basic information

Tsuruga Castle (also known as Aizu Castle) was built in 1384, changed hands between different rulers of the Aizu region, and was finally destroyed after the Boshin War of 1868. The Boshin War was a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government, which had taken over control from the Tokugawa shogun. The castle was one of the last strongholds of samurai loyal to the Edo Period shogunate.

The castle was rebuilt as a concrete reconstruction in the 1960s, and is now open to the public. Like in most Japanese castles, visitors can climb to the top floor of the castle keep and look out onto the surrounding city. The inside of the building has been turned into a museum that features historical and cultural displays.

Tsuruga Castle is surrounded by Tsuruga Castle Park, which is rather impressive. The park has well tended lawns and cherry trees, which are particularly attractive when they are in bloom around mid April. The surrounding moat and stone walls, which previously served defensive purposes, now contribute to the pleasant atmosphere of the park.

Near the castle there are a few other sites of interest. Still inside Tsuruga Castle Park is Rinkaku Teahouse, where the feudal lords used to perform tea ceremony. The teahouse is surrounded by a small garden, and visitors can try some of the green tea themselves. Just beside the park is the Fukushima Prefectural Museum, and the Aizu Sake Museum is only a five minute walk away.

Inside the castle

Rinkaku Teahouse

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how to get there

The closest stop of the Aizu Loop Bus is "Tsurugajo Kitaguchi" bus stop (20 minutes from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station). The castle keep can be reached in less than a five minute walk from the bus stop.

How to get to and around Aizu

hours and fees

Tsuruga Castle
Hours:	8:30 to 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	400 yen (castle only), 500 yen (castle and teahouse)

Rinkaku Teahouse
Hours:	8:30 to 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	200 yen (additional 500 yen for green tea and snack)

travel community

Popularity of Tsuruga Castle:
Users who have been to Aizu: 60
Users who have been to Tsuruga Castle: 29

1st of 9 most visited sights in Aizu.
346th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Tsuruga Castle:

japan-guide.com Rating:		interesting
User Rating (by 13 users):	74/100	recommended

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