NaraTravel

Panoramic view of the castle town from the Tenshu Terrace Observation Facility. Fun searching for the "upside-down Jizō" in the stone walls

About this spot

The symbol of Yamato Koriyama, this castle ruin was the residence of Toyotomi Hidekatsu, brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, when he ruled Koriyama as a 1-million-koku domain. It was also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. Climbing up to the Tenshu Terrace Observation Facility, restored atop the stone walls, reveals the castle town's rooflines stretching below with the Yamato Basin spreading beyond. On clear days, you can see as far as Wakakusa Mountain and Ikoma Mountain—a breathtakingly open vista. Legend has it that during construction, stone Buddhist statues were repurposed in the stone walls to compensate for a stone shortage. Searching as a couple for the "upside-down Jizō"—a Buddha statue embedded upside-down in the castle walls—is a unique Koriyama Castle experience. The restored Ōte Gate and watch towers feature beautiful white walls, and the ruins are also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. A perfect starting point for your retro stroll, offering panoramic views of the castle town.

Tips

About a 7-minute walk from Kintetsu Koriyama Station. The Tenshu Terrace Observation Facility offers free admission, but opening hours are set (generally 7 a.m. to evening, varying by season), so check in advance for peace of mind. There are many stone steps and gravel paths, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The famous "upside-down Jizō" is embedded in the stone walls of the Tenshu Terrace—look for guidance signs as you search.