[2025 Marugame Attraction] Travel Guide for Marugame Castle (Updated Jun)

Marugame Castle, a National Important Cultural Property A three-story castle built in the city, with stone walls 60 meters high! It is built in four layers, forming a beautiful curve, and is called the "fan slope." As we got closer, the beauty of the stone walls stood out, and we were moved❤️ The castle tower was built in the 16th century, and is still standing as it was at the time⭐️ It is one of the 12 remaining wooden castle towers in Japan. When you go inside, you can see the gaps between the stones and the pillars carved with a hatchet right next to you✨ ・Entry is open until 4pm. ・Open all year round, but be aware that it closes early⚠️ (Admission fee is 400 yen. Pay at the entrance to the castle tower) The Oteichinomon and Ninomon gates are both designated as important cultural properties of Japan, and the castle overlooks the sea, and there are many other sights to see, such as Mikaeri-zaka. Please come and visit♪ 📍Location: Ichiban-cho, Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture 15 minutes walk from JR Marugame Station🚃 Large free parking available🚗 #MarugameCastle #Kagawa #KagawaTrip #ShikokuTrip #Spring0YenTrip

Marugame Castle, with its 400-year history, is an iconic symbol of Marugame. It was built over five years by the samurai Ikoma Chikamasa and his son Ikoma Kazumasa. The stone walls, which rise from the moat to the keep, reach a height of 60 meters, the highest in Japan, and are known for their distinctive curves called 'fan slope.' Additionally, Marugame Castle's keep is one of the twelve remaining wooden keeps in Japan and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The main store of Honetsukidori is also in Marugame, highly recommended to enjoy after touring the castle.

Transportation Guide - Bus/JR Local Attractions - Ritsurin Garden / Marugame Castle / Kotohira Shrine Food and Restaurants - Udon Homeland / Grilled Chicken on the Bone 1. Address - Ritsurin Garden Highlights - A perfect spot for leisure, enjoy flower viewing and scenic beauty 🌸, make your own udon noodles 🤩 Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2. Address - Kotohira Shrine Highlights - Challenge yourself‼️ Climb 783 steps to reach the main shrine or 1,386 steps to reach the inner shrine. Purchase the unique Tengu amulet 👺. Even if you skip the stairs, the charming shopping street offers creative local products. Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3. Address - Marugame Castle Highlights - Experience traditional Japanese culture, walk up the gentle slope, and enjoy breathtaking views of Takamatsu from the highest point 🥹. Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Marugame Castle is the smallest of Japan's 12 remaining castle keeps, but it is also a distinguished castle that preserves both its keep and main gate, alongside Hirosaki and Kochi Castles. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Marugame Castle occupies a strategic location as the gateway to Shikoku. This strategic importance led to the construction of Japan's tallest stone walls, reaching a total height of 60 meters—equivalent to laying the foundation for a 20-story building before constructing the castle above. Climbing through the stone walls and forest to reach the top is exhausting, and the castle's design likely aimed to prevent easy enemy attacks. The origins of this castle date back to the Muromachi period when Nara Motoyasu received the land and built a branch castle in Naka District, marking the earliest form of Marugame Castle. During the Keicho era, Ikoma Chikamasa, who was granted control of Sanuki Province, used Osaka Castle and Azuchi Castle as models to construct Marugame Castle. However, in the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate implemented the "One Castle Per Province" policy, leading to the dismantling of Marugame Castle while leaving Takamatsu Castle intact. In 1645, under the approval of the shogunate, the then-lord Yamazaki Ieharu rebuilt Marugame Castle, preserving its gracefully curved stone walls and three-story keep to this day. This smallest keep in Japan is entirely wooden and features a blend of Karahafu and Chidorihafu architectural styles, making it small yet exquisite. The second gate showcases craftsmanship with its massive wooden beams joined together. The castle also boasts a "Heart Stone" embedded in the stone walls, said to enhance romantic luck when touched, and wooden wishing plaques for fulfilling great desires, reflecting the local efforts to promote tourism. 📍Address: Ichibancho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0025, Japan 🚗 Access: A 15-minute walk from JR Marugame Station along Tomachi Street.

#springitinerary Marugame Castle is one of those spots that surprises you with how charming it is. It’s a smaller castle compared to others in Japan, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with stunning views and a peaceful vibe. Located in Kagawa, the castle sits on a hill overlooking the town, and you can easily walk up to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the Seto Inland Sea. The castle itself is super well-preserved, with its original tower and a lovely surrounding park. It’s not super crowded either, which gives you a chance to really take it all in without the hustle and bustle. The moat and stone walls add to the historic feel, and there’s a great photo opportunity at every corner. If you’re in the area and want a chill, scenic stop, Marugame Castle is definitely worth a visit!

