Shikoku Information

Area:

  • Kagawa

Category:

  • Sightseeing Spots
  • History and Culture

Marugame Castle

Marugame Castle
A symbol of Marugame, crowned by a surviving keep and Japan’s tallest stone walls.

Marugame Castle is renowned for one of Japan’s twelve surviving original wooden keeps and stone walls rising approximately 60 meters toward the summit. The grounds are open for walking 24 hours a day, and the keep overlooks the city of Marugame and the Seto Inland Sea.

Three highlights of Marugame Castle
  1. 1. Look up at the graceful high stone wallsKnown as the “fan curve,” the stone walls become steeper toward the top. Their four tiers rise to a combined height of about 60 meters, creating a view unique to Marugame Castle.
  2. 2. Visit the surviving wooden keepThe keep, preserved since the Edo period, is a National Important Cultural Property. Visitors can explore its interior and experience its history up close. Last admission is at 16:00.
  3. 3. Enjoy castle-town views and seasonal sceneryFrom around the keep, take in views over Marugame and the Seto Inland Sea. Cherry blossoms, illuminations, and other seasonal scenes add to the appeal; check official information for current events.
Official information

Check the official Marugame City website for current viewing hours, temporary closures, and event information.

Check the official Marugame City websiteGet directions on Google Maps

Quick access guide
By car
About 10 minutes from Zentsuji IC. The free parking lot south of the museum accommodates about 50 cars and is open from 6:00 to 19:00. A dedicated lot on the north side accommodates about five large buses.
By public transportation
About a 15-minute walk from JR Marugame Station. The route from the station makes it easy to combine your castle visit with a walk through the historic town.

* Parking hours and traffic restrictions may change during events. Check official information before visiting.

Nearby attractions

・Inokuma Genichiro Modern Art Museum
This contemporary art museum stands in front of JR Marugame Station and makes an excellent stop for art and architecture after exploring the castle’s history.

・Nakatsu Bansho-en
This daimyo garden is associated with the Kyogoku lords of the Marugame Domain and offers a peaceful walk through the history of the castle town.

・Marugame Uchiwa Museum
Discover the history and craftsmanship of Marugame uchiwa fans, one of the city’s traditional industries, at this cultural stop in the castle town.

* Opening status and admission fees may change. Check each facility’s official website before visiting.

Details

Area Kagawa
Address Ichibancho, Marugame, 763-0025 Kagawa
TEL +81-877-22-0331
FAX -
E-mail -

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Basic Information

Open hours 9:00–16:30
* Last admission to the keep is at 16:00.
Closed regularly None
* The keep may close temporarily during weather warnings, inspections, construction work, or events.
Admission fee (Main Tower) Adults: ¥400
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Parking lot Free parking: approximately 50 cars (6:00–19:00)
Large buses: approximately 5
Free Wi-Fi Yes
Toilet Yes
Recommended season Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter

A special experience found only here.

Marugame Castle has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles by experts in architecture, civil engineering, archaeology, history, and related fields, making it a cultural heritage site of international significance. Admission to the keep is charged, but the grounds are freely accessible and popular for walking and community recreation. Around 1,200 cherry trees bloom in spring, and the Marugame Castle Festival, held each year on May 3 and 4, draws crowds with events and food stalls.

Photo Gallery

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