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Tsurugajo Castle
History
Fukushima, Tohoku

Tsurugajo Castle

Japan's only castle with distinctive red roof tiles, symbol of the Aizu clan's fierce resistance to the Meiji imperial forces in 1868. The castle held out for a month — the story of the Byakkotai teenage samurai who died nearby remains one of Japan's most moving tales.

Duration

2 hours

Admission

¥410

Hours

8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)

Best Season

Late April–May (cherry); October–November (autumn)

Access

Bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station (15 min)

Location

Why Visit

  • 1

    The red roof tiles use a different clay from all other Japanese castles — the colour is said to represent the Aizu spirit

  • 2

    The Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) — teenage samurai who died on a nearby hill believing the castle had fallen

  • 3

    1,000 cherry trees fill the castle grounds and moat in late April

  • 4

    Interior museum shows Aizu crafts — lacquerware, sake, washi paper — alongside samurai history

Local Tips

The only castle in Japan with red roof tiles — a Wakamatsu clan tradition that gives Tsurugajo its distinctive appearance. The castle tells the story of the Boshin War siege (1868) when 3,000 Aizu samurai held out for one month — one of Japan's most dramatic last stands. Combine with Aizu Sazaedo (15 min by bus) for a concentrated Aizuwakamatsu history day.

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