Oshiro Park (Tsu Castle Ruins)

The Tsu Castle Ruins (Tsujō-ato), a designated historic site of Mie Prefecture, are the remains of a castle that stands as a landmark of Tsu. It was originally built in 1580 (Tensho 8) by Nobukane, the younger brother of Oda Nobunaga. In 1611 (Keicho 16), master castle builder Todo Takatora carried out a major renovation, transforming it into a modern-style fortress and making it the administrative center of the Tsu Domain. Samurai residences were built around the castle and the town was developed, helping Tsu grow as a classic castle town. Today, only parts of the Honmaru, Nishi-no-maru, and inner moat remain, but the area has been beautifully maintained as a Castle Park, where you can enjoy a quiet stroll while viewing the moat and reconstructed turrets. Within the park, you’ll find both a delicate Japanese garden and a modern Western-style garden, as well as an impressive equestrian statue of Takatora. Seasonal scenery unfolds throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. Spring is especially stunning, when cherry blossoms contrast with moss-covered stone walls. In 2017, the site was selected as one of the "Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan." It is about a 15-minute walk from "Tsu-shimmachi Station" on the Kintetsu Nagoya Line.