- 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, Famous for Its Stone Walls
Marugame Castle is widely renowned for having Japan’s tallest stone walls and their remarkable beauty. It also preserves a castle tower built during the Edo period. Walking through the grounds, you’ll be overwhelmed by the impressive stone walls, the commanding presence of the tower, and the panoramic views of the city.
Beyond preserving its history, Marugame Castle continues to implement new initiatives as a modern tourist destination, making it an enjoyable castle to visit from multiple perspectives.
In this article, we’ll introduce the 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 Japan’s twelve remaining original castle towers and is a popular tourist attraction famous for its beautiful stone walls—the tallest in Japan. It has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Castles of Japan.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | [Tower] 9:00 am–4:30 pm (last entry 4:00 pm) / [Inside Ote - ichi - no - mon Gate] 9:00 am–4:30 pm |
| Closed | Open year - round |
| Phone | 0877 - 85 - 5852 |
| Official Website | Marugame Castle - Marugame City Official Website |
| Parking | Free parking available on - site |
| Access | 15 - minute walk from JR Yosan Line Marugame Station |
| Address | 1 - bancho, Marugame City, Kagawa 763 - 0025 |
Japan’s Tallest: Stunning Stone Walls Over 60m High
Marugame Castle boasts stone walls with a total height exceeding 60 meters from the base of the main gate to the main enclosure—the tallest among all existing castles in Japan.
The stone walls reach approximately 20 meters at their highest point, presenting an overwhelming presence when viewed from below.
The stone walls feature various techniques depending on the level of stone processing, including uchikomi-hagi and kirikomi-hagi as primary methods, with nozurazumi and sangi-zumi visible in the same location.
Details such as stones with carved marks, neatly arranged sangi-zumi stacking, and the gentle curve known as “fan slope” that becomes more pronounced toward the top showcase the craftsmanship and design sensibility of the builders.
Looking up from below, the rhythm and curves of the stones fill your field of vision—not merely a defensive wall, but a breathtaking work of sculptural beauty.
One of Twelve Original Towers: A Precious Castle Tower Preserving Edo-Period Architecture
The tower of Marugame Castle is one of the “Twelve Original Castle Towers” that have survived from the Edo period in their original form.
Though compact with its three-story, three-floor structure, its position atop the stone walls gives it visual height and commanding presence.
The interior preserves the original wooden construction, with pillars and beams that showcase the techniques and ingenuity of the era.
Tower Admission Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | 400 yen |
| Children (junior high school and under) | Free |
A combination ticket including both Marugame Castle tower admission and Nakatsu Banshoen Garden entry is available for 900 yen, saving you 300 yen (regular price: tower ticket 400 yen + Nakatsu Banshoen ticket 800 yen = 1,200 yen).
Tower-only tickets can be purchased at Marugame Castle tower. Combination tickets are available at either Marugame Castle tower or Nakatsu Banshoen Garden.
Payment options include cash, credit cards, transportation IC cards, and QR code payments.
Spectacular Panorama: Views of the Seto Inland Sea and Sanuki Fuji from the Main Enclosure
The main enclosure of Marugame Castle once had three watchtowers connected to each other and to the main tower by corridor turrets, allowing movement between them (connected tower style).
While the watchtowers themselves no longer exist, their former sites have been developed as observation decks offering views of Marugame city, the Seto Inland Sea, and Mount Iinoyama, affectionately known as Sanuki Fuji. The expansive views exceed expectations—truly capturing the essence of a castle built on a mountain.
Additionally, the East Projecting Stone Wall in the Sannomaru area has been developed as an observation platform, offering another recommended viewpoint.
With multiple viewpoints offering different perspectives, be sure to explore each location at Marugame Castle.
The Castle’s Grand Entrance: Ote-ichi-no-mon Gate, Where Drums Tell Time
Ote-ichi-no-mon, the main gate of Marugame Castle, is a wooden turret gate built around 1670 (Kanbun 10) and is one of the few surviving Edo-period castle gate structures. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
This gate is located at the entrance to the Sannomaru area, characterized by its robust structure surrounded by thick stone walls. The upper portion is a two-story turret designed with defensive capabilities to attack intruders from above.
It is also called the “Drum Gate” because domain retainers would beat a drum at noon to announce the time. Even today, visitors can participate in a drum-beating experience (free) by registering at the tourist information center by 11:50 on the day.
Toki - taiko Drum Experience at Marugame Castle Drum Gate - Marugame City Tourism Association
The gate interior is open to the public, allowing visitors to observe defensive features like stone-dropping openings and Edo-period construction techniques up close.
A Marugame Castle Signature: The Incredibly Steep “Mikaeri-zaka” Slope
The most memorable feature of the approach to Marugame Castle is Mikaeri-zaka (Looking Back Slope). Approximately 150 meters long with a gradient over 10 degrees, this steep uphill climb earned its name because many climbers literally look back as they ascend.
Walking it firsthand proves quite challenging. We recommend taking it slowly with rest breaks. Looking back reveals just how steep it really is.
Just when you think you’ve made it, another steep section awaits.
Knowing beforehand that Mikaeri-zaka is divided into two sections can save you from despair on-site. Perhaps learning this alone makes reading this article worthwhile.
However, reaching the top rewards you with the Sannomaru area and suddenly expansive views. Keep the spectacular scenery and original castle tower in mind as motivation to conquer Mikaeri-zaka.
Premium Hospitality: A Special Stay at the Cultural Heritage “Enjukaku Annex”
Enjukaku Annex, located in the Sannomaru area of Marugame Castle, is a single-story wooden building constructed in 1933 (Showa 8), featuring ceilings and transoms relocated from the Kyogoku family’s Edo residence. With a floor area of approximately 120 square meters, traditional Japanese design elements can be appreciated throughout.
