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!
Japanese castles, easily recognizable by their multi-roofed keeps, are comparable to our French castles in the history of the archipelago. These castles ( shiro城) are built of wood and stone. The genres that we know and admire today appeared at the end of the 16th century.
The castles, intended to defend strategic points, multiplied during the different shogunates. During the restoration of the emperor's power in the Meiji period, a large number of castles were destroyed. The Second World War and the bombings also passed by there: in 1945, most of the castles still standing suffered debates. They were largely rebuilt identically after the war. Nowadays, there are only 12 castles with authentic dungeons left on Japanese territory (notably Himeji Castle or Hikone Castle).
If the castles of the Tohoku region are mostly reconstructions, they are no less majestic and bear witness to the greatness of Japanese history. Short guided tour of the most beautiful castles not to be missed when discovering this 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...
Hirosaki Castle
Wikimedia Commons
Useful information :
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356, Japan
Schedule : Open April through November, 9 am to 5 pm, until 9 pm during the Sakura Hanami Festival
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.
Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle
Tohoku Tourist Office
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 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.
Shiroishi Castle
Wikimedia Commons
These are also not the only castles in the region to visit: we also recommend visiting Yokote Castle, with its very original architecture and which hosts the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival every winter. Yamagata Castle, which is undergoing reconstruction, is also of interest.
You will also find in Tohoku many castle ruins, often included in parks, like Morioka Castle, which is part of the list of the hundred remarkable Japanese castles, or Sendai Castle.
To learn more about the region:
