Marugame Castle Audio Guide
Marugame Castle stands atop Kameyama Hill at 66 meters above sea level, and is renowned fo…
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Overview
Overview
Marugame Castle stands atop Kameyama Hill at 66 meters above sea level, and is renowned for its towering stone walls that reach about 60 meters—the tallest in Japan. It was built in 1587 by Ikoma Chikamasa, and the hill’s turtle-like shape is said to have inspired the castle’s name. One of only twelve original castle keeps still surviving in Japan remains here, offering sweeping views of the town and the nearby Mt. Iino, known as Sanuki Fuji
Access
Access
From JR Marugame Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Otemon Gate. By car, it takes around one hour from Takamatsu, or about 20 minutes from the Zentsuji or Sakaide ICs on the Takamatsu Expressway. Access is also easy via the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Okayama
Parking
Parking
There is a dedicated Otemon parking lot at the base of the castle hill with around 100 spaces (paid). Additional city and private parking areas are available nearby, which is convenient during busy times
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight of Marugame Castle is its massive stone walls, rising 60 meters and curving gracefully in what’s called the ‘fan slope.’ They are so tall and elegant that they can’t even fit into one photo. Climbing the slope rewards you with panoramic views including Mt. Iino, nicknamed Sanuki Fuji. The castle keep, one of Japan’s twelve originals, is small but full of dignity. Recently, a unique ‘Castle Stay’ program has begun, where guests can enjoy a night lounge experience inside the keep itself—truly a lordly experience
