Toyama Castle in the center of Toyama City, was originally built in 1543 by a powerful feudal lord named Sassa Narimasa. However, the castle keep was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and reconstructions, the latest in 1954. Today, the castle is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan’s feudal history.
Toyama Castle Ruin Park
Toyama Castle, which is now part of the Toyama Castle Ruins Park, features a beautiful green lawn, a Japanese garden and an art museum. The current castle-keep boasts impressive architecture and design, and its original wall and moat beautifully reflect the feudal era’s artistry and engineering. Today, the keep houses the Toyama municipal folk museum, where visitors can explore numerous exhibits, including the castle’s history, the Maeda family’s artifacts, and other relics of feudal times. Moreover, the observatory on the top floor offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding city.
Spring at the Castle
The castle is home to a beautiful garden that encircles a serene pond and offers delightful walking paths. This park is a favored relaxation spot among locals, particularly during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom over the ramparts and moat, offering a stunning view of the castle. Additionally, over 500 cherry trees bloom yearly alongside the Matsukawa riverbank that borders the park’s north side, which is also one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Visitors can even take a leisure boat ride along the river to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
In addition, there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, like dressing up as a samurai and posing in front of the Toyama Castle backdrop, strolling through the garden in a traditional kimono, try your hand at making traditional crafts, take part in a Japanese tea ceremony or visit the Sato memorial art museum to view art exhibitions. This castle is an excellent destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun and educational outing.
