Tsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
鶴ヶ城
The symbol of Aizu and the only castle in Japan with a red-tiled main tower, a stronghold that held out for a month during the Boshin War, most beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms and in winter with snow.
Tsuruga Castle, also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, was first built in the 14th century. In the Edo period it was the seat of the Matsudaira clan of Aizu. During the Boshin War, it held out for about a month under fire from the new government's forces. The current main tower was rebuilt in 1965, and in 2011 it was re-roofed with red tiles, as in the Edo period. Inside is a local history museum, and the top floor offers views over the Aizu basin and Mount Bandai.
The castle grounds have about a thousand cherry trees. In mid to late April, the night cherry blossoms are illuminated. Admission to the main tower is about 410 yen, with a combined ticket available that adds the Rinko tea house. Opening hours are 8:30 to 17:00. From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, the sightseeing bus Haikara-san takes about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Nearby sights
- Fukushima Museum
- Suehiro Sake Brewery (Kaei-gura)
- Oyakuen Garden
- Nanokamachi Street
- Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence)
- Sazaedo
- Mount Iimori (Byakkotai Graves)
- Higashiyama Onsen