Marugame Castle Travel Experience: Japan’s Tallest Stone Walls and an Original Edo-Era Keep

Publication dateAugust 3, 2025

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Japan’s Tallest and Most Beautiful Stone Walls – A Personal Visit to Marugame Castle

Distant view of Marugame Castle with the keep and stone walls towering above

Marugame Castle, located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, is renowned for having the tallest stone walls in Japan.

In this article, I’ll share my personal travel experience of visiting Marugame Castle. Through photos taken along the path to the keep, I hope to give you a vivid sense of the castle’s atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a detailed guide to the castle’s highlights, refer to the article below:

Read more about Highlights of Marugame Castle

Complete Guide to Marugame Castle 2026: Japan's Tallest Stone Walls, Original Castle Tower, Scenic Views, and Cultural ExperiencesExplore the highlights of Marugame Castle, including its record-high stone walls, original Edo-period tower, panoramic views, and rare cultural stays—all in one guide.

For directions on how to access Marugame Castle, see the article here:

Read more about How to Access Marugame Castle

How to Get to Marugame Castle: Complete Access Guide by Train, on Foot, or by CarThis guide explains how to reach Marugame Castle by train, on foot, or by car. Includes walking routes, travel times, parking info, and photos for first-time visitors.

Main Entrance of Marugame Castle

Arriving at Marugame Castle, you’ll notice that the keep is situated at a high elevation—fitting for a castle known for the tallest stone walls in Japan.

Next to the gate is the Ote Ichinomon Gate.

Exterior of the Ote Ichinomon Gate with contrasting white walls and stone base

Let’s step into Marugame Castle.

Entrance path of Marugame Castle flanked by stone walls and fences

The moat’s surface is calm and undisturbed. Combined with the serene surroundings, time seems to slow down.

Reflections of sky and trees on the tranquil surface of the moat

Trees and stone walls seen beyond the moat, giving a peaceful atmosphere inside the castle grounds

Ahead is the Ote Ninomom Gate.

Ote Ninomom Gate

The second gate of Marugame Castle follows the Koraimon style. With its commanding presence, it serves as a dignified entrance to the inner grounds.

Angled shot of the Ote Ninomom Gate showing its architectural details and the stone wall behind

Close-up of the metal fittings and wood grain textures on the gate’s wooden doors

Alongside the second gate, you’ll find narrow slits in the wall known as sama. The triangular ones were likely for matchlocks.

Triangular gunport in the wall beside the Ninomom Gate

Long wall with gunports stretching alongside the stone base, showcasing defensive design

There’s also a small observation window that allowed guards to keep an eye on the outside while the gate remained closed.

View through a small observation window inside the gate, overlooking the castle’s exterior

Ote Ichinomon Gate

Immediately after passing through the second gate, you’ll arrive at the first gate.

Angled shot of the gate showing the thickness of the walls and sharp stone corners

View just before passing through the gate. Massive wooden beams give the gate a strong presence

The Ote Gate served as the castle’s front entrance for welcoming guests. The stones are meticulously stacked, and the beams are massive and imposing.

Close-up of decorative iron studs and hardware on the gate door, showing historic craftsmanship

Metal fittings and beautiful wood grain lining the side of the gate, merging function and style

Now, let’s step through the Ichinomon Gate—beyond here is the castle proper.

Looking out from inside the Ichinomon Gate, with greenery stretching beyond the entrance

Ote Gate Plaza

After passing through the Ote Gate, you’ll arrive at the spacious Ote Gate Plaza.

To the right is the path to the Bansho Nagaya and Marugame City Museum. To the left is the route toward the keep.

Guide signs and paths surrounded by greenery within Marugame Castle grounds

There is also a Marugame Castle Tourist Information Center at the plaza.

Tourist Information Center (left in photo)

Forked path leading to the information center and Bansho Nagaya, lined with stone walls and trees

Heart-Pounding Steep Climb: Mikaeri-zaka Slope

Since Marugame Castle boasts the tallest stone walls in Japan, reaching the keep requires climbing to that height.

The Mikaeri-zaka Slope is one of the castle’s signature features.

Entrance area of Mikaeri-zaka Slope surrounded by stone walls and trees

Its name, “Mikaeri” (meaning “to look back”), comes from the urge to pause and turn around due to the steep incline.

Mikaeri-zaka is about 150 meters long with a 10-degree incline.

The steepness is hard to grasp from the base, but once you climb to the turning point and look down, it becomes very clear.

View looking down from halfway up Mikaeri-zaka, showing the steep stone-paved slope

Marker post indicating Mikaeri-zaka slope and the historic stone path

It’s clearly steep. It took me 2 to 3 minutes to get this far. I recommend taking your time and resting as needed.