#Spring0yenTrip Marugame Castle is one of the twelve remaining castle towers in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. I was amazed by the power of its stone walls when I actually visited it. In particular, the beautifully curved stone walls, called fan slopes, are piled up high, and just looking up at them is overwhelming. You have to climb a steep slope to reach the castle tower, but the view after you reach the top is exceptional, and you can see the whole of Marugame city and the Seto Inland Sea. The small triple-story castle tower is also stately, and you can feel the weight of history. There is an exhibition space inside the castle, where you can also learn about the history of the Marugame domain. Although it is compact, it is a castle packed with things to see, and is a recommended spot for stone wall lovers. It was a castle ruins that is typical of Kagawa, where you can casually enjoy history and spectacular views.

Marugame Castle Marugame Castle, with a history of 400 years, is a symbol of Marugame City. The castle is a hirayama-jiro (a castle built on an isolated mountain or hill in a plain), constructed over five years by the samurai Chikamasa Ikoma and his son, Chikamasa. The stone walls, which rise from the inner moat to the keep, reach a height of 60 meters, making them the tallest in Japan. The unique curved beauty of these walls is known as the 'fan-shaped curve.' The keep of Marugame Castle is one of the twelve remaining wooden keeps in Japan and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country.

Marugame is very close to Takamatsu. We took a two-day self-drive trip and checked in at most of the famous spots. The road conditions were good, and although it was New Year's, there were more cars than usual, but we could still find parking lots. The only downside was that most of the attractions were closed. 🗾 Itinerary Overview Day 1⃣️ 👣 Start your day with a bowl of udon for breakfast at a local udon restaurant. 🔍 Udon Iinoya, free parking available 💰 Approx. JPY700–800 per person 👣 Explore Marugame Castle, one of the twelve castles with a castle tower preserved from the Edo period. 🔍 Marugame Castle, free parking 💰 Admission: JPY400 🧴 Round Fan Workshop At the Announcer's Office before the summit, you can buy Marugame Castle souvenirs and make reservations to experience round fan making (JPY1,000/person). If you don't want to participate, you can buy them directly. Each one is exquisite! 🏯 One-Day Castle Lord Experience The Enshu-kaku Villa behind Marugame Castle offers a two-day, one-night castle lord experience for two people. Stay in the castle and experience authentic Japanese culture. The price is JPY1,265,000, and reservations must be submitted in advance on the official website. 👣 See the Seto Ohashi Bridge up close 🔍 Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park, free parking 🏗 Seto Ohashi Tower The entire visit takes 10–15 mins, and tickets are JPY800/adult. You can observe the Seto Ohashi Bridge from various angles at the observation tower. You can also see the Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park. Heating and a cafe are available. 🌉 Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park Free admission. Learn about the construction history, principles, and significance of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The observation deck is a great place to watch the sunset. Day 2⃣️ 👣 Have a bowl of udon at a restaurant ranked first for Sanuki udon 🔍 Juntedaudon Yoshiya, free parking 💰 Approx. JPY800 per person 👣 Climb to the top of Konpira Shrine, a must-visit for Japanese people in their lifetime It takes about half an hour to drive from Marugame to Konpira Shrine. As one of Japan's famous temples, both Chibi Maruko-chan and Conan have been here! You can buy symbolic yellow good luck charms and zodiac charms here. ⛩️ Climbing to the top of Konpira Shrine requires climbing 1,368 steps to Okunoin. Here, you can find the Tengu amulet, which is only available here! It costs JPY1,000 each, and many elderly people and children can reach the top. If you climb to the top of Konpira Shrine, you will surely succeed next year! ⚠️ Places we didn't visit but are interesting Marugame Museum of Art, Round Fan Museum

I went there early in the morning. There were a lot of people out walking around. It's small, but there's a castle tower, so I'm glad I went. The stone walls are spectacular.

Marugame Castle Marugame Castle, located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, is also known as Kameyama Castle and Penglai Castle. The stone walls stacked from the moat to the castle tower are 60 meters high, the highest in Japan. The castle tower of Marugame Castle is one of only 12 wooden castle towers left in Japan, and it is also the smallest of the existing castle towers, at only 15 meters high. Naturally, it must be designated as an important national cultural property. It is not easy to climb up the castle tower. It takes some physical strength to go through a series of slopes!

