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The red-tiled keep on its stone base, May 2022. The keep was rebuilt to its outward appearance from old photographs in 1965, and in 2011 its roof was re-tiled in red, as it was at the end of the Edo period.
Miyuki MeinakaCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Fukushima · Aizuwakamatsu

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

会津若松城

Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima

CastleHilltop castle (hirayamajiro)Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 12

What makes this castle distinctive

The only castle in Japan today where you can see a keep roofed in red tiles.

Why?

At first the castle had the black tiles common in western Japan, but tradition says Hoshina Masayuki had red tiles with an iron-rich glaze developed in Aizu to stand up to the cold and snow. The keep rebuilt in 1965 had black tiles, but in 2011 its roof was re-covered in red tiles, as at the end of the Edo period. The official site says this is the only red-tiled keep you can see in Japan.[1][7]

Three things not to miss

01
The red-tiled keep on its stone base, May 2022. The keep was rebuilt to its outward appearance from old photographs in 1965, and in 2011 its roof was re-tiled in red, as it was at the end of the Edo period.Miyuki MeinakaCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

The five-tiered red-tiled keep

Where
The north side of the main enclosure (honmaru). Inside the keep is the Wakamatsu Castle Keep Museum, with an observation room on the fifth floor.
What to look at
The red of the roof tiles against the white walls, and the 360-degree view over the Aizu Basin from the top floor.
Why it's interesting
The keep was torn down in the early Meiji years, rebuilt to its outward appearance from early Meiji photographs in 1965, and given red tiles like those of the late Edo period in 2011. It is the symbol of the Aizu domain, which held out through a month-long siege in the Boshin War of 1868, and its exhibits cover the castle's lords and Aizu's history at the end of the Edo period.[1][3]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideThe exterior is free to view. Entry is charged (adults 410 yen), 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30), open every day. Inside there are stairs only.
02
The stone base of the keep, July 2022. It dates from Gamo Ujisato's time and is built in nozura-zumi style, with natural stones stacked largely unworked.Asturio CantabrioCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

The keep base and the high stone walls

Where
The base of the keep, and the high walls near the Rokabashi bridge on what was the castle's front in Gamo Ujisato's day.
What to look at
The gentle slope of the keep base, built of nearly unworked natural stones, and the high walls that sweep upward like an opening fan.
Why it's interesting
The keep base dates from Gamo Ujisato's time more than 400 years ago, and the official site says its gentle slope helps it withstand earthquakes directly below. On the side that was the castle's front in Ujisato's day stand some of the tallest stone walls in eastern Japan.[2]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideFree to view from within the park.
03
The Rinkaku tea house, September 2022. Tradition says it was built by Sen no Shoan, son of the tea master Sen no Rikyu, while he was sheltered in Aizu; it was moved back to its original spot in the castle in 1990.Bernie OngeweCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Rinkaku, the tea house linked to Sen no Rikyu's son

Where
Inside the main enclosure (honmaru).
What to look at
The tea house, its garden, and the name boards written by the heads of the three Sen tea schools.
Why it's interesting
After Hideyoshi ordered Sen no Rikyu's death in 1591, tradition says Gamo Ujisato sheltered Rikyu's son Shoan in Aizu and pleaded for the Sen family's revival, and this tea house is said to have been built at that time. A local tea master moved it into town in the Meiji era to save it, and in 1990 the city returned it to its original site in the castle. You can enjoy matcha (600 yen) while looking at it.[4][1]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideOpen 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30; tea orders until 16:00), every day. A combined ticket with the keep costs 520 yen for adults.

At a glance for visitors

Nearest station
5 min walk from Tsurugajo Iriguchi bus stop (Machinaka loop bus from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station)
Climb
No climb
Time neededEditors' estimate
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the keep museum and the main enclosure, plus about 30 minutes for tea at Rinkaku.
Admission
Adults 410 yen, children 150 yen (groups of 30–99: 360 / 135 yen). Combined ticket with Rinkaku 520 yen; three-site ticket (keep, Rinkaku, Oyakuen garden) 730 yen. Free for holders of a disability certificate.
Hours
8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Access
Open to visitors

The castle park is free to stroll. The keep museum and Rinkaku tea house charge admission. The Japan 100 Castles stamp is at the entrance of the castle shop, which you can enter from the keep's exit. Cars may enter the park only with permission.

