Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu is one of Japan’s most storied fortresses — the site of a month-long 1868 siege during the Boshin War, when Aizu samurai (including the teenage Byakkotai) made their last stand against imperial forces. The current five-storey keep, rebuilt in 1965 with a distinctive red-tile roof unique among Japanese castles, houses a museum on Aizu’s samurai history, and the surrounding park bursts into roughly 1,000 cherry trees each April.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima |
| Hours | ~8:30–17:00 |
| Admission | Around ¥410 (castle tower) |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Early–mid April (cherry blossoms) |
What to See
- The distinctive red-tile roof keep, unique among Japanese castles.
- A museum on Aizu samurai history inside the tower.
- Rinkaku teahouse in the castle grounds.
- Roughly 1,000 cherry trees blooming each April.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Byakkotai Memorial on Mt. Iimori.
- Pair with Higashiyama Onsen for an evening soak.
- Read our Fukushima overview .
Getting There
- By bus: Haikara-san loop bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
- By car: parking available near the castle park.
Tips
Climb to the top floor for panoramic views over Aizu-Wakamatsu and the surrounding mountains. Cherry blossom season draws crowds — arrive early morning for quieter photos.
