Makabe Castle, Japanese castle ruins in Sakuragawa, Japan.
Makabe Castle is a medieval fortification in Sakuragawa featuring multiple concentric earthen walls and ditches. The site contains several fortified sections, with the main bailey surrounded by secondary enclosures that create layers of defensive structures.
The castle was founded in 1172 by Makabe Nagamune and served as the clan residence for more than 400 years. The family later relocated when the center of their power shifted to Akita Prefecture.
This was a significant regional seat for the Makabe clan, reflecting the military organization of medieval Japan. Visitors today can walk through the different fortified sections and understand how the layout served the needs of those who lived and governed here.
The grounds include a modern gymnasium within the main bailey area, so parts of the site are still in active use. Restoration work on the earthen walls and historical ditches is ongoing, which may affect access to certain sections.
Archaeological work beginning in 1997 uncovered a garden complex with waterways and ponds in the middle fortified area. This discovery ranks among the largest of its kind found in the Ibaraki region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Mount Tsukuba
5.4 km
The Hirosawa City
8.5 km
Tsukubasan Shrine
5.5 km
Mount Kaba
4.1 km
Mount Hōkyō
12 km
Rakuho-ji
6.4 km
Tsukuba Wanwan Land
8.4 km
Mount Tsukuba Ropeway
5.7 km
Ōmidō
6.9 km
Ibaraki Flower Park
8.8 kmChâteau de Taki
10.2 km
Kiyotaki-dera
13.1 km
Mount Kinoko
2.2 km
Mount Ashio
3.4 km
西光院
4.9 km
Makabe Denshokan
982 m
Tojo-ji temple
12.6 km
Tsukubasan bairin
6.9 km
薬王院
5.2 km
Chikusei Public Library
11.9 km
Oyama-ji
12.2 km
Niihari Gunga ruins
9.6 km
Mount Minedera
4.5 km
Shinzenkō-ji
7.3 km
佐自塚古墳
8.2 km
岩瀬駅前土地区画整理事業
9.6 km
得生寺
764 m
Mount Tsukuba Cable Car
6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes