[Fukushima Prefecture] What is the history of Tsuruga Castle, which was the setting for the tragedy of the end of the Edo period?

Motoharu Kahashi
2022.03.10
Last updated: 2025.03.27

table of contents

1 What kind of area is Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture?
2 The history of Tsuruga Castle: From the Sengoku period to the Edo and Meiji eras
- 2.1 Tsuruga Castle, a place with a history dating back to the Sengoku period
- 2.2 Siege of Aizu Castle during the Boshin War
3 What is Tsuruga Castle like today? Thinking back to the castle ruins that served as the stage for history
4 summary
- 4.1 Tsuruga Castle <Information>

Tsuruga Castle is a must-see tourist spot in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture ! Its beautiful red roofing makes it popular among castle enthusiasts, but do you know its history?

In this article, we will introduce the history of Aizu-Tsuruga Castle and its sightseeing highlights. A deeper understanding will make your visit even more enjoyable! Please use this as a reference when you visit

What kind of area is Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture?

Aizuwakamatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture is the most populous city in the Aizu region in western Fukushima Prefecture. During the Edo period, it flourished as the castle town of the Aizu domain, and is famous for its tourist attractions related to the history of the samurai

The Aizu Basin is famous for its rice, and sake brewing, which utilizes the region's abundant rice and pure water, is one of the region's major industries. People from all over the country are looking for delicious sake

"Kozuyu," a local dish with roots in samurai cuisine , as well as "Akabeko," "Aizu lacquerware," and "Erosoku ." As a town where history remains strong even today, the town is being developed into an attractive place.

The history of Tsuruga Castle: From the Sengoku period to the Edo and Meiji eras

Tsuruga Castle's official name is Wakamatsu Castle. Built approximately 630 years ago, it withstood the fierce attack by the new government forces during the famous Boshin War of 1868 and an "impregnable castle ." Its beautiful red-tiled roofed castle tower has earned it the title of one of Japan's 100 most famous castles.

Tsuruga Castle, a place with a history dating back to the Sengoku period

Aizu was originally a land ruled by the Ashina clan, descendants of the Miura clan of Ashina, Miura County, Sagami Province (present-day Ashina, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture), and Tsuruga Castle was also called Kurokawa Castle at the time

In the middle to late Sengoku period, Date Masamune defeated the Ashina clan and acquired the castle. However, when Date Masamune submitted to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Aizu was confiscated and became the castle of the Gamo clan

The Gamo clan began improving the castle into a modern castle in 1592, developing the castle town and renaming the town Wakamatsu. In 1593, they completed the construction of the castle tower and renamed it Tsuruga Castle

The reign of the Gamo clan changed, and after Hoshina Masayuki became the lord of the castle, it became the castle of the Aizu Matsudaira clan (who changed their name from the Hoshina clan) until the Meiji Restoration

Siege of Aizu Castle during the Boshin War

At the end of the Edo period, after the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle due to conflict between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Satsuma and Choshu clans, the Satsuma and Choshu forces invaded Aizu, which was home to the former Shogunate forces

Bosei Pass Old Battlefield — Monument to the Mother Pass Battlefield

After their defeat at Bonari Pass in Inawashiro Town, the Aizu army was besieged in Aizu Castle for about a month from October 1868. During this time, fierce fighting unfolded between the Aizu clan and the new government forces. The Aizu army continued to put up a brave resistance, but eventually surrendered and handed over the castle

Sad historical facts remain from the Boshin War. Women in the samurai residences around the castle committed suicide. The Byakkotai, a group of young boys, died in battle and committed suicide. Many flowers are still laid at the graves of the Byakkotai soldiers at Mt. Iimori, where they finally arrived after their retreat

What is Tsuruga Castle like today? Thinking back to the castle ruins that served as the stage for history

After the Boshin War, Tsuruga Castle was demolished, leaving only the stone walls. The castle tower was rebuilt in September 1965. In the spring of 2011, it was restored to its beautiful red roofing, reminiscent of the end of the Edo period

Inside the castle tower, from the first to fourth floors, there are explanations of the history of Aizu and Tsuruga Castle, as well as many valuable documents on display. You can reminisce while looking at the building that was the stage for history

The fifth floor, the top floor of the castle tower, is an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the castle town. The castle town, which was once burned down in war, now has a beautiful streetscape. You can get a sense of why the castle was so impregnable, with its 20-meter-high stone walls and surrounding moat

The former castle ruins where the castle tower now stands is now Tsuruga Castle Park. Within the park, you'll find shops selling a variety of Aizu souvenirs, as well as the tea house Rinkaku, which is associated with Sen no Rikyu's son, Shoan. We also recommend visiting the park as a place to see the sights

In spring, the park is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, attracting many visitors. Why not take a photo of the beautiful combination of Tsuruga Castle and the cherry blossoms?

summary

This time we introduced the history of Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Tsuruga Castle has been involved with many famous people throughout history. Its beautiful appearance still impresses those who see it today, but knowing the history behind it will make it even more moving. If you visit Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to think about it