What other travelers are saying about Sunomata Ichiya Castle
Well restored castle in a quiet riverside location,200 yen entry fee and you can climb to the top.Plenty of historical displays but all in Japanese only.
Unlike what another reviewer claims, there is bus service from both Ogaki Station and Gifu Station. From the bus stop it's a bit of a walk to the castle but easily within walking distance for most people.
I went at the height of cherry blossom season which really made it worth the trip. The interior of the castle is pretty much a museum like Ogaki Castle or how Gifu Castle was before the interior was renovated. I liked the castle well enough but the cherry blossoms were the main attraction.
Interesting history behind this castle. They built it in a rush (the base in 7 days and then 1 day for the finishing touches) to scare off a potential attack from an opposing army. Nice walk around the area too
A beautiful castle locatwd near the highway. There is a museum inside it too. However, there are only a few souvenirs available here. Regardless, it's perfect to visit this place to learn more about Japanese history. History lovers would surely love this place.
The legend states the castle was constructed overnight, which is how it earned the name "Ichiya Castle" (One Night Castle). However, historical evidence suggests that Toyotomi Hideyoshi used pre-assembled defensive structures and revealed them quickly rather than literally building everything in a single night. The actual construction likely took two to three days to complete the basic fortifications. This clever strategy created the illusion of overnight construction, which served as an impressive psychological tactic during the military campaign.
Adult admission to Sunomata Castle is ¥200, while entry is free for visitors under 18 years old. Free parking is available on-site for those driving to the castle. The affordable admission makes it an accessible attraction for families and budget-conscious travelers exploring Gifu Prefecture.
Sunomata Castle is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Mondays. If Monday falls on a public holiday, the castle remains open. Visitors should plan to spend around one hour exploring the castle tower, museum exhibits, and surrounding grounds.
From Nagoya Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Ogaki Station, which takes approximately 30 minutes. From JR Ogaki Station, take the Meihan-Kintetsu Bus bound for Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University from platform 2 and get off at the Sunomata stop. The castle is then a 12-minute walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, visitors with their own transportation can drive directly to the castle, where free parking is available.
The most popular time to visit is during cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April, when the banks of the Sai and Nagara rivers surrounding the castle are lined with blooming sakura trees. The combination of the historic castle and vibrant cherry blossoms creates spectacular photo opportunities. For those who prefer fewer crowds, visiting during other seasons still offers good views from the observation deck and interesting museum exhibits about Toyotomi Hideyoshi's early career and the castle's strategic importance in 16th-century Japan.