I encountered a local wearing running gear who said they use this slope for health training—which shows how steep it is.

Pushing a stroller or wheelchair here is not recommended.

Japan’s Tallest! The Beauty of the Giant Stone Walls

At this point, you haven’t yet finished climbing Mikaeri-zaka, but you’re already up close to the castle’s massive stone walls.

Wide view of Marugame Castle’s curved stone wall known as 'Fan Slope'

Upward view of Marugame Castle’s towering stone walls from a close distance

Some walls reach 20 meters high. Truly massive. Especially impressive is the beautiful curve known as the “Fan Slope”, where the angle steepens toward the top. This elegant shape, built without modern machines or computers, is a testament to the skill of Edo-period craftsmen.

Massive stone wall framed by greenery, highlighting its smooth curves and scale

The Second Half of Mikaeri-zaka: Enjoy the Contrast of Greenery and Stone

Let’s continue the climb along the second half of Mikaeri-zaka.

Stone-paved path climbing the second half of Mikaeri-zaka with trees on both sides

Although the slope is tough, the size of the nearby stone walls is awe-inspiring.

Seeing them in person offers a whole different sense of scale.

Tall stone walls viewed through green maple leaves, blending nature with architecture

Lush greenery stretching along the stone walls near the middle of Mikaeri-zaka

Blended view of stone walls and tree foliage, showing harmony between history and nature

Here’s a look from the top of the second half of Mikaeri-zaka. You can clearly see the steep gradient even from this upper vantage point.

Top of Mikaeri-zaka showing steep incline, handrails, and maintained stone paving

I visited in the peak of summer and was drenched in sweat after the climb. Bring a towel and plenty of water. At the next plaza, San-no-Maru, there’s a water fountain, so take a break once you finish the slope.

San-no-Maru Plaza

At the top of Mikaeri-zaka, you’ll find San-no-Maru Plaza, a scenic open space with panoramic views.

Rounded seating area in the plaza, ideal for rest

At around 50 meters above sea level, you can see Mt. Iino (Sanuki Fuji), the Doki River, Sakaide’s industrial zone, and even the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The southeast corner also holds the former site of Tsukimi Yagura, once a beloved moon-viewing spot.

Southeastern corner of San-no-Maru with views of the surrounding area

View of Marugame City from the edge of the plaza beyond the fence

Stunning View from the East Turret Platform Ruins

Although the best views await at the Honmaru (main keep), the East Turret Platform Ruins in San-no-Maru Plaza offer a satisfying reward after your climb. From here, you can see the whole of Marugame City.

Viewing area at the East Turret Platform Ruins with wooden fence and open view of the city

View of Marugame City and surrounding mountains under a cloudy sky

Panoramic view of the city with Mt. Iino in the background from the East Turret site

Contrast of cityscape and greenery seen from the turret platform

Harmonious view of Marugame and the Seto Inland Sea from the East Turret area

Iconic view of Mt. Iino and Marugame from the East Turret on a clear day

Tsukimi Yagura Ruins

Also located in San-no-Maru Plaza, opposite the East Turret site, are the Tsukimi Yagura Ruins, another great viewpoint.

Grassy area and viewing fence at the Tsukimi Yagura site with Mt. Iino visible ahead

Panoramic view from Tsukimi Yagura surrounded by greenery with city and mountain beyond

Scenic view of Marugame from Tsukimi Yagura, blending trees, sky, and town

Peaceful view from Tsukimi Yagura with Mt. Iino rising in the distance

Kinno-hi Monument

The Kinno-hi Monument honors two historical figures from Marugame who were active during the late Edo and early Meiji periods.

Dohi Sanemitsu (Daisaku) and Muraoka Sojiro, both from Marugame, were patriots during the Meiji Restoration. This monument was built during the Taisho era to commemorate their dedication. Dohi later held key government posts, and Muraoka is remembered for his unwavering loyalty at a young age.

Massive Stone Walls from San-no-Maru

The view of the stone walls from San-no-Maru is also striking. These are the stone walls of Ninomaru, located beside the Enjukaku annex.

View looking up from San-no-Maru at the angled stone walls of Ninomaru

Stone walls photographed from a lower angle to emphasize height and scale

Stone wall curving gently alongside greenery, creating a harmonious composition

Dramatic upward view of Marugame’s iconic stone walls against the sky

Now let’s continue toward the keep.

Signpost and stone wall at a fork in the path leading to the keep

Paved slope ascending alongside a stone wall, part of the path to the keep

Shaded path between trees and stone walls just before reaching the keep

Ninomaru Plaza

Passing through San-no-Maru brings you to Ninomaru Plaza, another open area featuring restrooms and a water fountain.

