Why Tsuruga Castle Stole My Heart (And Why It’ll Steal Yours Too)
I’ll be honest—when I first heard about Tsuruga Castle in Fukushima, I almost skipped it. Another reconstructed castle? How different could it be? But standing there now, watching the late afternoon sun catch those distinctive red tiles, I can’t believe I almost missed this incredible place.
A Castle That Survived Everything Japan Could Throw at It
What struck me most about Tsuruga Castle wasn’t just its beauty—it was its story of resilience. Picture this: built way back in 1384 by Ashina Naomori, this castle has seen it all. But the moment that really gets you is learning about the Boshin War in 1868-1869, when samurai made their final stand here against the changing world around them.
The original castle didn’t make it past 1874, but here’s what I love—the people of Aizuwakamatsu refused to let their symbol disappear. In 1965, they brought it back to life, and walking through it today, you can feel that determination in every carefully reconstructed beam.
What Makes This Castle Special (Trust Me, It’s Not What You’d Expect)
Those famous red tiles? They’re not just pretty—they tell a story. Most Japanese castles have black or gray tiles, but Tsuruga Castle rocks these gorgeous red ones that practically glow in the sunlight. It’s like the castle is wearing its best outfit every single day.
The view from the top knocked my socks off. You get this amazing 360-degree panorama of Aizuwakamatsu spread out below you, with mountains rolling away to the horizon. I spent way longer up there than planned, just soaking it all in.
The museum inside surprised me too. Instead of dusty displays, they’ve created these engaging exhibits that bring samurai culture to life. You’ll learn about the Aizu clan and understand why this place meant so much to the warriors who defended it.
Don’t skip the Rinkaku Tea House nearby—sipping matcha while looking up at the castle is one of those perfect travel moments you’ll remember forever.
When to Visit (Spoiler: There’s No Wrong Time)
I’ve been lucky enough to see Tsuruga Castle in different seasons, and each one feels like a completely different experience:
Spring hits different here. We’re talking over 1,000 cherry trees turning the castle grounds into something out of a dream. The contrast between those delicate pink petals and the bold red roof? Pure magic.
Fall is dramatic. The surrounding mountains explode in reds and oranges that seem to echo the castle’s tiles. It’s like nature decided to coordinate with the architecture.
Winter transforms everything. Snow-covered castle grounds create this serene, almost mystical atmosphere. If you’re into photography, this is your moment.
Getting There (It’s Easier Than You Think)
The journey from Tokyo is actually part of the fun. Hop on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station—about 90 minutes of countryside views—then switch to the Ban-etsu West Line for the scenic ride to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. From there, a quick taxi or local bus gets you to the castle grounds.
Pro tip: The train ride through Fukushima is gorgeous, so grab a window seat and enjoy the journey.
Real Talk: What to Expect
Wear good walking shoes—those historic stone paths and castle stairs are no joke, but they’re part of the authentic experience. I learned this the hard way in flimsy sandals!
If you can, visit in the morning before the tour groups arrive. There’s something magical about having those castle grounds almost to yourself, especially when the morning mist is still clinging to the surrounding hills.
Why This Matters More Than Just Tourism
Here’s something that made my visit even more meaningful: Fukushima has shown incredible strength and resilience since 2011. When you visit places like Tsuruga Castle, you’re not just ticking off a tourist spot—you’re supporting real communities and real people who are working hard to share their incredible heritage with the world.
The Bottom Line
Tsuruga Castle isn’t just another castle to check off your Japan itinerary. It’s a place where history comes alive, where you can feel the weight of samurai honor and the power of human determination. Whether you’re fascinated by Japanese history, obsessed with cherry blossoms, or just love discovering places that tell amazing stories, this castle will give you memories that last.
Standing in those castle grounds, looking up at those distinctive red tiles against the sky, you’ll understand why this place has captured hearts for over 600 years. And honestly? It’ll probably capture yours too.