Tsuruga-jo Castle

©AFLO

Tsuruga-jo Castle is the symbol of SAMURAI CITY Aizu. Renowned as an impregnable fortress, it lasted for one month against a fierce enemy siege during a civil war at the end of the Edo period (1868-1869). In 1874, at the end of the samurai era, it was torn down, leaving only the stone walls. In response to citizen's wishes, it was later rebuilt in 1965. In 2011, it underwent major refurbishment with its roof tiles replaced with red-colored tiles and was restored to its former glory. Now, as a scenic site for cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn, it offers visitors a place of rest and is a center of Aizu tourism.

Street address: 1-1 Otemachi Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima
About FUKUSHIMA

Access

Take the “Sightseeing Circulation Bus Haikara-san” from JR Aizu Wakamatsu Station for about 20 minutes, and get off at Tsuruga-jo Iriguchi bus stop.

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)

Closed: Open all year

Fee: Admissions to the castle tower: 410 yen for adults

Website: http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/index.html

Best season: All year

Point: The castle is lit up at night during the cherry blossom season and the season for autumn foliage. In early February, Tsuruga-jo Castle is lit up with approximately 10,000 Aizu painted candles for the Aizu Candle Festival, a fantastic sight to behold.