Landscaped walking paths and plantings in the Ninomaru garden area

Stone steps and wooded edges surrounding the Ninomaru plaza space

Signpost for Ninomaru Well surrounded by trees and grass

The Well with a Chilling Legend

One of Ninomaru’s highlights is a well steeped in legend.

Wide shot of the Ninomaru Well covered by a black wooden roof

The Ninomaru Well is said to be the deepest in Japan, with a diameter of approximately 1.8 meters and a depth of around 65 meters. It’s located at the highest point within Marugame Castle grounds and still holds water today. A chilling tale accompanies this well.

Information board explaining the legend of Hasaka Juzaemon and the Ninomaru Well

According to the story:

When the castle lord proudly declared,

“Behold! No one can scale such towering walls!”

The builder Hasaka Juzaemon replied,

“I know a way to climb it,”

and demonstrated how by using an iron bar.

Fearing this technique might leak to enemies,

the lord lured Hasaka to the well…

Wooden-roofed structure covering the Ninomaru Well, well-preserved from historical times

It’s said the well still contains water. Peering into it feels as if you might get pulled in. When looking inside, be careful not to get “dragged in” by Hasaka Juzaemon’s lingering spirit.

View inside the dark, deep well through protective mesh

Dark, hollow interior of the well seen from above, evoking its depth and mystery

Now, onward to the keep.

Path leading from the well toward the keep, lined with stone walls and trees

Honmaru (Main Bailey)

Signpost and information board marking the Honmaru area, standing in the grass

You’ve arrived at Honmaru, the central area of the castle. This spacious plaza contains the main keep and the remains of turrets.

Center of Honmaru plaza with planted pine trees and views stretching into the distance

Honmaru grounds with well-maintained paths and greenery leading to the viewpoint

View of Marugame Castle's keep rising above the stone walls from Honmaru

Panoramic Views from Honmaru

The turret ruins in Honmaru serve as an observation deck offering breathtaking views over Marugame City.

Observation platform in Honmaru with wooden fence overlooking the city

Expansive view of Marugame with Mt. Iino in the background on a clear day

Sweeping vista from Honmaru showing harmony between buildings and mountains

View of Marugame city from behind the wooden fence at the Honmaru viewpoint

City and sky seen from the edge of the Honmaru observation area

Full view of residential and commercial areas visible from Honmaru

City center under cloudy skies viewed from the high point of the castle

Panorama from Marugame toward the Seto Inland Sea, seen from Honmaru

Original Edo-Era Keep: One of Japan’s 12 Remaining

Finally, face-to-face with the main keep—the effort to climb up here was absolutely worth it.

Front view of the white three-story keep of Marugame Castle standing atop stone walls

Slightly angled view of the keep with blue sky and surrounding greenery

Distant cityscape as seen from near the keep, showing elevation advantage

Marugame Castle’s keep is one of Japan’s 12 original surviving castle keeps, making it an important historic structure.

Stone steps leading to the keep, with handrails and preserved historical layout

Roof eaves and white walls of the keep, framed by green pine trees

Latticed wooden window and white exterior of the keep showing period architecture

Pathway and greenery behind the keep, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere

Upward view of the keep from behind, highlighting its layered roof and curved eaves

Full view of the keep’s rear side surrounded by a grassy field

There’s also a viewing area behind the keep.

Observation area behind the keep with signposts and tree-covered views of the city

Path near the keep winding through trees and greenery

Stone-paved path and planted trees around the keep offering a scenic walkway

Marugame city viewed from behind the keep, with a backdrop of mountains

View from the high Honmaru area looking over the city center

Panoramic view of Marugame city and the Seto Inland Sea with Mt. Iino visible

Marugame Castle – Home to Japan’s Tallest Stone Walls

Seeing these towering stone walls in person was truly impressive.

Upward angled view of Marugame Castle’s high stone wall with its iconic Fan Slope curve

Wide view of the stone walls towering above grassy areas, emphasizing their height

Stone wall’s clean lines rising above gentle grass, creating striking contrast

Top of the stone wall with a glimpse of the keep, emphasizing the castle’s vertical scale

Climbing the steep Mikaeri-zaka to reach the top was tough, but seeing the stone walls and the historic keep made it worth every step.

Castles are designed to be difficult to conquer, and Marugame Castle achieves this through its sheer elevation. It truly felt like an impregnable fortress.

Marugame Castle: the castle with the tallest stone walls in Japan.

Definitely worth a visit.

Distant view of Marugame Castle with stone walls and keep rising beyond the park