- How to Get to Marugame Castle: Complete Access Guide by Train, on Foot, or by Car
- This 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.
Discover the Highlights of Marugame Castle, Renowned for Its Stone Walls
Marugame Castle is widely known for having the tallest stone walls in Japan and for the beauty of their construction. It is also home to one of the few remaining original castle towers from the Edo period. Walking around the site, you’ll be awed by the grandeur of the walls, the commanding presence of the keep, and the sweeping views over the city.
Beyond its historical preservation, Marugame Castle is also actively evolving with new tourism initiatives, making it an enjoyable destination even for modern travelers.
In this article, we’ll explore the must-see highlights of Marugame Castle.
Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle is a hilltop castle located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. Built in the early Edo period, it is one of the twelve remaining original castle keeps in Japan. It is especially known for its beautiful and towering stone walls, which are the tallest in the country. The castle is also listed among Japan’s Top 100 Castles.
- Business hours
- [Main Keep] 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm)
- [Interior of Ote Ichino Gate] 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open year - round
- Telephone number
- +081-877-85-5852
- Official site
- https://www.city.marugame.lg.jp/site/castle/
- Parking
- Free parking available on site
- How to visit
- 15 - minute walk from JR Yosan Line Marugame Station
- Address
- 1 Ichibancho, Marugame City, Kagawa 763 - 0025
Japan’s Tallest Castle Walls: Over 60 Meters of Magnificent Stonework
One of Marugame Castle’s defining features is its massive stone walls that rise from the Otemon Gate area at the foot of the hill all the way to the main keep. The total elevation reaches over 60 meters, making it the tallest among all existing castles in Japan.
At its highest point, the stone wall itself is approximately 20 meters tall. Its imposing structure overwhelms anyone who gazes up from the base.
Various masonry techniques are showcased throughout the site, with dressed-stone methods such as uchikomi hagi and kirikomi hagi being the most prominent. You can also spot examples of nozurazumi (unshaped stone stacking) and sangizumi (corner-stone technique) in different locations.
Notable features include engraved stones, the precise interlocking of corner stones, and the gentle curvature known as the “fan slope” (ogi no kobai) seen in the upper portions—evidence of craftsmanship and aesthetic intent.
When viewed from below, the rhythm and curves of the stonework fill your vision, transforming what is essentially a fortification into a breathtaking piece of architectural art.
One of Japan’s Twelve Original Keeps: A Rare Survivor from the Edo Period
The keep of Marugame Castle is one of Japan’s twelve remaining original keeps, preserved in its original form since the Edo period.
Though small in scale with three stories and three floors, its elevated position atop towering stone walls gives it a visually commanding presence.
The interior still retains its wooden structure, including beams and columns that showcase the architectural techniques and ingenuity of the time.
Admission Fees for the Keep
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥400 |
| Children (Junior high school and younger) | Free |
A combination ticket is available for ¥900, which includes admission to both the Marugame Castle keep and Nakazu Banshoen Garden—saving you ¥300 (regular prices: keep ¥400 + garden ¥800 = ¥1,200).
Tickets for the keep alone can be purchased directly at the Marugame Castle keep. The combination ticket is available at both the castle and Nakazu Banshoen.
Accepted payment methods include cash, credit card, IC transportation cards, and QR code payment systems.
Panoramic Views from the Main Keep: Seto Inland Sea and Mount Sanuki-Fuji
Marugame Castle’s main enclosure (honmaru) once featured three watchtowers (yagura) connected to the main keep via roofed corridors, forming a unique compound-style structure.
Although the towers themselves no longer exist, their former locations have been developed into scenic observation points. From here, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Marugame City, the Seto Inland Sea, and Mount Iino—fondly known as Sanuki-Fuji. The expansive visibility makes this a truly remarkable mountaintop castle experience.
Additionally, the eastern protruding stone wall area in the sannomaru (third enclosure) has also been developed into an observation deck, and it’s well worth visiting for another stunning view.
Marugame Castle offers different scenic perspectives from various points, so be sure to explore them all to fully enjoy the panorama.
