Tsuchiura Castle 土浦城

Secret castle and rare yagura

Although Tsuchiura Castle’s keep was destroyed, it still is a charming place with moats, ancient trees and well preserved gates and walls. The highlights are the two gates. The yaguramon is the only turret gate remaining from the Kanto region’s lost castles. The east gate is also carefully preserved and houses the dragon fish, the shachi, that was supposed to protect the castle from calamity. At least the two gates remain. Also on the grounds are a temple and the gate house of a samurai school. Tsuchiura also has some kura storehouses and old shop fronts so it’s a great place to wander and take photos.