Marugame Castle: An Original Keep with Japan's Highest Stone Walls

Marugame Castle in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a castle whose construction was begun by Ikoma Chikamasa, and it is one of the twelve surviving original keeps, with the keep built in the Edo period still standing. Its greatest highlight is the magnificent stone walls stacked in four tiers, whose combined height is said to be Japan's highest. From its elegant form built atop Mt. Kameyama it is also called Kameyama Castle, and the beautiful stone walls forming a fan-shaped slope, together with the small yet dignified keep, make it a representative castle of Sanuki that captivates visitors.

Highlights: Stone Walls Boasting Japan's Highest Height

Marugame Castle's greatest highlight is stone walls so grand the site is called a castle of stone. The combined height of the four tiers of stone walls reaches about 60 meters and is said to be the highest in Japan. The beautiful curve known as the fan slope, stacked so that it curves back from bottom to top, combines overwhelming power with elegance. Looking up at the keep from the base, the sight of stone walls rising in tier after tier is truly spectacular, conveying the advanced skill of the stonemasons of the time.

A Valuable Original Keep Surviving from the Edo Period

Marugame Castle's keep is a valuable original keep conveying its Edo-period form to the present. Though a small three-story keep, its white plaster walls and decorations such as karahafu gables give it an elegant, dignified appearance despite its size. Stepping inside the keep, you can feel the castle's history through the period architecture and the steep stairs. From the top floor, sweeping views spread over the townscape of Marugame, the Seto Inland Sea, and Mt. Iino, called Sanuki Fuji.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Marugame Castle can be enjoyed year-round, but spring with blooming cherry blossoms and the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage are especially recommended for the harmony of stone walls and nature. The castle grounds and surroundings are known as a cherry blossom spot, bustling with many viewers in spring. Marugame's specialty hone-tsuki-dori, chicken thighs grilled savory with spices and salt, is a dish worth trying during a stroll through the former castle town.

Getting There & Basic Information

Access is convenient, about a 10-minute walk from JR Marugame Station, and the castle is clearly visible from the station. It is close to central Takamatsu, about 20 minutes by train, making it an ideal base for touring Kagawa. The climb to the keep involves a somewhat steep slope, so wear comfortable shoes. Marugame City is known for producing round paper fans; at The Port of Uchiwa Museum you can learn about the history and manufacturing process of these traditional crafts.

Practical Travel Notes

• The climb to the keep involves stone steps and steep slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Entry to the keep has set hours and a fee; check opening hours and closed days in advance.
• The stone walls are high and impressive, but take care of your footing and near sections without railings.
• The cherry blossom season is especially crowded, so allow extra time.
• Popular hone-tsuki-dori restaurants can be busy, so consider off-peak times or check ahead.
• Some facilities offer paper-fan-making experiences or tours, so check official information if interested.

A Word of Advice

Marugame Castle lets you enjoy both stone walls said to be Japan's highest and a valuable original keep surviving from the Edo period. The path to the keep is a slope, so wear comfortable shoes. The view of the Seto Inland Sea and Sanuki Fuji from the top floor is exceptional. Pair it with the specialty hone-tsuki-dori and round paper fans to savor the charm of the former castle town. (TabiTabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

Admission hours, fees, and opening status of the Marugame Castle keep can be checked in the official information of Marugame City and Marugame Castle. Its history as one of Japan's twelve surviving keeps and its record-height stone walls are also introduced on the information boards in the castle. For the local specialty honetsuki-dori chicken and the Uchiwa no Minato Museum, Marugame City tourism guidance is helpful. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About one to one and a half hours to tour the stone walls, keep, and castle grounds; add more for a stroll through the castle town.
• What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes as you climb stone steps and a steep slope to the keep. The stone walls are high, so watch your footing and areas without railings.
• Suggested route: Look up at the record-height stone walls from the base, climb the keep for views of the Seto Inland Sea and Sanuki Fuji, and try the local honetsuki-dori chicken in the castle town.
• Busy season: The cherry blossom season is especially crowded, so allow extra time.