Tsuyama Castle Ruins and Castle Town: Walking Kakuzan Park, Cherry Blossom Spot in the Strategic City of Mimasaka Province

Tsuyama Castle in northern Okayama's Tsuyama City functioned as the castle of the Tsuyama Domain during the Edo period, completed in 1616 (Genna 2). Currently developed as "Kakuzan Park," it is an outstanding cherry blossom spot selected for Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Castle Ruins Stone Walls and Cherry Blossoms

Tsuyama Castle's tower was demolished under the Meiji-era castle abolition order, but the stone walls retain their original appearance. The impressive high stone walls surrounding the main keep ruins in particular are counted among Japan's three great tall stone walls, offering panoramic views of the city from atop. In spring, approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full glory, creating spectacular scenery of stone walls and cherry blossoms together.

Tsuyama Western Studies and Dutch Learning Culture

Tsuyama City is known as "the town of Dutch learning," having produced many rangaku (Dutch learning) scholars including Udagawa Genzui, Udagawa Genshin, and Udagawa Yoan during the Edo period. At the "Tsuyama Western Studies Museum," the achievements of Tsuyama-born rangaku scholars who pioneered fields including medicine, chemistry, and botany can be learned.

Strolling the Castle Town

Samurai residences, merchant houses, and shrines are scattered throughout the castle town for enjoyable strolling. "Hormone udon" popular as a B-grade gourmet is a Tsuyama specialty.

Access

About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kishin Line Tsuyama Station to the castle ruins. About 1 hour by highway bus from Okayama Station.