Shibata Castle Ruins Park

Shibata Castle Ruins Park is located on the site of the historic Shibata Castle. It has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 castles. The main gate and Ninomaru Sumi Yagura (one of the castle towers) have been designated important cultural properties, and the surrounding moats can be viewed in their original form. The three-storied castle keep has a unique T-shaped roof decorated with three Shachihoko (a tiger-headed carp from Japanese folklore) – unique in all of Japan. The three-storied castle keep belongs to the Japanese Self Defence Forces however a look at the exterior is still well worth the visit. The Namako wall, a traditional Japanese style often seen on the castles in snowy areas, is a must-see.
When the cherry blossoms start to bloom, the castle is illuminated with traditional paper lanterns. Come and enjoy the night view of the castle’s cherry blossoms and lanterns reflecting on the water of the surrounding moat.
The park is a popular place of recreation and relaxation for locals. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty throughout the year from springtime cherry blossoms to summer’s lotus flowers blooming on the water, autumnal leaves and snowy winter scenery.