The park's name, Kijō, translates to 'Turtle Castle' because the moat system was designed to mimic the shape of a swimming turtle.
It is one of the few locations in the Kanto region that preserves the original castle gate structures, specifically the Kasumi-mon and the Taiko Yagura.
The Tsuchiura City Museum, located within the park grounds, curates a collection focused on the history of the Tsuchiura Castle and the local samurai culture.
The defensive earthen mounds and moats surrounding the park date back to the Muromachi period, reflecting centuries of fortification evolution.
Kijō Park is built on the remains of the Tsuchiura Castle, serving as the historical site for the former residence of the Tsuchiura Domain lords. It is famously known as 'Turtle Castle' due to the fortress moat appearing to surround the area like a swimming turtle. The grounds feature preserved defensive structures including the Kasumi-mon Gate and the Yagura gate. The park serves as a popular public space containing a playground, numerous cherry trees, and expansive walking paths. It functions as the Tsuchiura City Museum site, which houses historical artifacts from the Edo period. The park is integrated into the urban center of Tsuchiura, maintaining significant earthen works and moats from the castle era.
The view of the Kasumi-mon Gate framed by the surrounding cherry trees.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the gravel paths and uneven terrain around the castle earthworks.
Visit the onsite Tsuchiura City Museum to view interior displays before walking the outdoor castle grounds.
Check local event calendars for the spring festival when the cherry blossoms are illuminated in the evening.
Assuming all original castle buildings are still standing, as most structures are reconstructions or ruins.
The onsite museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays.
Respect the historical integrity of the stone walls and gates; do not climb on the remaining ruins.
