Tsurugajo Castle

Must Do Experiences

• Climb to the top floor observation deck for sweeping panoramic views of Aizuwakamatsu city and the distant Mount Bandai.

• Explore the castle museum to see authentic samurai armor, swords, and artifacts detailing the dramatic Boshin War.

• Stroll through the expansive castle park grounds, especially stunning during the spring cherry blossom season.

• Savor a bowl of frothy matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet at the historic Rinkaku Tea Room included in your ticket.

Hidden Gems

• Look closely at the castle's unique red roof tiles, which were specifically designed to withstand the heavy snowfalls of the Aizu region and are the only ones of their kind on a Japanese castle.

• Visit the Rinkaku Tea Room, originally built for the lord of the castle's tea ceremonies, which offers a much quieter and more authentic experience than the main castle keep.

• Seek out the stone walls near the castle's base, which still bear the scars and bullet marks from the fierce siege during the Boshin War in 1868.

What Makes it Special

• It is the only castle in Japan featuring a striking red-tiled roof, creating a stunning visual contrast against the sky and seasonal foliage.

• The fortress is a powerful symbol of samurai loyalty and resilience, standing as the final stronghold of the Aizu clan during the Boshin War.

• Your ticket includes access to the Rinkaku Tea Room, allowing you to experience traditional samurai tea culture in an authentic historical setting.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The absolute best time to visit is mid to late April when over a thousand cherry blossom trees bloom around the castle moat, creating a magical pink canopy. Early mornings right after the 8:30 AM opening offer the best lighting for photography and the smallest crowds, while autumn provides a spectacular backdrop of vibrant red and gold foliage.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic red-tiled roof contrasting with the white castle walls from the Minami-han area across the moat, especially during the golden hour just before sunset.

• During the cherry blossom season, position yourself near the San-no-Maru area to frame the castle keep beautifully against the dense pink blossoms.

• While photography is permitted throughout the grounds and most of the museum, please refrain from using flash when photographing the delicate historical artifacts and armor inside the keep.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the Rinkaku Tea Room, it is customary to bow slightly to the tea master and consume the traditional sweet before drinking your matcha to balance the bitter flavor. Please maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside the castle museum, as it houses sacred artifacts related to the samurai who gave their lives defending the Aizu domain.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Aizu Painted Candle Festival in late August illuminates the castle grounds with thousands of beautifully hand-painted traditional candles, creating a mesmerizing nightscape.

• During the spring Tsurugajo Cherry Blossom Festival, the castle is spectacularly lit up at night, and the park hosts food stalls and traditional performances.

• The Aizu Festival in late September features a grand samurai parade around the castle grounds, showcasing the proud warrior heritage of the region.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• The stairs inside the castle keep are quite steep and narrow, so always use the handrails and watch your step, especially when descending.

• During the winter months, the castle grounds and stone pathways can become icy and slippery, so wear footwear with excellent traction.

• Keep a close eye on young children near the castle moat and stone walls, as there are no high guardrails in certain historical sections of the park.