Takashima Castle is one of Japan's rare lakeside castles, built directly on the shores of Lake Suwa with its stone walls extending into the water. This distinctive positioning earned it the nickname "Floating Castle" (Ukishiro) because it appeared to float on the lake's surface. The original moat system connected directly to the lake, creating a unique water-based defensive structure that sets it apart from most Japanese castles built on mountains or plains.
The current three-story keep was reconstructed in 1970 and is not an original structure. Most of the castle buildings were dismantled in 1875 during the Meiji Restoration. However, the impressive stone walls and ramparts are authentic remnants from the original construction dating back to 1592, providing genuine historical elements for visitors to explore.
A typical visit to Takashima Castle Ruins takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows time to walk the castle grounds, explore the stone walls, visit the reconstructed keep and its small museum, and enjoy views of Lake Suwa from the ramparts. Visitors interested in photography or who want to experience the atmospheric morning mist effect may wish to allocate additional time.
Yes, Takashima Castle is accessible as a day trip from Tokyo. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours by JR limited express train on the Chuo Main Line to Kami-Suwa Station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the castle. This makes it feasible to combine with other attractions in the Lake Suwa area or the broader Nagano region for a full day of sightseeing.
Spring is particularly popular when cherry blossoms bloom on the castle grounds, creating a picturesque scene against Lake Suwa. Early morning visits during cooler months offer the best chance to witness mist rising from the lake, recreating the "floating castle" effect. However, the site is open year-round, and each season offers different perspectives—autumn foliage, summer lake views, and winter mountain backdrops all provide compelling reasons to visit.
