Nihonmatsu Castle

Nihonmatsu Castle is a hirayama-style castle also known as "Shirahatajo" and "Kasumigajo." It was originally built in 1414 by Hatakeyama Mitsuyasu, and even after the Hatakeyama clan fell, it served as a branch castle for the Gamō and Uesugi clans. It later became the seat of the Nihonmatsu Domain through the Matsushita and Kato clans, remaining in the same location until the Meiji Restoration. Although it fell during the Boshin War, a castle that continued in the same place from the medieval to early modern period is extremely rare in Tohoku, making these ruins a valuable site for understanding how Japanese castle-building techniques evolved. For this reason, it is designated as a National Historic Site. Today, the area is maintained as Kasumigajo Park, a prefectural park where visitors can stroll freely. The park is rich in nature, and in spring around 5,000 cherry trees bloom, creating a famous hanami spot where the entire castle area looks as if it is wrapped in a pale pink haze. In autumn, the foliage is illuminated at night, and the park also becomes lively as a venue for the Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls festival. Access to the Nihonmatsu Castle Ruins is about a 20-minute walk from JR Nihonmatsu Station on the Tohoku Main Line. If traveling by car, parking is also available.