Katsuyama Castle Museum, Fukui: Japan's Tallest Castle with a Hidden History

• Table of Contents
• What is Katsuyama Castle Museum?
• Background of its creation - As a new symbol of Katsuyama
• Highlights of Katsuyama Castle Museum
• Visit Information
• Enjoy history and spectacular views at the Castle Museum

What is Katsuyama Castle Museum?

Katsuyama Castle Museum, known as the symbol of Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture , is the tallest castle tower museum in Japan, standing 57.8 meters tall from the Ishigaki to the shachihoko. Opened in 1992, this facility is an important base for conveying the history and culture of Katsuyama. From the castle tower, you can get a panoramic view of the former grounds of Hakusan , a nationally designated historic site, and it is a popular tourist spot where you can learn about history and enjoy beautiful scenery at the same time.

Background of its creation - As a new symbol of Katsuyama

Katsuyama Castle Museum was built over a three-year period starting in 1989 by Kiyoshi Tada, the first honorary citizen of Katsuyama City .

During the Edo period, the Katsuyama Domain, ruled by the Ogasawara clan, did not have a castle tower. Although there were plans to build one, financial difficulties meant that this was not realized until the Meiji period began, and in the latter half of the Showa, the remains of the Katsuyama Domain and Katsuyama Castle were gradually lost.

Tada realized his wish by building a museum to convey to future generations that "a feudal domain once existed in Katsuyama." The exterior was designed to resemble Himeji Castle, making it an eye-catching presence from anywhere in the city. The museum has a total floor space of 4,434 m2 and a site area of ​​17,000 m2. It is surrounded by a Japanese garden with thousands of plants, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons.

Please note: this is a modern museum facility, not a restored castle, and is different from Katsuyama Castle, which was built during the Edo period.

Highlights of Katsuyama Castle Museum

6th floor observation deck - Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view

On a clear day, you can get a panoramic view of Katsuyama city, the former grounds of Hakusan Hakusan , a national historic site, and the Mimuro ruins from the Jomon period from the observation deck on the sixth floor. The scenery changes with each season, and it is a particularly beautiful spot during the season of fresh greenery when a pleasant breeze blows through.

5th floor Katsuyama History Exhibition Room

This permanent exhibition room introduces the history of Katsuyama in chronological order. You can learn about the various legends surrounding Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, which has a history of 1,300 years, through the beautiful paintings of artist Sakae Kensuke.

4th floor special exhibition hall

There is a hall for special exhibitions and planned exhibitions, as well as an exhibition of folk embroidery crafts from the Qing Dynasty of China. The valuable Qing Dynasty embroidery collection donated by Zhou Lingfei, the grandson of the Chinese literary giant Lu Xun, is a must-see. Works by Nishiwaki Kure , a calligrapher from Katsuyama City who was active from the Meiji to Showa , are also on display.

3rd floor: Exhibition of the Sengoku and Edo periods

The museum exhibits armor and folding screens from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. You can see real armor and swords up close, and experience the samurai culture of the time. In particular, the "Battle of Nakajima" and "Battle of Shizugatake" folding screens owned by the museum are rare even on a national level.

2nd floor: Wall painting "The Four Seasons of Japan"

The large-scale mural "The Four Seasons of Japan" by Western-style painter Toshimitsu Imai beautifully depicts the beauty of the four seasons of Japan on a gold wall, and the sheer scale of it is overwhelming. In addition, since 2018, the Sagicho turret that was actually used in the Katsuyama Sagicho Festival has been on display, making it a valuable exhibit that can be viewed at any time.

1st floor Museum shop

We sell original Katsuyama Castle Museum goods. The most popular item is the " Castle Seal ." We also have a wide selection of other items perfect for souvenirs, including limited edition castle-themed products and local crafts.

Visit Information

basic information

Address : 85-26-1 Heisenji, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Heisenji

Business hours : 9:30-16:30 (entry until 16:00)

Admission fee : Adults: 700 yen (groups: 560 yen), 7-18 years old: 280 yen (groups: 230 yen)

*Group rates are for 20 or more people.

*Prices may change when special exhibitions are held. Please check the website for details.

Telephone: 0779-88-6200

Katsuyama Castle Museum

85-26-1 Heisenji, Heisenjicho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-08...

Opened in 1992, this historical museum is located inside a 5-layer, 6-story castle tower that boasts the highest height (57.8m) in Japan. From the observatory on the top floor, you can see the scenery of Katsuyama, which has a history dating back to the Paleolithic age, and the beautiful nature that is registered as a geopark. In addition to the collection of daimyo armor and battle screens, we also store and display works related to the calligrapher Nishiwaki Goseki. Now that most of the remains from the feudal era have been lost, the existence of this museum also functions as a symbol that allows you to feel at a glance that there was once a domain in Katsuyama.

Instagram：Katsuyama Castle museum

Access methods

Access by train:

40 minutes walk from Katsuyama Station on the Echizen Railway

Take the city loop bus "Gururin Nanbu direction" and get off at "Katsuyama Castle Museum" (about 15 minutes)

Approximately 10 minutes by taxi

Approximately 20 minutes by rental bicycle

Access by car:

Approximately 15 minutes from Katsuyama IC on the Chubu Jukan Expressway (free parking available)

Enjoy history and spectacular views at the Castle Museum

Katsuyama Castle Museum is not just a place to look at the exterior, but a place where you can learn more about the history and culture of Katsuyama by entering the building. There is a lot to see, including the magnificent view from the castle tower-style museum, which is the tallest in Japan, the rich exhibits, and the scenery that changes with the seasons.

This is a recommended tourist spot for history buffs and those who enjoy photography. Come experience the history and culture of Katsuyama , as well as the magnificent scenery, at the Katsuyama Castle Museum.