Japan has a long and complicated history when it comes to castles, their political affiliations, and warring samurai clans. The Tohoku Region is no exception! Along with the abundance of natural beauty Tohoku has to offer, there are plenty of historical sites and castle ruins that are waiting to be explored. Castles in Tohoku are perfect for history buffs, photographers, and travelers looking to seek out hidden gems during their trip to northeastern Japan.
On this page you will find the following information about some of best castles to visit in Tohoku:
Hirosaki Castle / Aomori
Known for its stunning cherry blossom festival in spring, Hirosaki Castle was originally built in 1611 by Nobuhira of the Tsugaru Clan. The original keep was a 5-story tower that rivaled other castles of the time. Unfortunately, due to a lightning strike in 1627 the structure was destroyed by fire. The current 3-story structure was rebuilt in 1811 and is smaller than average due to its placement on the corner of the inner bailey. Hirosaki Castle Park is home to some 2,600 cherry trees and is celebrated as one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.
Almost all Japanese castles were dismantled after the Meiji Restoration and the abolishment of the han system (i.e. samurai feudal rule), but Hirosaki is the only castle from the Edo period remaining in the Tohoku region. The park is open all year round and even has a botanical garden within the grounds boasting colorful blooms throughout the warmer months. Be advised: Currently the Hirosaki Castle tower is undergoing major construction of its stone base on the bailey (see image above). Due to this, the interior is closed to the public. For the foreseeable future, you can view the castle's exterior from a temporary observation deck built on the park grounds. Estimated full completion of the construction is 2030.
Tsuruga Castle / Fukushima
Also known as Aizuwakamatsu Castle, this structure has been rebuilt multiple times over the decades to become the eye-catching building it is today. It was originally built around 700 years ago and holds a strong samurai history within its walls. In fact, there is an exhibit about samurai including armor and artifacts from the Edo period inside the main building. In spring it offers itself as a gorgeous backdrop to the blooming cherry blossoms and in summer is the host to many important festivals.
While the original build was a striking black color with a gold tiled rooftop, the current structure is white with a rare red tiled roof. It's actually the only castle in the country with a red roof which makes it worth a visit! A bonus is the traditional teahouse located in the castle park called Rinkaku Tea Room. Here visitors can enjoy a cup of matcha while taking in the views of the attached garden during all four seasons.
Komine (Shirakawa) Castle / Fukushima
Once known as the "gateway to Oshu (Tohoku)," Komine Castle was originally built in the middle to late Edo Period. It was one of the first triple turret structures to be reconstructed after 120 years. Thanks to accurate blueprints surviving from the Edo Period, the reconstruction was able to be completed almost exclusively with wood construction techniques of the past. Unfortunately the castle grounds suffered severe damage during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and further reconstruction was necessary. The renovation was completed in 2022, and the stone walls and pathways that surround the keep were reopened to the public. This castle is great for history buffs, especially those looking to see an amazing reconstruction of Edo Period Japanese castles.
Yokote Castle / Akita
Yokote Castle was originally built in the 16th century by the Onodera Clan, which was the clan ruling over the area (Dewa Province, current day Akita Prefecture) until the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. After falling during the Meiji Restoration the land was eventually converted into Yokote Park, and in 1965 a castle tower-shaped observatory was built. This is what is now called Yokote Castle by locals and tourists alike. Although the structure and park are smaller than other castles, it definitely is worth a visit for the strong historical value it had on the area during the warring states period.
The 4th floor top of the observatory tower gives you a great panoramic view of the city and a perfect view of Mt. Chokai in the distance. The 1st through 3rd floors act as a museum where various artifacts, local crafts, and art are on display for visitors to get a greater understanding about the local history. One of the most popular times of year to visit is the winter when the Yokote Kamakura Festival takes place in the park and surrounding area.
Shiroishi Castle / Miyagi
Shiroishi Castle was originally founded during the Kamakura Period and served as the resident castle of the Katakura Clan. This clan was the chief retainer of the famous Date Clan of Sendai and the heads of the Katakura Clan served as top ranking officials and advisors to powerful feudal lords such as Date Masamune. Shiroishi Castle, alongside Aoba Castle made it the exception under Tokugawa Ieyasu's rule of only one castle per domain.
Like many other castles, Shiroishi Castle was taken apart during the Meiji Restoration. The current building you can see today was reconstructed historically and faithfully to promote local tourism. In the park there is also a museum where you can see a 1/500 scale model of the original castle keep, artifacts, as well as shop for local goods. Those visiting Sendai can take a 50 minute train via the Tohoku Line from Sendai Station and arrive at Shiroishi Station. The castle park grounds is about a 15 minute walk from Shiroishi Station.
Kaminoyama & Yamagata Castle Ruins / Yamagata
Often a site of turbulent and violent turning over of power, Kaminoyama Castle is yet another example of a castle that fell to ruins after the Meiji Restoration. The structure that stands here today is another reconstruction of the original castle that stood here in the 16th century. This tower was constructed in an "Edo" style and, alongside a museum, was created in 1982 especially to attract tourism to the area. The park offers quite stunning views in the spring thanks to the cherry blossoms.
Also in Yamagata Prefecture is the Yamagata Castle Ruins located in Kajo Park. This castle park also features restorations of the original keep that was once the largest castle in the Tohoku Region. It has picturesque gates and bridges as well as an old hospital building from the Taisho period on the park grounds. Both of these castle ruins are located conveniently close to local train lines out of Yamagata Station.
Honorable Mention: Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) / Miyagi
Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle, was built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune. Unfortunately over the decades, bits and pieces of the original castle were dismantled or destroyed by natural disaster and war. Now all that is left of the castle are remnants of the outer stone walls and a guard tower. The area atop of Mt. Aoba, 100 meters high, has been converted into a tourist destination and public park with an impressive statue of Date Masamune in the center. The park also offers a gorgeous panoramic view of Sendai City below and has a small museum located on the grounds to offer a brief overview of the Date Clan and the castle's history in the area. There is also a Gokoku Shrine in the park, dedicated to those who lost their lives in war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are all the castles original?
No. Most Japanese castles were dismantled during the Meiji Restoration and many remaining structures were further destroyed during WWII. Only a select few turrets, gates, and walls remain at most castle sites in Tohoku as well as other regions of Japan. There are 12 original remaining castle sites that are popular tourist spots in Japan. Hirosaki, Matsumoto, Himeji, and Inuyama... to name a few.
When is the best time to visit the castles?
Spring (during cherry blossom season) and autumn (for the fall foliage) are particularly scenic. We recommend avoiding Japanese holidays and avoiding visiting on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
Are there any guided tours of castles in Tohoku?
We at Snow Monkey Resorts are proud to offer a tour that visits the Sendai Castle Ruins, and we are currently working hard to expand our tours throughout the Tohoku Region. So stay tuned!
