Highlights of Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle Park and Main Tower
Aizuwakamatsu flourished as the castle town surrounding Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle). During the Muromachi period, it was the castle of the Ashina clan. At the time, it was called Kurokawa Castle, and the castle town was known as “Kurokawa.”
From the Azuchi–Momoyama period through the Edo period, the castle’s lords changed frequently: Date, Gamō, Uesugi, Gamō, and Katō. Gamō Ujisato changed the castle’s name to “Tsuruga” and the town’s name to “Wakamatsu.” Without Gamō Ujisato, Aizu-Wakamatsu might still be called Kurokawa or Aizu-Kurokawa today.
From Kan'ei20 (the year 1643), when Hoshina Masayuki, founder of the Aizu-Matsudaira family, became lord of the castle, until the castle was abolished in 1874 (Meiji7), it remained a castle of the Aizu-Matsudaira family. The present castle keep is open to the public as a museum, where visitors can see exhibits on Aizu's history, its successive lords, and the Boshin War.
The area around the main tower has been developed as Tsuruga Castle Park, where you can stroll through the castle grounds along the stone walls, moats, and gates.
The Iron Gate is visible in the center, with the Hoshii Turret behind it.
Within the park, you can see both the reconstructed buildings and the remains of the castle.
Rinkaku Tea House
Rinkaku Tea House is said to have been built by Shōan, the son of Sen no Rikyū, for Gamō Ujisato. After the Boshin War, it was moved outside the castle and later reconstructed in Tsuruga Castle Park. A combination ticket with the castle tower is available, allowing visitors to explore Aizu’s castle history and tea ceremony culture together.
Basic Information about Tsuruga Castle
The information below was checked against official sources on September 19, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
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You can check the opening hours, admission fees, closing days, and visitor information here.
鶴ヶ城のご案内 | 一般財団法人 会津若松観光ビューロー鶴ヶ城天守閣のページです。若松城天守閣郷土博物館、鶴ヶ城天守閣ミュージアムショップ（売店）などの見どころや料金のご案内をしております。www.tsurugajo.com - 📍 Address
- Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture 1-1
- 🕒 Opening hours
- 8:30〜17:00 (last admission 16:30)⚠️ Hours may be extended during events and the busy season.
- 🚫 Closing days
- Open daily
- 💶 Admission fees
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- Castle tower adults 410 yen, children 150 yen
- Combined ticket for the castle tower and Rinkaku Tea House adults 520 yen
- Combined ticket for the castle tower, Rinkaku Tea House, and Oyakuen Garden 730 yen
⚠️ The holder may enter free of charge by presenting a disability certificate. Check the latest ticket types and prices before purchasing.
- ⏱️ Recommended time
- Allow about 60 minutes if mainly visiting the castle tower, or about 90 minutes to 2 hours if also visiting Rinkaku Tea House and Tsuruga Park.⚠️ The time required varies depending on time spent reading the exhibits, crowding inside the castle tower, and the extent of your walk around the park.
Getting to Tsuruga Castle
City Loop Bus
From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take the “Haikara-san” or “Akabe” bus and get off at “Tsurugajo Iriguchi.” It is about a 5-minute walk from there.
By car
It takes about 15 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban'etsu Expressway. Paid parking is available at Nishidemaru, the East Entrance, and the South Entrance.
Transportation and parking information is available from the official tourism information.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Aizuwakamatsu: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Sample Itineraries”.
