Guida
Takasaki Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) built in 1598 by Ii Naomasa under the orders of the great shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Once boasting a vast area of over 50,000 tsubo, the site is now maintained as the Takasaki Castle Ruins Park. The site is a treasure trove of history, featuring the 'Inui Yagura' (a storehouse), which is the only surviving structure of its kind in Gunma Prefecture. The presence of ancient earthen ramparts and wide moats allows visitors to feel the scale of the original fortress. Despite being located near the urban center, the park offers a serene space where nature and history exist in perfect harmony.
The history of Takaki Castle is deep; it was originally known as Wada Castle. During the Edo period, it served as the administrative center for the Takasaki Clan and played a vital strategic role in monitoring the junction of the Nakasendo and Mikuni Kaido highways. While the castle was eventually abandoned during the Meiji era, the site remains a significant cultural landmark. Today, parts of the ruins are designated as historical sites, and certain structures are protected as important cultural properties, serving as essential links to the region's storied past.
The most significant attraction is the 'Inui Yagura.' This building, which historically functioned as a storehouse for weapons and food supplies, holds immense historical value as the sole surviving castle architecture of its type in the prefecture. Another noteworthy feature is the 'Higashi Gate,' a reconstructed gate that evokes the atmosphere of the original 16 gates that once stood within the castle. The surrounding earthen embankments and the scenic water moats provide a tangible sense of the castle's former grandeur and scale.
Takasaki Castle Ruins Park offers a different face to visitors in every season, but spring is the most highly recommended time to visit. Approximately 300 Yoshino cherry trees are planted around the moats, creating a breathtaking canopy of pink blossoms. During the peak blooming season, the park often hosts night-time illuminations. The sight of the cherry blossoms illuminated against the dark night sky and reflected in the water of the moat offers a mystical and unforgettable experience quite different from the daytime scenery.
The park is well-equipped with walking paths, allowing visitors to stroll along the earthen ramparts to observe the castle's original topography and defensive structures. Walking around the moats provides a peaceful way to enjoy both traditional Japanese landscapes and natural beauty. Depending on the season, you can experience the magic of the cherry blossom season through night-time light-up events, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.
The ruins are situated within the urban area of Takaki City, surrounded by various public facilities. The park itself covers a spacious 4.9 hectares, providing an excellent environment for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating the paths and earthen embankments. As the park is a public space, there is no entrance fee and no prior reservation is required. Photography is freely allowed, provided you respect the surroundings. While entering the park is free, please note that if you use nearby parking lots, you may need cash or a credit card for payment. Please be mindful of local etiquette, such as taking your trash home with you.