Check out these articles
-
Video article 5:02
Hamamatsu Castle, Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Made a Name for Itself in the Warring States Period as a Castle of Prominence. Discover the History of the Former Ruler at Hamamatsu Castle in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka!
Art & Architecture- 133 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 8:44
Sunpu Castle, Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, One of the "Three Unifiers of Japan," Is Full of Surprises! Learn the History of the Warring States Period at This Historical Castle in Shizuoka!
Art & ArchitectureTravel- 36 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:35
Matsue Castle - Designated as a National Treasure This Castle Is One of the Most Popular Sightseeing Spots in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture! A Look at the Only Castle in Japan's San'in Region to Boast a Castle Tower!
Art & Architecture- 54 plays
- YouTube
Aizuwakamatsu Castle: One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. Enjoy the Magnificent Stone Walls of the Impregnable Castle and the Red-Tiled Castle Tower in Fukushima- The Only One of Its Kind in Japan!
Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) in Fukushima Prefecture
"Japan's Top 100 Castles|Aizuwakamatsu Castle/Tsuruga Castle|Fukushima Prefecture" (日本100名城 会津若松城 鶴ヶ城 福島県 Aizuwakamatsu Castle), produced by “castle shrine” is a video that introduces the highlights of Aizuwakamatsu Castle, a hirayama style castle.
Aizuwakamatsu Castle, located in Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu city, Fukuoka prefecture, is known locally by its other name, Tsuruga Castle.
Other than being chosen as one of the "Top 100 Castles of Japan," it was also chosen as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots," due to there being approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees in Tsuruga Castle Park, which was built on the castle ruins.
During the cherry blossom season, there are illumination events held here, and many tourists come to visit the castle.
In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, history, and tourist information for Aizuwakamatsu Castle.
The video shows the magnificent stone wall, castle tower, and inside the grounds of the Aizuwakamatsu Castle.
Be sure to follow along as you read the article!
Aizuwakamatsu Castle: The History of the Castle
Aizuwakamatsu Castle is said to have originated when Ashina Naomori built the Higashi Kurokawa Yakata in 1384.
At that time, it was known as Kurokawa Castle or Odakagi Castle; however, when Gamo Ujisato became castle lord, a castle tower was built, and it came to be known as Tsuruga Castle.
It is known as an impregnable castle due to withstanding the onslaught of the new government forces for a month, despite the tragedy of the Byakkotai during the Boshin war, following the rule of the Aizu clan.
In the 7th year of Meiji (1874), it was demolished leaving only the stone wall.
However, in the 40th year of Showa (1965), it was reconstructed, and in the 23rd year of the Heisei (2011), the thatch was replaced with red tiles as part of a restoration project, making it the only red-tile castle tower in Japan.
A shachi (mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish) is raised above the castle tower, and 2-carat diamonds are embedded in the center of its eyes.
It is also designated as a national historic site under the name of Wakamatsu Castle Ruins.
Highlights of Aizuwakamatsu Castle
First up is the Kitademaru Otemon gate, which was built using large stones and can be seen at 0:20 in the video.
Next up is Tsubakisaka and the stone wall of Taikomon Gate.
The stairs which are built into the stone wall are called “Mushabashiri” and can be seen at 1:17 and 3:05 of the footage, are said to be built so that soldiers can intercept and engage enemies through quick asccess to the top of the wall.
From the castle tower, which can be seen at 2:01 in the video, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the cityscape of Aizuwakamatsu.
The Tetsumon Gate, which can be seen from the castle tower, is shown at 2:09. The name Tetsumon comes from the surface being plated with iron (鉄, "Tetsu" is iron in Japanese).
Another highlight is the natural stone wall of Rokabashi Bridge.
Sightseeing Information for Aizuwakamatsu Castle
At the beginning of the video, we are introduced to Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Banetsu West Line. To get to Aizuwakamatsu Castle, take the "Haikara-san" bus from Aizuwakamatsu station, get off at Tsuruga Castle Entrance, and from there, it's a 5 minute walk.
There's also a paid parking lot.
The castle tower is also an exhibition room for the Wakamatsu Castle Tower Historical Museum and the business hours are from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; and there is an admission fee.
In the Tsuruga Castle inner citadel, there's Koujou no Tsukihi, and there's also a track and field arena, city pool, and the Fukushima Prefectural Museum at the San no Maru ruins.
