Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Tsuruga Castle (also known as Aizuwakamatsu Castle) is a castle located in the center of Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is characterized by its beautiful castle landscape, surrounded by moats and stone walls. Originally built during the Muromachi period, it was developed as the government office of the Aizu domain from the Sengoku to Edo periods. It was the site of fierce battles during the Boshin War (Aizu War) at the end of the Edo period, and is a historically important site. The current castle tower is made of concrete and was restored in 1965, but the interior is a museum with a wide range of exhibits showing materials from the Aizu domain and the history of the castle, and the changing scenery throughout the seasons (especially the cherry blossoms and snow scenes) is a major tourist attraction.
Highlights
- Exhibits inside the castle tower (honmaru): History of the Aizu domain, materials related to the Boshin War, armor and weapons, etc. From the top floor, you can enjoy a view of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Moat and stone walls: The moat and impressive stone walls surrounding the castle are photogenic, especially when the cherry blossoms in spring, the autumn leaves in autumn, and the snow-covered grounds in winter are picturesque.
- Tsuruga Castle Park: The park surrounding the castle is perfect for strolling, with seasonal flowers and benches to relax on.
- Cherry blossom viewing spot: In spring, the illuminated cherry blossoms and night cherry blossom viewing are extremely popular. The combination of the castle and cherry blossoms is a landscape that represents Aizu.
- Castle town atmosphere: Samurai residences and traditional townscapes remain in the neighborhood, and you can also enjoy Aizu cuisine and crafts (lacquerware, etc.).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (mainly accessible from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station)
- Transportation from the station:
- Bus: From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take a bus or sightseeing tour bus in the direction of Tsuruga Castle or Tsuruga Castle Park (approximately 10-15 minutes, varies depending on the route).
- Taxi: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the station.
- Walking: Approximately 2km from the station, approximately 20-30 minutes on foot (comfortable walking shoes recommended).
- By car: Paid parking is available in the area. However, it can get crowded during the tourist season, so we recommend using public transportation.
- Note: Routes and times may change depending on the season and year, so please check the latest timetable and operating information before setting off.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Viewing the castle tower only: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour (approximately 1.5 hours if you want to take your time looking at the exhibits)
- If you include a stroll around the park and sightseeing in the surrounding area: Approximately 2 to 3 hours in total
- If you want to visit the surrounding samurai residences and herbal gardens, it will take about half a day to a full day (a full day plan is recommended for a leisurely sightseeing trip).
Nearby spots
- Oyakuen - A medicinal herb garden dating back to the Edo period. Perfect for a stroll through the garden.
- Aizu Clan Samurai Residences - A facility that recreates the life of a samurai family, allowing you to experience traditional culture.
- Storehouse-style streets and souvenir shops in Aizuwakamatsu City - Convenient for shopping for lacquerware (Aizu lacquerware), local sake, and more.
- Iimoriyama - A historic site and observation point related to the history of the Byakkotai.
- Sazaedo (Entsu Sanso-do) - A rare wooden building with a double spiral structure (accessible by foot or car).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The park is extremely crowded during cherry blossom season (around mid-April), Golden Week, autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or in the evening.
- Clothing and footing: The park has stone pavement, steps, and slopes. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. In winter, snow and ice can make the grounds slippery, so please take precautions against slipping.
- Admission fee and opening hours: An admission fee is required to visit the castle tower. Opening hours and fees may change depending on the season or events, so please check the official website in advance.
- Manners: There are areas of the exhibits where photography is prohibited. Please observe general tourist etiquette, such as taking your trash home with you and not touching the exhibits.
- Barrier-free access: The restored castle tower is partially barrier-free, but there are still steps and stone steps in some areas on the outer perimeter and surrounding walking paths. If you are using a wheelchair or stroller, it is a good idea to check the access information in advance.
- Crime prevention and valuables management: There are few cases of pickpocketing in tourist areas, but please be careful with your belongings when it is crowded.
(Additional Information) For detailed information on opening hours, admission fees, seasonal events, and information on illuminations during cherry blossom season, please check the official website or Aizuwakamatsu City's tourist information website before visiting.
