[2025 Joetsu Attraction] Travel Guide for Takada Castle Three-storey Turret (Updated Apr)

Takada Castle Park was built on the ruins of Takada Castle, which was constructed over 400 years ago by Tokugawa Ieyasu's sixth son, Matsudaira Tadateru. The park is very spacious, covering about 50 hectares, and is planted with approximately 4,000 cherry blossom trees, mainly Somei Yoshino cherry trees. The scenery during the spring bloom, combined with the Takada Castle's three-story turret and the Aota River, is as picturesque as a painting. Especially at night, when the lights are lit, a dreamy atmosphere envelops the area. Along with Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture and Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo, it is known as one of Japan's three major night cherry blossom spots. In early April, the Takada Castle Million People Cherry Blossom Viewing Party is held in the park. As the name suggests, the park is bustling with people and a festive atmosphere. To tour the extensive Takada Castle Park, it is recommended to take a walk outside the castle's moat to Gokuraku Bridge during the day, then enter the castle for a visit. In the evening, shift to the Cherry Blossom Boulevard to enjoy the night cherry blossoms. During the cherry blossom viewing party, about 3,000 paper lanterns are set up in the venue. When it gets dark and the lights are turned on, the approximately 4,000 cherry blossom trees suddenly sparkle. The Takada Castle's three-story turret stands out like a protagonist on the stage, bathed in light. The cherry blossoms and the castle reflected in the moat create a dreamlike and unforgettable scene. Additionally, next to the Chureito Pagoda, there are song and dance performances on the cherry blossom stage to ignite the atmosphere, and near the Nishibori Bridge, there are a variety of food stalls, turning the park into a grand carnival. No wonder it attracts more than a hundred thousand cherry blossom viewers every year, from morning to night. Takada Castle Park Address: 44-1 Honjo-machi, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture

#timetotravel Many visitors come to the park for the autumn colours and the picturesque snow scenes are a highlight during winter. The park offers seasonal beauty throughout the year. Inside the restored three-storied pagoda historical goods of the Takada Domain (a local feudal domain) are on display. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Takada Castle Site Park from the top floor. The illuminated Takada castle has been selected as one of Japan’s top three castle night views, along with Osaka and Kochi castles. #japan

Ever feel like you’ve stepped into a snow globe? That’s exactly how my winter trip to Joetsu-Takada in Niigata Prefecture felt — calm, sparkly, and a little surreal (in the best way). This town’s famous for its Takada Park and winter charm, and even though I showed up with zero expectations, I left with frozen fingers and a full heart. The air was crisp — that kind of clean, icy scent that makes your nose tingle — and the snow muffled everything, like nature hit the mute button just to let me think for once. Takada Park in winter? Pure magic. Snow-covered bridges, moats frozen mid-motion, and these delicate lanterns lighting up the paths like soft stars. I arrived just before sunset, and the golden-pink light bouncing off the snow made everything look like a movie set. Funny moment? I tried to take a selfie with one of the lanterns but slipped on a patch of ice and slid (gracefully, I’d like to think) into a snowbank. A local auntie saw it, gasped, then handed me a hot sweet potato from her pocket. No idea where it came from, but it saved my life. Mini Itinerary: • 11:00 AM – Took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Joetsumyoko Station, then local train to Takada. • 1:30 PM – Quick lunch near the station (udon + tempura, because winter = carbs). • 2:30 PM – Arrived at Takada Park, explored the grounds, and got lost in snow-covered beauty. • 5:00 PM – Stayed for the light-up — worth every frozen toe. • 7:00 PM – Warmed up with amazake from a street vendor before heading back. Tips for travelers: • Layer up — Joetsu gets real cold, especially after dark. • Visit mid-January to early February for the lantern festival and snow at its peak. • Try the local street snacks — warm, sweet, and totally comfort food vibes. If you’re craving a slower, quieter winter moment that feels miles away from tourist chaos, Joetsu-Takada might be your snowy soulmate.