Checked:

View on mapOpen in Google MapsTsurugajo Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau)Wakamatsu Castle Site (Aizuwakamatsu City, Japanese)

The story of this castle

01
Historical record

Where the roads of the Aizu Basin meet

The Aizu Basin is a broad, well-watered rice-growing plain, and the castle was built in its southeast corner, with the castle town spreading around it. Roads ran from the town in every direction, making it a key crossroads at the gateway to the northeast.[1]

02
Historical record

From the Ashina residence to Gamo Ujisato's Tsurugajo

The castle is said to have begun as a residence built by Ashina Naomori in 1384. Date Masamune defeated the Ashina and took Aizu in 1589, but on Hideyoshi's orders Gamo Ujisato replaced him in 1590 and rebuilt the site as a full-fledged castle with stone walls and moats. A keep was completed in 1593 and the castle was named Tsurugajo, while the town's name changed from Kurokawa to Wakamatsu.[1][7]

03
Historical record

A great earthquake and the Kato rebuild

A great earthquake in Aizu in 1611 brought down stone walls and left the keep leaning. Kato Yoshiaki, who arrived in 1627, and his son Akinari carried out a major rebuild through 1639: the keep became a five-tiered tower of stacked design, and the western and northern outworks were added, giving the castle roughly its present form. From 1643 the Aizu Matsudaira family, founded by Hoshina Masayuki, ruled here until the end of the Edo period.[1][7]

04
Historical record

A month-long siege in the Boshin War

In the Boshin War of 1868, Aizu fought at the heart of the former shogunate's side. When the fighting reached Aizu in the eighth month, the castle withstood the new government army's fierce attacks for about a month before surrendering.[1][7]

05
Historical record

Demolished down to the stone walls

By 1874 the keep and every other building had been torn down, leaving only the stone walls. Inside the inner moat the layout from the Boshin War era survives almost intact, and the site became a National Historic Site in 1934. The three-story Gosankai turret from the main enclosure was moved to Amidaji temple in the city, where it still stands.[1][2]

06
Historical record

A rebuilt keep and turrets restored in wood

In 1965 the keep was rebuilt to its outward appearance using early Meiji photographs. The Rinkaku tea house returned to its original site in 1990, and in 1998–2000 the Hoshii Yagura turret and southern Hashiri Nagaya corridor were restored in wood using Edo-period methods. In 2011 the keep was re-roofed in red tiles.[1][4][8][7]

People of this castle

Timeline

  1. Ashina Naomori is said to build the residence that preceded the castle[1][7]

  2. Gamo Ujisato's keep is completed and the castle is named Tsurugajo[1]

  3. The major rebuild by Kato Yoshiaki and Akinari is completed[1][7]

  4. Surrenders after a month-long siege in the Boshin War[1]

  5. All buildings are demolished, leaving the stone walls[1]

  6. The keep is rebuilt to its outward appearance[1][7]

  7. The keep is re-roofed in red tiles[1][7]

Buildings and remains

The keep today

Exterior restored

Demolished by 1874. Rebuilt in 1965 to its outward appearance from early Meiji photographs, in reinforced concrete (the Japan Castle Foundation lists it as rebuilt). Re-roofed in red tiles in 2011.

The site today

The site is Tsurugajo Castle Park, about 69,000 tsubo (roughly 23 hectares), with the keep (a museum inside), the Hoshii Yagura and southern Hashiri Nagaya, and the Rinkaku tea house. Inside the inner moat the layout of the Boshin War era survives almost intact. The main enclosure is now a lawn.

