9 Mei 2014

Tokushima Castle Ruins

One of the Top 100 Castles in Japan

Oleh Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Statue of the first lord of the Tokushima Han, Hachisuka Iemasa. With the setting sun in the backdrop, it looks as though he still reigns in Tokushima

Impressive big tree and statue of Hachisuka Iemasa, the first lord of Tokushima

There are three paths to reach the Castle Keep Ruins, which is on top of a hill; this is one of them, the most gradual of the three

Stone wall along the path leading up to the Castle Keep Ruins

This is one of three paths leading to the top of the hill. This one is the steepest

Entrance of the Tokushima Castle Front Palace Garden. Unfortunately, we came too late and it was already closed. This is one of the Top 100 Gardens in Japan, and the entrance fee is only 50 yen/adult

Colorful stone walls and the castle moat. Most of these colorful stones were taken out from Mt. Bizan in Tokushima city

Gejo Bridge and a pine tree. Look closely at the colorful stones on the wall

Eagle Gate. It was burnt down during the World War II, then rebuilt in 1989

I went to Tokushima during the Golden Week holidays and revisited some places that I used to go to as a child, but never really saw closely. Tokushima Castle is one of them. Although I picnicked, drew some pictures unwillingly, or skipped classes and hid in the woods, etc. a long time ago, I never knew the stone walls were so colorful, or that there was a statue of the first lord of the Tokushima Han, Hachisuka Iemasa in the center of the park, etc.. This castle is designated as a national historical site, and is also one of the Top 100 Castles in Japan, and the garden is one of the Top 100 Gardens. A 10-minute walk away from JR Tokushima Station, you willl surely enjoy visiting the castle if you happen to be in Tokushima!