Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Takashima Castle is a castle site located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Built on the shores of Lake Suwa, it is also known as "Suwa's Floating Castle." Built in the early Edo period, it served as a political and military base for the Suwa region. The castle tower base, moat, and stone walls remain as the castle ruins, and the castle tower has been restored and maintained. Its beautiful scenery, which blends in with the changing seasons, is an attractive feature.
Its distinctive features include its location near Lake Suwa, where the moat and the castle reflected on the water make for photogenic scenery, the fact that the castle site has been developed into a park and is a place of relaxation for local residents, and the fact that visitors can experience local history and culture within and around the castle. It is also popular with tourists as a spot to enjoy the cherry blossom season and the view of the lake and mountains.
Highlights
- Castle tower and turret (reconstructed structure) - Enjoy the castle's exterior and the surrounding views from the castle tower. Inside, local materials are sometimes on display, allowing you to learn about the history of Suwa (exhibits may change).
- The castle's dry and wet moats and its reflection on the lake's surface make it a particularly popular photo spot. The sunset and the upside-down view reflected on the water's surface are beautiful.
- A famous cherry blossom spot - In spring, the cherry blossoms at Castle Park are spectacular, attracting many visitors during the cherry blossom season. The park is sometimes lit up at night (depending on the year).
- Nearby walking paths - You can walk to the shores of Lake Suwa and the surrounding hot spring towns, so it is recommended to combine this with a stroll along the lakeside or a tour of the hot springs.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Kami-Suwa Station (JR Chuo Main Line) - Approximately 10 minutes on foot. Follow the tourist signs from the station to find the location.
- By car: Approximately 15-25 minutes from Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway (depending on road conditions). There are municipal and private parking lots around the castle. On busy days, the lots may be full, so we recommend arriving early.
- Bus: Take a local bus within the Suwa area and get off near Takashima Castle or Kami-Suwa Station. During the tourist season, sightseeing buses may also be in operation.
- Cycling and walking: There are walking paths suitable for cycling and walking around Lake Suwa, making it convenient for touring nearby tourist attractions.
*Please check official information and local guides in advance for information on public transport schedules, operation status, and parking lot opening and closing times.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Exterior only, photography: 30-45 minutes
- Tour of the castle tower interior and local materials: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Walking around the area (including the lakeside and surrounding facilities): 1 hour 30 minutes to half a day
Nearby spots
- Lake Suwa (lakeside walks, boating, fireworks) — Located close to the castle, this lake and mountain view is a delight.
- Kami-Suwa Onsen (hot spring town) - Relax and unwind after a day of bathing or a foot bath.
- Suwa Taisha (Kamisha and Shimosha) — The representative shrine of the Suwa region, where you can experience history and festival culture.
- The area is dotted with facilities that introduce local culture and crafts, including the Suwa City Art Museum and History Museum.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The area can get extremely crowded during cherry blossom season, summer fireworks festivals, and local festivals (such as the Onbashira Festival). Traffic restrictions may be in place, so we recommend using public transportation and allowing yourself plenty of time.
- Manners: The castle ruins are a historical site and park. Please refrain from taking any plants or entering restricted areas, and be sure to take any trash with you or dispose of it in designated areas. In order to protect the cultural heritage, please follow the instructions when visiting.
- Photography: Generally, photography is allowed, but there may be exhibits or specific areas where photography is prohibited. Please follow the instructions on the signs.
- Clothing and weather: There are windy days along the lake, and the temperature varies greatly depending on the season. It is especially reassuring to have something to wear over your clothes in spring and autumn. Be careful of freezing in winter.
- Check official information: Opening hours, events, and exhibits may change. Please check the official Suwa City and Takashima Castle information and tourism websites for the latest information before visiting.
Please use the above information as a reference and enjoy Takashima Castle and the surrounding scenery at your leisure. If you wish, we can also create a model course (half-day or full-day) for the surrounding area, as well as seasonal ways to enjoy the area.
