Explore
The castle grounds include the main fortress and the surrounding gardens. You need a ticket to enter the inner courtyard and keep.
Built at an elevation of 590 meters, this is a genuine flatland fortress (hirajiro). A triple moat originally protected the 16th-century structures. The paid admission area features the inner gardens and the historic wooden keep.
You must remove your shoes to enter the main tower. The original wooden floors get very cold, so wear thick socks. Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted inside the historic structure due to its steep, original layout.
45-60 minutesShoe removal required
This is the main five-tiered, six-story wooden tower built between 1593 and 1594. It stands 29.4 meters high from the stone wall base. Visitors climb about 140 steep wooden steps to reach the top. The stairs reach a maximum incline of 61 degrees.
20 minutesBest keep views
This inner courtyard offers the clearest view of the black-and-white castle keep. You can capture photos of the structure reflecting in the moat. Watch for the 'Omotenashi Squad' actors dressed as samurai and ninja for photos.
5 minutesMain entrance
This gate serves as the main entrance to the paid section of the castle grounds. You must show your ticket here to enter the inner area. If you lack a timed e-ticket, you can purchase a same-day paper ticket here.
