Shiroishi Castle (Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Shiroishi Castle is a castle located in the center of Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is a tourist spot where the historical landscape integrated with the castle town remains. Originating in the Middle Ages, it had ties with various powers in Oshu and the Sendai Domain from the Sengoku to Edo periods, and is deeply connected to the history of the region, having been ruled by the Katakura clan (including Katakura Kojuro) during the Edo period. Although parts of the castle, such as the castle tower, were lost after the Meiji period, restoration and maintenance work was carried out, including the inclusion of local historical documents and exhibits, and it is now open to the public as a local history museum, with the castle tower (reconstructed) at the center.
Its distinctive features include the well-preserved state of the castle and castle town, the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, the exhibition of historical documents related to the Katakura clan, and special exhibitions and events that convey local culture, making it a popular spot for historical walks and photography.
Highlights
- Reconstructed castle tower (museum): A building that recreates the castle's appearance from the past. Inside, you can enjoy local documents and historical exhibits of the castle, as well as the view from the upper floors.
- Remains of the Honmaru and Ninomaru citadels, as well as stone walls and moats: You can get a real feel for the defensive structures of the samurai, such as the earthworks, stone walls, and moat remains typical of a castle.
- Stroll through the castle town: Walking down the streets where old merchant houses and townhouses remain, you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo and Meiji periods.
- Seasonal scenery: The cherry blossoms in spring, the fresh greenery in early summer, and the autumn leaves are particularly beautiful, making it a popular photo spot.
- Special exhibitions and local events: There are sometimes special exhibitions related to local history, armor and costume displays and experiences, festivals, etc. (Please check the dates).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- RailwayThe nearest station is Shiroishi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from Shiroishi Station (walking routes are displayed). If you're using the Tohoku Shinkansen, you can also get to Shiroishi-Zao Station or a nearby Shinkansen station, then take a local train or taxi to central Shiroishi.
- Buses and taxis: Accessible by local bus or taxi from Shiroishi Station. During the tourist season, shuttles and special buses may operate to the castle area (operations may vary depending on the season).
- car: Accessible from the Tohoku Expressway. There are parking lots for tourists within the city, but it gets crowded on holidays and during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so we recommend arriving early.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: If you plan to tour around the castle tower and Honmaru area, it will take about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Take your time sightseeing: If you want to carefully view the exhibits in the castle tower, stroll around the castle town, and stop by the nearby historical sites and cafes, it will take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Half-day course: If you combine it with nearby Zao (Zao mountain range and hot springs) and surrounding tourist spots, you can do a half-day to full-day tour.
Nearby spots
- Castle town shopping district and souvenir shops: Dotted with shops selling local cuisine and local specialties.
- Zao (Zao mountain range and Zao Onsen): Within driving distance, you can enjoy nature and hot springs.
- Local shrines and historical sites: Historical sites, shrines, and monuments related to the castle are scattered around the area.
- Seasonal festivals and event venues: Local and traditional events held in Shiroishi City (check the dates).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: The number of visitors increases during the cherry blossom season (mid- to late April) and the autumn foliage season (late October to November). On weekends and holidays, you may have to wait for parking and to enter the castle tower, so we recommend visiting early.
- Opening hours and closing days: Opening hours and closing days of exhibition facilities may change depending on the season and events. Please check the official website or the city's tourist information in advance for the latest information.
- Manners: To protect the historic site, please refrain from entering areas other than those designated and from touching stone walls, etc. Touching exhibits and taking flash photography may be prohibited.
- Barrier-free: Some facilities and older structures have many steps and may be difficult to navigate in wheelchairs or with strollers. Please contact us in advance to check the facilities' availability if necessary.
- Clothing and ease of walking：There are stone steps and unpaved areas, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please be careful as it can be slippery in rainy weather.
- Seasonal precautions: In winter, snow and ice can make the ground dangerous. Please wear warm clothing and take measures to prevent slipping.
*For the latest information on opening hours, exhibitions, and events, please check the Shiroishi City Tourism website or the official Shiroishi Castle guide. We recommend checking the transportation and surrounding area information to suit your visit plans.
