The Tatsumi Turret is one of the few surviving castle turrets in Japan that maintains its original Edo-period structure.
The Iron Gate (Temon) is constructed with a unique 'hidden gate' architectural style, making it difficult for intruders to identify the primary entrance.
The Mizoguchi family, who built the castle, governed the region continuously for over 270 years until the Meiji Restoration.
The castle is nicknamed 'Ayame Castle' (Iris Castle) due to the extensive iris gardens located in the adjacent Shimizu-en area.
The stone walls utilize a 'Nozurazumi' technique, where naturally shaped stones are stacked without complex geometric shaping.
Shibata Castle, also known as Suwa Castle, is a historic site featuring a rare three-story turret that remains connected to its original stone gate. It served as the seat of the Mizoguchi clan, who ruled the Shibata Domain for 12 generations during the Edo period. The castle layout utilizes the unique topography of the surrounding plains and waterways for natural defense. The current structure includes a reconstructed Tatsumi Turret and the Iron Gate, designated as Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. Its design features distinctive white-walled construction with copper-tiled roofing. Visitors can explore the preserved park grounds which formerly housed the main castle keep and secondary enclosures. The site provides architectural insight into 17th-century Japanese fortress design.
The view from the stone bridge crossing the moat, looking directly at the Tatsumi Turret and the Iron Gate.
Combine your visit with the neighboring Shimizu-en Garden for a complete historical experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park grounds feature gravel paths and sloped terrain.
Visit during the spring, when the cherry blossoms surrounding the moat create a highly localized visual effect.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the original stone walls, as they are fragile historical artifacts.
The interior of the Tatsumi Turret is closed to the public during the winter months.
Stay on marked gravel paths to preserve the integrity of the earthworks; smoking is strictly prohibited within the grounds.
