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Historic site · Omihachiman, Shiga
Azuchi Castle Ruins
Ruins of Oda Nobunaga’s castle, built between 1576 and 1579 on Mount Azuchi and destroyed in 1582, featuring a large stone stairway, walls and the tower’s foundations; designated a Special Historic Site of Japan.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Azuchi Castle Ruins in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Azuchi Castle Ruins
Oda Nobunaga built Azuchi Castle between 1576 and 1579 on the summit of Mount Azuchi, then surrounded by the waters of Lake Biwa. The castle had a five-roof, seven-story keep with painted and gilded interiors, and was one of the first to feature a large main tower and stone walls, serving as a model for later castles. In 1582, shortly after Nobunaga’s death, it was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.
The site is today a Special Historic Site of Japan. The visit begins at the wide, straight stone stairway that climbs the slope from the main gate. On some steps there are Buddhist stone statues reused in the construction. Terraces on both sides mark where Nobunaga’s vassals’ residences once stood.
At the summit, about 200 meters above sea level, are the main enclosure and the stone foundations of the keep, with the column bases still in place, and views over the lake and the plain. Along the route, the Soken-ji temple, founded by Nobunaga himself, preserves a three-storied pagoda and a gate, both Important Cultural Properties. Near the top is Nobunaga’s tomb.
The climb is long and steep, with irregular stone steps, and takes 30 to 40 minutes. At the foot of the mountain, the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum, run by Shiga Prefecture, displays finds from the excavations, and another museum, Nobunaga no Yakata, exhibits a life-size reconstruction of the two upper floors of the keep.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours; add 1 hour if you include the museums.
Best time
From spring through autumn, in dry weather, for the stairway. Avoid the hottest hours of summer. Check the opening hours of the site and the museums.
How to get there
From Azuchi Station (JR), one stop from Omihachiman, it’s about a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride; bicycles can be rented near the station.
Tip
Wear sturdy footwear and carry water: the stairway is long and uneven. Visit one of the museums beforehand to help imagine the castle on the summit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Azuchi Castle Ruins
Does Azuchi Castle still exist?
No. It was destroyed by fire in 1582 and never rebuilt. What remains are the stairway, walls, terraces and the tower foundations.
How long does the climb to the Azuchi ruins take?
About 30 to 40 minutes via the steep, irregular stone stairway.
How do you get to the ruins of Azuchi Castle?
Train to Azuchi Station, one stop from Omihachiman, then about a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride.
Where can you see what Azuchi Castle looked like?
At Nobunaga no Yakata museum, with a life-size reconstruction of the two upper floors of the keep, and at the prefectural archaeological museum near the site.
Beyond the guide
