Katsuyama Castle

Katsuyama Castle is a Japanese castle in the city of Katsuyama with a five-story structure that rises approximately 60 meters (200 feet) high. The building stands out for its towering height and six interior levels, making it the tallest castle structure in the country.

Shibata Katsuyasu founded the castle in 1579 as an administrative center for the Echizen-Katsuyama Domain. During the Edo period under Tokugawa rule, it developed into an important regional seat of power.

The castle houses a museum displaying weapons, tools, and objects from different periods of Japanese history, reflecting the regional identity of Fukui Prefecture. Visitors can explore old craftsmanship techniques and everyday items from past eras.

The castle is reachable by local bus from Katsuyama Station, with the journey taking about 20 minutes. The observation platform at the top offers free views over the surrounding city and landscape.

The castle walls feature stone carvings of dragon motifs, which represent strength and fortune in Japanese symbolism. The building overlooks wide rice paddies and the Hakusan mountain ridge rising in the distance.

Location: Katsuyama

Inception: 1579

Founders: Katsumasa Shibata

GPS coordinates: 36.06106,136.50046

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:44