The Main Gate of Marugame Castle: Ote Ichino Gate and Its Historic Drum Tower
Serving as the main entrance to Marugame Castle, Ote Ichino Gate is a wooden two-story gatehouse built around 1670 (Kanbun 10). It is one of the few remaining castle gates from the Edo period and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Located at the entrance to the sannomaru (third enclosure), the gate is surrounded by thick stone walls and was built with a robust defensive design. The upper level of the gate once served as a watchtower, equipped with features to repel intruders from above.
The gate is also known as the “Taiko-mon” (Drum Gate), named after the custom of samurai striking a drum at noon to mark the time. Today, visitors can experience this tradition by applying at the tourist information center by 11:50 a.m. to participate in the noon drum performance (free of charge).
Experience the Noon Drum at Marugame Castle – Official Tourism Site ｜ Marugame Tourism Association
The interior of the gate is open to the public, allowing visitors to see the defensive features such as stone-drop windows and admire the Edo-period construction up close.
Marugame Castle’s Notorious Steep Slope: The Dizzying Mikaeri-zaka
One of the most memorable parts of the ascent to Marugame Castle is the Mikaeri-zaka, or “Look-Back Slope.” This name comes from the fact that many visitors can’t help but look back repeatedly while climbing the steep hill—measuring about 150 meters in length with an incline exceeding 10 degrees.
Climbing it is no easy task. We recommend taking your time and resting along the way. One look back, and you’ll see just how steep it truly is.
And once you’ve made it this far, there’s still another steep slope waiting for you.
Be aware that Mikaeri-zaka is actually split into two sections. Knowing this beforehand may spare you from despair during the climb. If this article saved you from that shock, then it’s already served its purpose.
Once you reach the top, you’ll find the sannomaru, where the scenery opens up dramatically. Enjoy the rewarding views and the sight of the original keep—conquering Mikaeri-zaka is well worth it.
Exceptional Hospitality in a Cultural Treasure: Stay at Enshukaku Villa
Located in the sannomaru (third enclosure) of Marugame Castle, Enshukaku Villa is a single-story wooden residence built in 1933 (Showa 8). The building features architectural elements such as ceiling panels and transoms that were relocated from the Edo-period residence of the Kyōgoku clan. With a total floor area of about 120 m², the villa embodies classic Japanese design throughout.
As of July 2024, Enshukaku Villa has been renovated as a “castle stay” facility, allowing guests to spend the night within the castle grounds. Limited to one group per day, this exclusive stay offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live like the lord of Marugame Domain.
The villa preserves traditional craftsmanship, including decorative fittings, transoms, and other design features tied to the Kyōgoku family. The garden-facing rooms create a tranquil atmosphere, seamlessly blending with the castle-town backdrop for a peaceful and immersive experience.
Guests can also enjoy the “Marugame Castle Castle Experience,” a premium stay program that includes rickshaw transport, castle-themed activities, and gourmet meals known as Kyōgoku Kaiseki. These offerings are designed to deepen your appreciation of Japanese history and culture.
Seasonal Events at Marugame Castle: Blossoms and Illuminations Throughout the Year
Marugame Castle hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, offering visitors different charms depending on the time of their visit. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and from autumn through winter, the castle is illuminated in breathtaking displays. These events harmonize with the historical ambiance of the stone walls and castle keep, creating unforgettable experiences. Below are some of the most iconic seasonal celebrations at Marugame Castle.
Marugame Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
About 650–700 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino, are planted throughout the castle grounds. They typically reach full bloom from late March to early April. The sight of the blossoms set against the backdrop of the stone walls—especially the graceful curves known as the “fan slope”—is truly breathtaking.
During the festival period (typically March 25 to April 10), the castle is illuminated at night with lanterns and bonbori (paper lamps), casting a magical glow on the stone walls and cherry trees. Particularly popular is the “Sea of Sakura” display in the ninomaru area, where the blossoms and lights create an enchanting scene below.
