Tsuruga Castle

史跡若松城跡 / 鶴ヶ城のお堀と石垣

4.2Est. 60Aizu-Wakamatsu, Tohoku

JTA Approved

Overview

Tsuruga Castle is a cherished symbol of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Only castle in Japan with a red-tiled roof, restored to its mid-nineteenth-century color scheme during renovations in 2011. Originally built in the fourteenth century and later expanded by warlord Gamo Ujisato, it withstood siege during the 1868 Battle of Aizu before being demolished under the new Meiji government. Rebuilt by public demand in 1965, the castle's interior museum covers Aizu samurai history, and the adjacent Rinkaku Tea House was established by a tea master brought from Kyoto at Gamo's personal invitation.

Local tips

One of the few castle keeps reconstructed with a red-tiled roof, matching the original design that distinguished it from most Japanese castles. The original structure was demolished in 1874 by Meiji government order following the 1868 Aizu-Boshin War, in which government forces besieged the castle for a month. The castle museum covers the Byakkotai (White Tiger unit) episode and contains original weapons and documents from the siege. The castle grounds are planted with a variety of cherry trees; Tsurugajo Park is one of the main cherry blossom venues in Tohoku.

Practical info

Japanese name: 史跡若松城跡 / 鶴ヶ城のお堀と石垣
Nearest station: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (10 min bus)
Payment: Cash only
Reservations: not required

Accessibility

Wheelchair parking

Good for

Families

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