Main buildings

Exterior restored

Keep (tenshu)

Five-tiered keep of stacked design; houses the Wakamatsu Castle Keep Museum.[1][10]

Rebuilt in wood

Hoshii Yagura and southern Hashiri Nagaya

Restored in wood with Edo-period methods in 1998–2000. The Hoshii Yagura, one of the castle's largest two-story corner turrets, stored food; the Hashiri Nagaya held weapons.[1][8]

Original, relocated

Rinkaku tea house

Moved into town and preserved in the Meiji era; returned to its original site in the castle in 1990.[4]

Original, relocated

Gosankai (three-story turret)

The only tall turret in the main enclosure; moved to Amidaji temple in the city, where it survives.[2]

Key facts

Type
Castle
Setting
Hilltop castle (hirayamajiro)built on a low hill rising from the plainEditorial article
Period
Medieval (c.1185–1570s), Early modern (1570s–1871)Editorial article
Keep (tenshu)
Exterior restoredthe outside follows historical records; the inside is a modern building, often a museumEditorial article
Built by
Gamo Ujisato, Katō Akinari, Ashina NaomoriJapan Castle Foundation
Built
1384Japan Castle Foundation
Main lords
Date Masamune, Uesugi Kagekatsu, Gamō clan, Katō clan, Ashina clan, Matsudaira clan, Hoshina clan, Aizu-Matsudaira clanJapan Castle Foundation
Abandoned
1874Wikipedia (ja)
Remains to see
Stone walls, Earthen ramparts, Moats, Gates, Turrets or turret bases, Baileys / enclosures (kuruwa), Keep base (tenshudai), Fortified gateways (koguchi)Editorial article
Designation
National Historic Site (Wakamatsu Castle Site) (1934)Editorial article
Selection
Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 12Japan Castle Foundation

Visiting

Access

Open to visitors

The castle park is free to stroll. The keep museum and Rinkaku tea house charge admission. The Japan 100 Castles stamp is at the entrance of the castle shop, which you can enter from the keep's exit. Cars may enter the park only with permission.

Address

1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0873[1]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Nearest stations and how to get there

Tsurugajo Iriguchi bus stop (Machinaka loop bus from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station)Machinaka loop buses Haikarasan and Akabe

about 5 min walk · No climb

From JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take the loop bus to Tsurugajo Iriguchi and walk 5 minutes. Some highway buses stop at Tsurugajo / Godo Chosha.[9][5]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Hours and admission

Wakamatsu Castle Keep Museum (Tsurugajo keep)
Hours
8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed
Open every day
Admission
Adults 410 yen, children 150 yen (groups of 30–99: 360 / 135 yen). Combined ticket with Rinkaku 520 yen; three-site ticket (keep, Rinkaku, Oyakuen garden) 730 yen. Free for holders of a disability certificate.[1][6]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Rinkaku tea house
Hours
8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30; tea orders until 16:00)
Closed
Open every day
Admission
Matcha with a sweet 600 yen. Admission confirmed only as part of the combined keep ticket (adults 520 yen).[4][1]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Digital art exhibit in the Hoshii Yagura and Hashiri Nagaya
Hours
8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed
Not confirmed
Admission
Adults 410 yen, children 150 yen (520 yen combined with Rinkaku). Remove shoes inside.[1]
Checked: 2026-10-03

By car / parking

About 15 minutes from Aizu-Wakamatsu IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway. Paid lots at Nishi-Demaru (200 cars), East Entrance (129) and South Entrance (35): 200 yen for the first hour, then 100 yen per hour.[9][1][3]

