Aizu Wakamatsu Castle is one of the most beautiful castle ruins in Japan. Also known locally as "Tsurugajo," the castle is a structure of great historical value. The castle was built in 1953 by Ujisato Gamo.
Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle is a ladder-style castle on a flat hill, with a moat separating the inside of the castle from the town houses. Inside the castle are the castle keep, the Ninomaru (second citadel), the Sanomaru (third citadel), the Honmaru (main citadel), and turret gates. On the east side of the castle, there is a waterway, and to the north, south, and west, the castle is located in a basin and a strategic point for transportation. In particular, the Oshu Highway runs along the north side of the castle, and it flourished as a thriving trading center during the feudal period.
Today, the ruins of the castle are maintained as an urban park, Tsurugajo Park, which attracts many tourists. Within Tsurugajo Park are the Wakamatsu Castle Keep Local Museum and the Tsurugajo Castle Keep Museum Shop (store), both of which are representative of castle architecture in Japan, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the castle. Also, in spring, the approximately 1,000 cherry trees planted in the castle are in full bloom, providing a beautiful view.
Aizu Wakamatsu Castle has become one of the most popular castles for many tourists because of its beauty and historical value. It is one of the must-see tourist attractions for those interested in Japanese history and culture.
