Azuchi castle ruins
4.2 (2591)
Azuchicho Shimotoira, 近江八幡市 Shiga 521-1311, Japan
Only the stone base remains of this once huge castle completed in 1567 with a 7-story tower.
Duration: 01h00min
+81 748-46-6594
outdoor
paid
daytime
traditional
Opening hours
Mondays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesdays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesdays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturdays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sundays: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
review(s)
2591 review(s)
Naoto Yokoo 3 weeks ago
A real castle for battle. It is not a beautiful castle suitable for sightseeing. Fortress in times of war. No one can reach the top easily
HedgeHodge “HodgePodge” 8 months ago
I’m usually not a fan of castle ruins because it’s usually just a mound of dirt and marker. But Azuchi castle was so grand even the ruins are incredible. The hike up the stone stairs is moderately difficult so pace yourself. Entry is 700 yen and the two goshuen are 600. The view from the top is spectacular.
Jeremy C 11 months ago
Easy and short climb overall. Great views of the area including Biwa-ko. Nice countryside and interesting other spots on the walk from the station. Drop by the Info Centre under the station which has lockers and a lovely lady who can speak solid English if needed.
Robert Dykes a year ago
I've been to over 50 castles in Japan. They want 700 yen for this one. One the most expensive entrance fees for any J-castle. And there are only ruins. No castle to maintain, no people working here that need a salary. I just came from Inuyama castle. Massive castle. Lots of people working there to help you and guide you along the way. Fans in some of the hotter parts of the castle. It's was only 400 yen. What also annoys me is I am collecting the 100 castle stamps list. This was number 18 for me. Every castle lets you get the stamp for free except for 3 (up to the this point in collecting). One of the other castles was only 200 yen to get in to get the stamp... So, whatever. The other was Inuyama castle, but why go there and not go in? And then, this place. I asked money collecting person if I could please just use the stamp and they said "no, 700 yen." The entrance fee is too high. There is no attached or adjust castle park like many have. No extras at all like many of the free or cheaper castles or castle parks have. And ZERO English. The name of the castle on the main entrance isn't even in Romanji. Zero zero English. All the signs for info and directions are rotting and falling apart, or have just fallen down and are laying in the dirt. I even overheard a Japanese family saying they couldn't read the explanations. What is my 700 going towards?! AND to top it all off, the drinks in the vending machine are about 30-40 yen higher than average.
Three Dave 4 years ago
Perfect place to explore on a sunny windy day (which is often in Shiga-ken). Admittence is 700 yen, the only bathroom is near the entrance, and there are many steps. The climb is worth it, however all of the information plaques are in Japanesse.