#cherryblossom25 Takato Castle Park gave me a completely different cherry blossom experience — soft, almost mystical. The park is famous for its kohigan-zakura, a slightly smaller variety with a deeper pink hue, and the whole place glows with color during peak bloom. I went early in the morning and the light mist over the petals made the old castle ruins feel like a fairytale. The views from the hilltop were incredible — cherry blossoms as far as the eye could see, with mountains framing the background. I grabbed some freshly steamed oyaki (stuffed dumplings) from a vendor at the base and ate them under a flowering tree. It was calm, quiet, and overwhelmingly beautiful. I found this place through someone else’s #cherryblossom25 post, and I’m so glad I did. It's a bit remote, but if you’re after a tranquil, less commercial sakura experience, Takato is a hidden gem. Easily one of the dreamiest stops I’ve made.

#FuriTabiWinter Located on the Sea of ​​Japan side, it is the fifth largest prefecture in Japan in terms of area, including Sado Island This is a record of my castle tour ---.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 𖥔 ˖ ݁ 𖥔.---.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 𖥔 ˖ ݁ 𖥔.---.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 𖥔 ˖ ݁ 𖥔.--- ◼︎Shibata Castle Ruins The ruins of a castle in Shibata City, also known as "Ayame Castle," was built in 1598 by Hidekatsu Mizoguchi, the first lord of Shibata Domain The Shibata Domain's administrative office was located here There is a front gate and a former Ninomaru corner tower that have remained since the Edo period ◼︎Takada Castle Three-story turret The ruins of a castle in Joetsu City The three-story turret of Takada Castle, built in 1614, was rebuilt in 1993 as a commemorative project for the 20th anniversary of the founding of Joetsu City #Niigata #Niigata trip #Niigata sightseeing #castle tour #domestic travel #girls' trip #solo trip

#asiatrip Takada Castle, located in the heart of Jōetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. Built in 1614 by Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, this flatland-style castle played a significant role during the Edo period. The castle’s strategic location at the juncture of the Seki and Yashiro Rivers provided natural defenses, while its impressive architecture and surrounding moats added to its grandeur. Today, visitors can explore the partially reconstructed castle, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Gokuraku Bridge, and learn about its rich history through informative exhibits. The serene park surrounding the castle is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll

The harmonious beauty of Japanese castles and the surrounding natural landscape is a sight to behold. The three-story pagoda and bridges within the Takada Castle Ruins Park along the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in Joetsu City have been restored. The sight of the snow-covered pagoda, the contrast of the red bridges against the white snow, presents a winter scene where one can truly experience Japanese aesthetics. The view of the park with cherry blossoms in full bloom is also a magnificent beauty that can only be enjoyed in Japan.

#Sakura2024 There are about 4,000 cherry trees around Takada Castle Park, most of which are Somei Yoshino. 　It is said to be one of the three best night cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, and has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan and one of the 100 best scenic spots in Niigata. 　The cherry blossoms and Takada Castle's three-story turret are reflected on the surface of the moat, making it an incredibly beautiful sight. 　2024 will be the 99th Takada Castle Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Event, and next year will be the 100th. 　I'll definitely go see them again. 　If you have the time, why not go and check it out too?

#cherryblossom2024 🤗🩷 In the midst of our enchanting vacation, I embarked on a thrilling journey to the bustling city of Japan. As spring arrived, the surroundings transformed into a heavenly place, and we felt revitalized as we strolled through the renowned Takada Castle. Surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of this picturesque sanctuary, we were captivated by the breathtaking sights that unfolded before us at every twist and turn, leaving us with cherished memories that will endure a lifetime. The yearly sakura celebration at Takada Castle in Joetsu stands out as one of Japan's most exquisite cherry blossom displays, boasting around 4,000 cherry blossom trees. The scene becomes truly mesmerizing after dark, as the cherry blossom trees are elegantly lit up alongside approximately 3,000 bonbori lanterns. On the other hand, at Okozu Bunsui park near Tsubame city, a stunning array of about 3,000 yoshino cherry trees flourish along the picturesque banks of the Shinano River. The lavish and mesmerizing sanctuary has etched a lasting memory in the depths of my consciousness. The sheer pleasure of revisiting and cherishing every moment in this unmatched haven is truly incomparable.🤗💮🌸✨️#mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip #trip