It explains the history of Tsuruga Castle in a way that is easily understood.
Near the Aizuwakamatsu Castle, there's the popular historical spot, Matsudaira Family Mausoleum, in which the Aizu-Matsudaira Family is buried.
Summary of Aizuwakamatsu Castle
This video "Japan's Top 100 Castles|Aizuwakamatsu Castle/Tsuruga Castle|Fukushima Prefecture," introduces the highlights of Aizuwakamatsu Castle and the amazing view from the castle tower.
For those interested in Aizuwakamatsu Castle after reading this article, why not learn about Aizu’s Warring States period history at Tsuruga Castle Park, which is always lively with tourists.
Receiving a goshuin seal will surely make your trip to Fukushima prefecture a memorable one.
◆Aizuwakamatsu (Tsuruga Castle) Facility Overview◆
【Address】1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 〒965-0873
【Access】Take the circuit bus “Haikara-san” from Aizuwakamatsu Station, get off at Tsuruga Castle Entrance, and it's 5 minutes walking.
【Admission fee】Adults \¥410, Children \¥150
【Hours】8:30~17:00
【Closures】None
【Parking】Available(requires toll)
【Telephone No】0242-27-4005
【Official Website】Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau|Tsuruga Castle Aizuwakamatsu Castle Oyakuen Matsudaira Family Mausoleum| Surpassing the eternity of time, the castle tower of the end of the Edo era is now revived
http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/
【Tripadvisor】Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle)
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g780850-d1383989-Reviews-Tsuruga_jo_Castle-Aizuwakamatsu_Fukushima_Prefecture_Tohoku.html
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 5:12
A Closer Look At One of Japan's Most Popular Tourist Attractions, Rengeoin Sanjusangendo in Kyoto! The Powerful Buddhist Statues With Their Rich Expressions Create a Solemn and Mysterious Atmosphere
Art & Architecture Travel- 52 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:22
Kyoto's Kifune Shrine, Dedicated to the God of Water, Is One of Japan's Leading Power Spots! Enjoy the Beautiful Deep Greenery of Early Summer at Kifune Shrine!
Art & Architecture- 97 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:56
Togakushi Shrine - Explore a Famous Shinto Shrine in Nagano, Japan. Highlights and Nearby Tourist Attractions of the 2,000-Year-Old Power Spot!
Art & Architecture- 91 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:58
Hill of the Buddha - A New Attraction in Sapporo, Hokkaido Designed by a World-Famous Architect. Come Check Out the Buddha as He Pokes His Head Out From a Hill Surrounded by Lavenders!
Art & Architecture Travel- 142 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:00
Miwa Komatsu - A Look at the Japanese Artist's Passionate Performances!
Art & Architecture Festivals & Events- 196 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:03
Tamaki Shrine - See the Mystical Shrine in Nara, Shrouded in Fog. This World Heritage Site Is Said to Bring Fortune to Those Who Visit It!
Art & Architecture- 79 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 8:17
The Mori Art Museum - A Soothing Place Where You Can Relax and Enjoy Your Time in the Great Outdoors. Enjoy the Many Carefully Selected Pieces at the Museum in Chiba Prefecture!
Art & Architecture- 32 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:11
Lifelike Goldfish Art That Looks Like It Could Come to Life Any Second! Goldfish Artist "Riusuke Fukahori" Shows Us How He Creates His Beautiful Works of Art!
Art & Architecture- 359 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:06
Hiraizumi's Chuson-ji Temple: Registered as a World Heritage Site, It's One of the Most Popular Spots to See Iwate Prefecture as Its Dyed a Brilliant Red by the Autumn Foliage
Art & Architecture- 73 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:22
Amazing Aerial Footage of "Sekiguchi Catholic Church, St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo," Taken by Drone! A Look at the Beautiful Church in Bunkyo City, Tokyo Designed by Kenzo Tange!
Art & Architecture- 329 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:55
Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens: The Beautiful Building in Taito City, Tokyo That Left Its Mark on the Architectural History of Japan. This Is Where Japan's Modern Architectural Culture Began!
Art & Architecture Travel- 44 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:31
A Close Look At the Master Craftsmanship of Japan's Temple & Shrine Carpenters! Discover the Amazing Traditional Japanese Technique of Building Without Using Nails
Art & Architecture Traditional Culture- 430 plays
- YouTube
Comment