Aizuwakamatsu Castle
Known as Tsurugajo, this iconic white castle in Aizu was the last stronghold to resist government forces in the Boshin War. The famous white-plastered keep, reconstructed in 1965, stands as a symbol of samurai loyalty.
| Japanese Name | 会津若松城 |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Fukushima Prefecture (福島県) |
| Region | Tohoku (東北) |
| Castle Type | Hill Castle |
| Year Built | 1384 |
| Designation | 100名城 |
| Coordinates | 37.489, 139.9303 |
Aizuwakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsurugajo, stands as one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks with its distinctive white-plastered keep rising prominently above the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture. Built in 1384 as a hill castle, it gained historical significance as the last samurai stronghold to resist government forces during the Boshin War of 1868-1869, embodying the loyalty and determination of the samurai class during Japan's transition to the modern era.
The castle was established by the Ashina clan during the Muromachi period and evolved into a major political and military center for the Aizu domain. During the final years of the shogunate, the castle became a symbol of resistance when the Aizu samurai mounted a fierce defense against the imperial army, ultimately surrendering after a brutal siege that lasted several weeks.
The iconic five-story keep visible today was reconstructed in 1965 using historical records and archaeological findings, replacing the original structure that had been demolished during the Meiji period. The white plastered walls and distinctive architectural style make it one of Japan's most photographed castles. The castle complex sits on a elevated location surrounded by defensive earthworks, providing commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The site also features reconstructed buildings and museums that detail the castle's military history and the Boshin War's impact on the local population.
Visitors can reach Aizuwakamatsu Castle by train from Fukushima Station, and the site is open year-round. The castle grounds are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains from the keep's upper levels.
Aizuwakamatsu Castle is recognized as one of Japan's top 100 castles as designated by the Japan Castle Foundation, a distinction that highlights its historical and architectural importance among the hundreds of castle sites across the country. Its design reflects the defensive priorities and construction techniques of the feudal period, with origins dating to 1384. Visitors traveling to Fukushima Prefecture can explore the site alongside other regional historical attractions.
On the Ground
| Address | Tsubaki-zaka slope, Outemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-8601, Japan |
|---|---|
| Car parking | 18 car parks within 1.5 km — nearest about 654 m away |
| Public toilets | 41 public toilets within 1.5 km — nearest about 190 m away |
Car parks and toilets are counted from OpenStreetMap within 1.5 km of the castle coordinates, as recorded on 2026-08-15. They are not necessarily run by the castle, and OpenStreetMap does not record every facility — “none recorded” does not mean there are none.
Castle Hopping from Here
| Castle | Distance |
|---|---|
| Mukaihaguro Castle 向羽黒山城 | 8.6 km |
Distances are straight-line between castle coordinates, not travel distance. Only castles within 30 km are listed.
Is It Original?
| Original keep still standing? | No — this castle is not among the twelve in Japan whose keep survives from the pre-modern period. Any tower here is a later reconstruction or the site is a ruin. |
|---|---|
| Classification on this site | Reconstructed Castle |
| Nationally designated properties recorded here | — (none found in the database) — please check with the castle directly |
The count of twelve surviving keeps is stated independently by the official sites of Matsue, Maruoka, Matsuyama and Bitchu Matsuyama (checked 2026-09-04). Each of the twelve carries its own source on its own page. The classification line below it is this site's own grouping, not an official designation. The designated properties below it come from the Agency for Cultural Affairs national database of designated cultural properties (国指定文化財等データベース), retrieved 2026-08-13. A missing line means no entry was found in that database — not that the property is undesignated.
Getting There
| Nearest station | Nishi-Wakamatsu Station (西若松駅) — 1.5 km in a straight line |
|---|---|
| Largest station nearby | Aizu-Wakamatsu Station — 2.2 km in a straight line |
| Daily passengers at that station (2019) | 5,162 |
Station distances are straight-line, measured from the castle coordinates. Passenger counts: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT), FY2019.
Location
View larger map — © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sources and What a Blank Means
Data on this page comes from OpenStreetMap, Wikimedia Commons, the Agency for Cultural Affairs national database of designated cultural properties and the National Land Numerical Information service (MLIT). Checked 2026-08-22.
A blank or missing line means we found no record in those sources — not that the castle lacks the thing. Admission fees, opening hours and access change without notice; please confirm with the official site before travelling.