Checked: 2026-10-03
Grounds opening hours
Not confirmed (the keep is lit up every evening until 21:00)[3]Checked: 2026-10-03
Time neededEditors' estimate
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the keep museum and the main enclosure, plus about 30 minutes for tea at Rinkaku.
Steps, slopes and footing
Park paths are designed for wheelchairs, and step-free ramps lead into the main enclosure from the Nishi-Demaru, Kita-Demaru and Sannomaru entrances. Inside the keep there are only stairs.[3][9]
Wheelchairs and strollers
Every toilet block in the park has a multipurpose toilet, with ostomy facilities at the East and South Entrance blocks. Six wheelchairs can be borrowed free at the tourist information office and parking-lot toilets. Each lot has accessible spaces, and Rinkaku has ramps. The keep has stairs only.[3]Checked: 2026-10-03
Toilets and rest
Five toilet blocks: Kita-Demaru, Nishi-Demaru, north of the Obikuruwa (by the management office), East Entrance and South Entrance.[3]
English signs / audio guide
The official website has an English version. English signage inside the museum is not confirmed.[1]
Seasons
About 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees grow in the park, which is on Japan's list of 100 best cherry-blossom spots. Autumn brings fall colors and winter a snow-covered keep.[2]
Photography
A professional photographers' booth operates in the main enclosure. Rules for personal photography are not confirmed.[3]
Works, closures and restrictions
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the Tsurugajo Half Marathon brings traffic restrictions to central Aizuwakamatsu and around the castle, which may make it hard to reach at certain times.[11]Checked: 2026-10-03

Editors' guide

An editorial guide based on sources and confirmed information — not a first-hand visit report.

Who will enjoy it

For visitors who want to climb a keep and look out over a castle town, those interested in the Boshin War and the Aizu domain, and anyone who enjoys details like tea culture and stonework. It is also an easy castle for first-timers.

What makes it interesting

Start outside with the red-tiled keep and its rough stone base. Inside, see the Boshin War exhibits before climbing to the fifth-floor lookout. Then visit the wooden Hoshii Yagura and Hashiri Nagaya, the high walls and the Rokabashi bridge on the old front side, and the zigzag walls on the south side of the main enclosure, built so defenders could fire on attackers from the side.

Before you go

The keep is a 1965 reinforced-concrete reconstruction with a museum inside, and it has stairs only. On October 4, 2026, roads around the castle are restricted for a half marathon.

Ways to enjoy it

A bowl of matcha at Rinkaku brings the story of Gamo Ujisato and the Sen family to life. The keep is lit up every evening until 21:00, so try seeing it by day and by night.

Photos

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Open questions

Sources

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    鶴ヶ城のご案内一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
  2. 2
    鶴ヶ城城址公園一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
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    施設概要一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
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    茶室麟閣一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
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    アクセス一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
  6. 6
    100名城スタンプのご案内一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
  7. 7
    会津若松市の史跡一覧<国指定文化財> 若松城跡(鶴ヶ城)会津若松市municipalChecked:
  8. 8
    甦る鶴ヶ城 干飯櫓の復元会津若松市municipalChecked:
  9. 9
    鶴ヶ城天守閣(国指定史跡・若松城跡)会津若松観光ナビtourismChecked:
  10. 10
    日本100名城 一覧公益財団法人日本城郭協会jokakuChecked:
  11. 11
    鶴ヶ城ハーフマラソン大会の交通規制について一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューローofficialChecked:
  12. 12
    List of Japan's 100 Fine Castles and the Next 100公益財団法人日本城郭協会jokakuChecked:
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    Wikipedia「若松城」Wikipedia日本語版wikipediaChecked:
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    Wikidata Q1365061WikidatawikidataChecked:
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    OpenStreetMap way/24270507© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)osmChecked:

Listing status

  1. Candidate foundChecked
  2. Confirmed as a castle siteChecked
  3. Basic informationChecked
  4. In-depth articleChecked
  5. Photo rights checkedChecked
  6. Visit info checkedChecked

Castles nearby

Kamiyashi Castle4.2 km · Not yet confirmedMukaihaguroyama Castle5.4 km · No keep was builtKitada Castle11.5 km · Not yet confirmedJingamine Castle15.8 km · Not yet confirmedAizushingu Castle Ruins17.1 km · No keep recordedInawashiro Castle17.3 km · Not yet confirmed

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