Komoro Castle Ruins (Kaikoen)
小諸城址 懐古園
The ruins of a “cave castle” set lower than the castle town, with well-preserved stone walls and the Third Gate, and a spot on the Chikuma River celebrated in Shimazaki Toson's poems.
Komoro Castle is a rare “cave castle” built at a lower elevation than its castle town. It is now the Kaikoen park, which preserves rough-hewn stone walls, the Great Gate, and the Third Gate (Important Cultural Properties). The park includes the Toson Memorial Hall, the Komoro City Zoo, and the Mizunote observation deck overlooking the Chikuma River. Cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are both famous here, and it is listed among Japan's 100 Famous Castles. Admission is about 500 yen (strolling ticket), and opening hours run from about 9:00 to 17:00. From Karuizawa, it is about 25 minutes by Shinano Railway to Komoro Station, and the park is right outside the station.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mount Asama
- Stone Church (Uchimura Kanzo Memorial)
- Karuizawa Kogen Church
- Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu
- Harunire Terrace
- Karuizawa Taliesin
- Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
- Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest