Tsurugajo Castle

The first castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu was built in 1384 by the feudal lord Ashina Naomori. However, in 1590, when the Shogun (generalissimo) Hideyoshi Toyotomi came to Aizu he ordered one of his aides, Ujisato Gamo to rebuild the castle and reorganize the layout of the city. Keen to impress his master, Gamo set about building an impressive seven-story castle tower which people said resembled a crane in flight.

(The crane in Japan has traditionally symbolized longevity and purity). Hence the new castle was named Tsurugajo or "Crane Castle".

The castle was later rebuilt with a five-story castle tower by Akinari Kato. During the Boshin Civil War at the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) the castle was besieged for a month by anti-shogunate troops. When it was finally captured the new Meiji government ordered it to be demolished in 1874.

In 1965 the castle tower was rebuilt modelled on Kato's five-story design.

The present castle now serves as a local history museum with collections of swords and ancient lacquerware. On the fifth floor there is an observation platform with fine views of the city and its surrounding mountains.

In spring, the castle is particularly picturesque when the many cherry trees in its grounds are in full bloom. Tsurugajo Castle is the symbol of the historic city of Aizu-Wakamatsu and is a must on any tourist's itinerary.