Since July 2024, Enjukaku Annex has been refurbished as a “castle stay” facility. Limited to one group per day, guests can experience the special feeling of staying in a feudal lord’s residence.
The building preserves original design elements associated with the Kyogoku family, including fittings, transoms, and decorative hardware, creating an accommodation space where guests can tangibly experience historical culture. The scenic integration with the garden also adds charm, with borrowed scenery views of the castle town creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Guests are offered the “Marugame Castle Castle Experience,” which includes rickshaw transportation and castle activities, along with meals featuring Kyogoku family cuisine for dinner and breakfast, and traditional cultural experiences to deepen understanding of history and culture.
Seasonal Events: Festivals of Flowers and Light at Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle hosts events throughout the year that showcase different seasonal attractions. From cherry blossoms in spring to enchanting illuminations from autumn through winter, performances harmonizing with the historic stone walls and tower captivate visitors. Here we introduce the signature seasonal events that add color to Marugame Castle.
Marugame Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
The castle grounds feature approximately 650-700 cherry trees (mainly Somei Yoshino varieties), typically reaching full bloom from late March to early April. The sight of cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of stone walls is spectacular, with the curved beauty of the “fan slope” stone walls harmonizing movingly with the blossoms.
During the cherry blossom festival (typically March 25 to April 10), evening illuminations light up the stone walls and tree-lined paths with paper lanterns and decorative lights. The “Sea of Cherry Blossoms” illumination in the Ninomaru area is particularly popular for its dreamlike view of flowers and lights spreading below.
Marugame Castle Castle Road
From autumn through winter, an annual illumination event called “Marugame Castle Castle Road” takes place. The approach path and stone walls from the main gate to the tower are adorned with lights, projection mappings illuminate the masugata stone walls and Ote-ichi-no-mon Gate, and Mikaeri-zaka transforms into a tunnel of light—creating an enchanting castle landscape entirely different from daytime.
These seasonal presentations add color to Marugame Castle’s historic landscape, offering even repeat visitors entirely different impressions. With spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, and autumn illuminations, there’s always something to enjoy no matter when you visit.
From the observation deck atop the East Stone Wall in the Sannomaru area, you can also enjoy beautiful night views of Marugame city—a surprisingly little-known hidden gem for night scenery.
History of Marugame Castle: From Feudal Era to Modern Times
The history of Marugame Castle begins in 1597 (Keicho 2) when Ikoma Chikamasa and his son Kazumasa, retainers of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, built the castle on Kameyama (Marugame). A “sogamae” (comprehensive defense) design was adopted, enclosing the castle and castle town with earthworks and moats—a structure demonstrating the authority and defensive power of the era.
Later, following the One Castle Per Province Law in 1615 (Genna 1), the castle was once abandoned. In 1641 (Kan’ei 18), Yamazaki Ieharu was transferred as lord of Marugame Domain and began reconstruction. In 1658 (Manji 1), the Kyogoku family took over, and in 1660 (Manji 3), the existing three-story, three-floor tower was completed, with the current main gate location and other structures being built around 1670 (Kanbun 10).
After the Meiji Restoration in 1872 (Meiji 5), most of the castle was scheduled for demolition, but the tower and gates were preserved. In 1919 (Taisho 8), it was opened as Kameyama Park, and in 1950 the tower, followed by the main gate in 1957, were designated as Important Cultural Properties.
| Construction begins on Kameyama by Ikoma Chikamasa and Kazumasa | |
| Castle abandoned under One Castle Per Province Law | |
| Yamazaki Ieharu becomes lord of Marugame Domain, reconstruction begins | |
| Kyogoku family takes over | |
| Current tower (three stories, three floors) completed | |
| Main gate constructed | |
| Most structures scheduled for demolition under Castle Abolition Law, but tower and gates preserved | |
| Opened to public as Kameyama Park | |
| Tower designated as Important Cultural Property | |
| Main gate designated as Important Cultural Property |
Access to Marugame Castle: Conveniently Located Within Walking Distance of the Station
Marugame Castle is located just a 10-minute walk from JR Marugame Station, making it very accessible for travelers using rail transportation.
For detailed information about train connections from major stations, driving directions, parking locations, and congestion conditions, please refer to the article below.
Read more about Access to Marugame Castle
A Castle That Honors History While Continuing Bold New Initiatives: Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle is a precious historical site with a castle tower surviving from the Edo period. With Japan’s tallest stone walls, challenging slopes, views of the Seto Inland Sea and Sanuki Fuji, cultural experiences, and seasonal illuminations, it is truly a castle filled with charm meant to be “savored on foot.”
This article introduced the sculptural beauty of the stone walls, views from the main enclosure, and the value as historical architecture from the perspective of actually walking the grounds. Thanks to its compact layout offering many attractions even in a short time, it’s an easy stop during Kagawa sightseeing or a Shikoku trip.
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in Japanese and castle culture, the "Marugame Castle Castle Experience" is highly recommended. You can fully enjoy Marugame city and Japanese culture while staying next to an original castle tower—a truly unique experience. Staying overnight at a castle is rare in itself, but the comprehensive service covering various cultural experiences and dining exemplifies the spirit of Japanese hospitality. The opportunity to use the original castle tower as a bar after dinner seems like a dream experience even to Japanese visitors. You’re guaranteed a luxurious time.
Marugame Castle frequently implements new initiatives, including limited-time collaboration events and experimental services. Check the Marugame Castle official website for the latest information before your visit.
Please visit Marugame Castle as it continues to propose modern ways to enjoy the site—look up at the stone walls, climb the tower, savor the scenery, and experience the deep historical charm of Marugame Castle.
