Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kururi Castle is a tourist spot centered around the ruins of a mountain castle and its restored castle tower, which was built on the site of the mountain castle in Kururi, Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture. It is said to have served as the base of the Kururi Domain from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods through the Sengoku period and into the Edo period, and has a long history as a castle. The castle tower that can be seen today is a restoration, and its wooden exterior gives off the atmosphere of the past.
Its distinctive feature is the contrast between the magnificent views that can be enjoyed from its position on a hill in the countryside and the quaint streets of the castle town. The remains of the stone walls and kuruwa (enclosures), as well as the grounds that have been developed as a castle park, are blessed with seasonal scenery and are especially popular during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. History buffs will also find the mini museum inside the castle tower, where historical documents are on display, fascinating.
Highlights
- Restored castle tower: From the restored exterior of the castle tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Kururi and the surrounding mountains. Inside the castle tower, there are often exhibition rooms and document displays, where you can learn about the history of Kururi Castle (please check the opening status).
- Honmaru, stone wall remains, and moats: You can stroll around the remains of the castle structure, restored stone walls, dry moats, and more. It's fun to walk around and imagine what the defensive structure was like when the castle was first built.
- The atmosphere of a castle town: Around Kururi Station, there are many old merchant houses, local restaurants, and sake breweries, making it a great place to stroll and sample local delicacies. Another feature is the large number of stores selling famous water and local sake.
- Seasonal scenery: The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly spectacular. On clear days, you can also enjoy distant views.
- Photo spots: The castle tower, stone steps, and the bird's-eye view points of the castle ruins park are all great places to take photos.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: Get off at Kururi Station on the JR Kururi Line. From the station to the castle ruins, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes to walk, including the uphill path (depending on your stamina and pace).
- By car: Accessible via public roads from the Kimitsu IC on the Tateyama Expressway or from any IC on the Ken-O Expressway. There are paid and free parking lots around the castle, but please note that the number of spaces may be limited.
- Bus/Taxi: You may be able to get close by taking a taxi or local bus from Kururi Station (please check the number of buses and operating times in advance).
- Note: There are many slopes and stairs, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short walk: 30-45 minutes (exterior of the castle tower only, including taking photos of the surrounding area)
- Standard tour: 1-2 hours (visit inside the castle tower, stroll around the castle ruins, take photos)
- Thorough sightseeing: Half a day or more (including strolling around the castle town and visiting nearby tourist spots)
Nearby spots
- Kururi Castle Town: Old streets, souvenir shops, and local restaurants are scattered throughout the area. Many of the restaurants offer local sake and famous spring water.
- Sake breweries (tours and sales of local sake): Around Kururi, there are historic sake breweries that produce local sake, and there are stores where you can sample and purchase the sake (please check opening hours and tours).
- Kururi Tourist Information Center and Community Facility: Get local tourist information and event information.
- Boso's nature and hiking trails: You can enjoy hiking in the satoyama surrounding the castle and on nearby nature trails.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Check opening hours and availability: Opening days and times for the castle tower and exhibits, as well as admission fees, are subject to change. Please check official information or the city's tourism website before visiting.
- Footing and Clothing: There are slopes, stairs, and unpaved areas. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Crowds: During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, long weekends, and festivals, the park may become crowded and full. Please consider arriving early and using public transportation.
- Manners: Climbing the ruins or stone walls is prohibited. Please follow the signs and no-trespassing notices.
- Weather and View: The view changes depending on the weather and season. Please be careful on rainy or windy days as the ground can be slippery.
- Garbage and Environmental Conservation: To protect the natural environment and historical sites, please be sure to take your trash with you and avoid smoking and using fires in designated areas.
If you would like more detailed information on opening hours and the latest access information, please let us know the date you plan to visit. We can also provide information on recommended restaurants and events in the area.
