifications such as Nagoya Castle, Komiyama Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Gifu Castle, making it easy to plan a historical circuit through the region. The nearby 'Aichi Asahi Ruins Museum' also offers a deeper dive into the history from ancient to medieval times.
As the castle tower contains stairs and various exhibition areas, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are highly recommended. Please note that cash is typically required for admission fees. For special events like tea ceremonies or armor trials, it is recommended to check for availability or reservations in advance. Regarding photography, please be mindful of restrictions in certain exhibition areas. We ask that visitors respect the environment and maintain a quiet atmosphere to preserve the historical dignity of the site.