About Marugamejo(Castle)
Marugame Castle, located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a famous Japanese castle with an existing wooden keep. The castle was built by Chikamasa Ikoma in 1597 during the early Edo period (1603-1868), and has undergone several restorations since then to its current appearance. One of the most notable features of Marugame Castle is its beautiful stone walls and the location of its high keep.
Marugame Castle features one of the tallest stone walls in Japan, with graceful curves, also known as "fan slope". These stone walls were built for the purpose of castle defense, and they convey to visitors the appearance of a strong castle fortress. From the castle tower on top of the stonewalls, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Marugame city area. It is especially popular as a photo spot at sunset, when the scenery is bathed in a beautiful orange glow.
Inside the castle, historical materials are on display, where visitors can learn about the history of the castle and the background of its construction. Inside the castle keep, the wooden staircase and beams are still intact, and visitors can feel the historical construction techniques. The 360-degree panoramic view from the castle tower offers a panoramic view of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-see when visiting.
Furthermore, Marugame Castle is a place where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. In spring, the castle is decorated with cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the leaves turn beautiful colors. Especially during the cherry blossom season, the "Marugame Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, attracting many tourists. In winter, the castle is lit up and visitors can enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the castle.
Around Marugame Castle, there is also an area that retains the atmosphere of a castle town, where visitors can enjoy strolling through the historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Local specialties and gourmet foods can also be enjoyed, and should be sampled during your visit. Marugame Castle is a tourist attraction that continues to be loved by many people for its beautiful scenery and historical value.