Marugame Castle Castle Road
In the autumn and winter months, Marugame Castle holds an annual light-up event called Castle Road. The path from Otemon Gate to the main keep, as well as the stone walls along the way, are illuminated with vibrant lighting. Projection mapping is featured on the square-shaped stone walls and the Ote Ichino Gate, and Mikaeri-zaka transforms into a glowing tunnel—offering a mystical view completely different from the daytime.
These seasonal features add beauty to the castle’s historic scenery and offer a completely different impression with each visit. Whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, or night lights in fall, Marugame Castle is always worth returning to.
Be sure to visit the eastern observation point in the sannomaru to catch a view of Marugame City’s nightscape—an underrated and serene spot.
History of Marugame Castle: From Feudal Rule to Modern Preservation
Marugame Castle’s origins trace back to 1597 (Keichō 2), when it was built on Mt. Kameyama by Ikoma Chikamasa and his son Kazumasa—retainers of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle and its surrounding town were constructed in a fully fortified style, using moats and embankments to demonstrate both authority and defense.
In 1615 (Genwa 1), the One Castle per Province Law led to its initial abandonment. However, in 1641 (Kan’ei 18), Yamazaki Ieharu became lord of the Marugame Domain and began reconstruction. The Kyōgoku family took over in 1658 (Manji 1), and by 1660 (Manji 3), the current three-tiered keep was completed. Around 1670 (Kanbun 10), the present Otemon Gate and other structures were built.
During the Meiji Restoration, much of the castle was scheduled for demolition in 1872 (Meiji 5), but the keep and gate were preserved. In 1919 (Taisho 8), the area was opened to the public as Kameyama Park. The keep was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1950, followed by the gate in 1957.
| Construction of the castle on Mt. Kameyama began by Ikoma Chikamasa and Kazumasa | |
| Castle abolished under the One Castle per Province Law | |
| Yamazaki Ieharu appointed lord; reconstruction begins | |
| Kyōgoku family takes over the domain | |
| Completion of current three-tiered keep | |
| Construction of Otemon and other buildings | |
| Castle mostly slated for demolition, but keep and gate preserved | |
| Opened to the public as Kameyama Park | |
| Keep designated an Important Cultural Property | |
| Otemon Gate designated an Important Cultural Property |
Access to Marugame Castle: A Convenient Location Just Minutes from the Station
Marugame Castle is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from JR Marugame Station, making it easily accessible for travelers using public transportation.
For detailed information on how to get there from major stations, car access, parking locations, and congestion tips, see the article below:
Read more about How to Access Marugame Castle
A Historic Site That Preserves the Past While Embracing the Future
Marugame Castle is a rare historic site with an original Edo-period keep, the tallest stone walls in Japan, and impressive features such as steep climbing paths and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Mount Sanuki-Fuji. It also offers cultural experiences and seasonal illuminations—truly a castle best appreciated on foot.
This article has highlighted the castle’s aesthetic stonework, sweeping scenery from the honmaru, and its architectural significance through a firsthand walking tour. Compact and easy to explore even on a short visit, it makes for an excellent stop during your trip to Kagawa or greater Shikoku.
For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in Japanese history and castle culture, the Marugame Castle Castle Experience is highly recommended. Guests can enjoy not only accommodations next to the original keep, but also authentic cultural programs and heartfelt hospitality. From meals inspired by the Kyōgoku family to traditional experiences, the service embodies the spirit of Japanese omotenashi.
And yes—being able to enjoy a post-dinner drink inside an original keep turned bar is something even a native Japanese traveler would call a dream come true. It’s sure to be an unforgettable and luxurious experience.
Marugame Castle also continues to innovate, hosting special events such as a collaboration with Demon Slayer (Infinity Castle Arc) and a pilot service that lets visitors call taxis by scanning a QR code (Aug 1–Dec 31, 2025).
If you’re looking for a castle that actively proposes new ways to enjoy the present while honoring the past, Marugame Castle should be on your list. Take in the stonework, climb the keep, and gaze over the city—it’s a deep historical journey worth experiencing.
If you’d like to explore the atmosphere of Marugame Castle in even more detail, check out the following article:
