NaganoTravel

Takashima Castle (高島城)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Walk through the solemn grounds where the Onbashira pillars stand and offer prayers together for a safe journey

About 30 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 90 min to the next stop

Next stop: Be enchanted by Art Nouveau glasswork including Gallé lamps

About this spot

This famous castle earned the name "Floating Castle of Suwa" because the waters of Lake Suwa once came so close that the castle appeared to float on the lake. The restored keep's interior serves as a museum conveying Suwa's history, and from the observation room on the top floor, you can see the town of Suwa and Lake Suwa spreading all around. The scenery created by the moats, stone walls, and vermillion-painted bridge is also excellent for photography. The castle grounds are maintained as a park where you can leisurely stroll while enjoying seasonal flowers and trees.

Tips

Admission to the keep (museum) is approximately 310 yen for adults; the park grounds are free to explore. The classic photo angle captures both the Karabuki Bridge and the keep together. Parking spaces are limited, so consider nearby coin parking as a backup plan.