Kōriyama Castle

Kōriyama Castle was a fortified hilltop complex in southwestern Nara Prefecture, defended by three concentric moats and stone walls. Today the grounds form a park with hundreds of cherry trees and walking paths that trace the remains of the original structure.

The castle was built in 1580 by Tsutsui Junkei and later passed into the hands of Toyotomi Hidenaga, brother of one of Japan's most influential military leaders. Its ownership by this powerful family reflects its strategic importance during the period of national unification.

The site draws people together during the cherry blossom season, when locals and visitors gather to celebrate beneath the flowering trees. This annual gathering shows how the place remains central to the community's rhythm and traditions.

The site is just a short walk from Yamato Koriyama Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, making it easy to reach. Early spring is the busiest time when the cherry trees bloom, but the park remains open and walkable throughout the year.

The castle walls incorporate stones repurposed from nearby temples and burial grounds, giving the structure a distinctive character. These recycled materials reveal practical building methods of the era and add a layer of history that visitors can observe in the stonework itself.

Location: Yamatokoriyama

Inception: 1162

Founders: Tsutsui Junkei

Fee: No

Operator: 大和郡山市

Part of: Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles, Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots

GPS coordinates: 34.65188,135.77902

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:38