The castles of Tohoku 東北の城

Journey through Tohoku

Tohoku is the large region northeast of the island of Honshu. Rural and home to a number of natural and historical treasures, including many castles. Discover the amazing castles of Tohoku, little pearls scattered across the six prefectures of the region!

  • Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle is located in the city of the same name, within Aomori Prefecture, in the very north of Honshu. It was originally built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan. The original keep was destroyed in 1627 and rebuilt in 1810, but with only 3 floors instead of six. However, the castle still retains period buildings, which places it in the list of 12 authentic castles in Japan.

This small castle is surrounded by five gates, but also by several vermillion bridges which add to the beauty of the place. It is also very popular because of its very many cherry trees (more than 2600!) which were planted in 1715. During the hanami in April, the spectacle is striking...

Le château d'Hirosaki

Hirosaki Castle

Wikimedia Commons

  • Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle

Also called "Tsuruga Castle ", it is located in downtown Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. The castle dates originally from the 14th century, before passing from family to family, up to the very important Tokugawa clan during the Edo period. It was also besieged in 1868 during the Boshin War, before being destroyed by the central government in 1874.

The main tower was finally rebuilt in concrete in 1965. Very recognizable by its amazing red tiles, the castle is very popular with visitors in winter during the Aizu Candle Festival, which is held every year at the beginning of February.

Useful information :

Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0873

Hours: Open from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

château d'Aizu-Wakamatsu

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle

Tohoku Tourist Office

Aizu-Wakamatsu

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle

Wikimedia Commons

  • Shirakawa Castle

 

This castle is also commonly called "Komine Castle". Its name means "small castle at the top". It is located in Shiroyama Park, in the city of Shirakawa in Fukushima Prefecture. Its construction began in 1340 by Yuki Chikatomo. Then, throughout the Edo period (1603-1868), the castle was controlled by the Matsudaira clan. During the Boshin War in 1868, most of the castle was burned down, except for part of the walls. The tower and the main gate were rebuilt in the early 1990s.

 

Useful information :

Address: Kakunai, Shirakawa, Fukushima 961-0074

Hours: Open from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

 

 

Komine

Komine Castle

Wikimedia Commons

  • Shiroishi Castle

Located in Miyagi Prefecture, in the small town of Shiroishi, this castle has long belonged to the Katakura clan, vassals of the Sendai Date clan. It was built in the Kamakura period (1185–1333), and like many other castles in the region, destroyed by the new government in 1875.

But unlike other important castles (such as Sendai and Morioka ), it was rebuilt in 1995 and now houses a museum. Its covered staircase is unique in the region.

 

Useful information :

Address : 1-16 Masuokacho, Shiroishi, Miyagi 989-0251

Hours: Open from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

 

Château de Shiroishi

Shiroishi Castle

Wikimedia Commons

Latest Articles

Where to admire the cherry blossoms in spring

Japan is renowned for its distinct and beautiful seasons. One of the most eagerly awaited is undoubtedly spring, with the blossoming of the sakura cherry trees.

Vue sur la rivière traversant Yakushima

Excursion to Yakushima: At the heart of Princess Mononoke Island

Many visitors to Japan share the same desire when visiting the country: to "get off the beaten track". 

ryokan onsen

Onsen: a short guide to proper etiquette

Onsen (hot springs) and sento (public baths) are great places to relax. They are distinct communal areas with very precise rules of good conduct and etiquette.

See All (427)