Marugame Castle Marugame Castle is located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is also known as Kameyama Castle and Hourai Castle. The stone walls from the moat to the castle tower are 60 meters high, the highest in Japan. The castle tower of Marugame Castle is one of the only 12 wooden castle towers left in Japan, and it is also the smallest of the existing castle towers, at only 15 meters high. Naturally, this place must be designated as an important national cultural property. It is not easy to climb up the castle tower. It takes some physical strength to go through a series of slopes!

When I went, it was lunch time, so people came and went, as soon as I entered the store, I immediately saw the old master making noodles, although I don't speak Japanese, but the staff is very enthusiastic, the menu is also illustrated, if you can use the app to order can have English translation.

🏖️Overview: Marugame Castle was built by the Ikoma clan👴, a feudal lord who served Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and stands beautifully as the castle with the smallest castle tower and the tallest stone wall in Japan. The castle tower on the premises is one of 12 remaining castle towers, and the other facilities are also full of historical atmosphere🎯. 💞Reasons why we recommend it: When I visited Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, Sanuki Province🍲, I happened to stop by this castle, and it was even more magnificent than I expected. There are many layers of solid stone walls🪨, and a steep slope continues until you reach the castle tower. A spectacular view awaits you at the top. 📍Location: 🏣763-0025 Ichiban-cho, Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture 📍Access: Train/15 minutes walk from JR Marugame Station Car/There is a free parking lot🅿️ and a municipal parking lot🅿️ (paid) around Marugame Castle. #DomesticTravelRecord #MarugameCastle #MarugameSightseeing

#springsummer2024 #Marugame Castle #香川 #日本名城 Marugame Castle is a castle located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture (formerly Naka County, Sanuki Province). Also known as Guishan City and Penglai City. The castle's castle tower is one of the twelve existing castle towers in Japan and is also the smallest existing castle tower. In addition, the total height of the city's stone walls reaches 60 meters, the highest in Japan. By the way, the tallest single stone wall is Osaka Castle, which is 33 meters high. #JapanTravel #SpringOutingFlowerViewing

Marugame Castle, located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the castle with the smallest castle tower in Japan. Because many beautiful stone walls remain, it is also known as the "Stone Castle" and "Famous Stone Wall Castle," and is famous for having the tallest stone wall in Japan! The castle tower enshrined in the stone wall was built over 400 years ago and is one of the "12 wooden castle towers" that still exist in Japan. The castle tower is small, so it looks very far away when viewed from afar! Marugame Castle is a flatland castle that makes use of a natural hill, and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles. After climbing a steep, heart-breaking slope, the view is amazing when you reach the castle tower! #PR #ShikokuTrip #MarugameCastle #CastleTour #BeautifulSpot

This is a photo of the cityscape taken from near Marugame Castle and the Tenshukaku. I visited in September 2023. [Access] It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Marugame Station. If you like walking, you can walk there while enjoying the view of Marugame City. If you are tired, it is better to take a taxi. [Recommended points] Before going to the castle tower, you can see the magnificent stone wall. You can enjoy the only arched stone wall. The castle tower is small, but once you go inside, you can enjoy the structure of the castle. Looking out from the top of the castle tower, you will enjoy the wonderful feeling of being a lord.

I took advantage of the long weekend in October to visit Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku. Marugame Castle in Marugame City. It was lit up at night, so I went there at night. It's on a small hill, so you have to walk a little and climb a hill, but the night view was beautiful and I could see the Great Seto Bridge. #AutumnTrip #LightUp

Address: Ichibancho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0025, Japan. Getting there: The entrance to Marugame Castle is about a 15 minute walk south of Marugame Station. Highlights: Marugame Castle also known as Kameyama Castle, is a hilltop castle in Marugame City. Situated high up on steep stone walls, the castle has a commanding view of the city below and overlooks one of the narrowest parts of the Seto Inland Sea, a feature which afforded it control over the main shipping lanes of the region. The castle grounds are also one of the region's most famous cherry blossom spots with nearly 1000 cherry trees planted around the walls and castle keep. Opening hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Admission fee: 200yen #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

#Kagawa #MarugameCastle Marugame Castle is located just under a 15-minute walk from Marugame Station. It can be seen from the station, but if you go closer you will see a row of very large stone walls. The castle tower is the smallest of all existing castles, but the view from the tower overlooks a very large area, and you can even see the Great Seto Bridge. It's not a national treasure, but I thought it was a very wonderful castle.