Marugame Castle 丸亀城

The origins of Marugame Castle date back to 1587, but like many castles in Japan, it was damaged in a fire. The structure that remains today underwent a major restoration in 1950. Marugame Castle is one of twelve castles in Japan that still retains part of its traditional wooden structure.

Marugame Castle is a 15-minute walk from Marugame Station.

Take the train from Takamatsu Station directly to Marugame. The train journey takes around 25 minutes on limited express services. Buses also operate between Marugame station and the bus stop in front of the castle.

Marugame Castle sits on top of a large hill and used to be surrounded by a double moat. The outer moat has now been filled in, but the inner moat near the keep remains as it was in the old days.

The castle keep, or donjon, has been designated an Important Cultural Property. As visitors approach the castle after ascending a steep incline, they are greeted by the sight of the three-tiered castle keep and beautiful curved stone walls.

Admission to the castle costs 200 yen per person and the opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Marugame Castle is close to New Reoma World, one of Shikoku's largest amusement parks. The park has rides and attractions aimed at families to include roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, hot springs and a hotel complex.

Three of the temples from the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage are also located close to Marugame; numbers 76 Konzoji, 77 Doryuji, and 78 Goshoji. Combine a visit to Marugame Castle with a hike along a section of this sacred walking route. Thousands of pilgrims, known as ohenro in Japanese, walk this route each year.