Sunomata Ichiya Castle
A charming castle tower by the Nagara River, famous for its legend of overnight construction and stunning spring cherry blossoms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Sunomata Ichiya Castle
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming castle tower by the Nagara River, famous for its legend of overnight construction and stunning spring cherry blossoms.
"This beautifully maintained castle is photogenic from any angle."
🌸 Spring Bloom Alert!
Visit in April for the stunning cherry blossoms; it's a must-see!
📸 Photogenic Views
The castle is beautiful from every angle, especially by the river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Castle Tower
Main structure
A stunning, photogenic castle tower that stands out along the scenic riverbanks.
Cherry Blossom Season
Sai River banks
Approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom in spring, creating a magnificent and picturesque scene.
+1
Riverside Scenery
Nagara River
Enjoy beautiful views of the Nagara River and the surrounding landscape, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Springtime Cherry Blossom Spectacle
+1A Castle of Legend and River Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Spring Bloom Alert!
Visit in April for the stunning cherry blossoms; it's a must-see!
📸 Photogenic Views
The castle is beautiful from every angle, especially by the river.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walk
Enjoy a relaxing walk or jog around the Sunomata area.
🚗 Parking Available
Limited roadside parking is available before the bridge to the castle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Spring Bloom Alert!
Visit in April for the stunning cherry blossoms; it's a must-see!
📸 Photogenic Views
The castle is beautiful from every angle, especially by the river.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walk
Enjoy a relaxing walk or jog around the Sunomata area.
🚗 Parking Available
Limited roadside parking is available before the bridge to the castle.
🆓 Free Entry to Park
Strolling around the park and grounds is free of charge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sunomata Ichiya Castle to be a cozy and worthwhile stop, especially for its photogenic castle tower and beautiful riverside location. While not a grand historical fortress, its charm lies in its accessibility and the legendary tale of its construction. The park truly shines in spring with its stunning cherry blossoms, making it a highly recommended visit during that season.
"Cozy place for chill.
The castle is not very large but is very worth it to visit or just to rest after jogging or walking around the Sunomata area."
Putri Tamara (プトリタマラ)
"This castle boasts a stunning castle tower. 🏯
You'll suddenly see it as you drive along the scenic Nagara River from Hashima Station. 🚗
This beautifully maintained castle is photogenic from any angle. 📷
The riverside views in this area are all amazing, so be sure to stop by during your drive."
SH 787
"This park utilizes a historic site on the west bank of the Nagara River, where it meets the Sai River.
Legend has it that during Oda Nobunaga's attack on Mino Province, Kinoshita Tōkichirō (also known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi) built a fort overnight.
The park features a castle tower-style historical museum, modeled after the castle tower of nearby Ogaki Castle. Historically, Sunomata Castle is considered a fortress built with simple buildings and tactics, so the castle tower is completely unrelated.
While it's usually not worth the effort unless you're a history buff, the park transforms in spring. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees planted along the banks of the Sai River bloom in full bloom, creating a magnificent cherry blossom viewing spot!
Its beauty is definitely worth seeing.
■ Reservations: Not required
■ Fee: Free to stroll around the park
■ Access: 12-minute walk from the Meihan Kintetsu Bus "Sunomata" stop"
Hirofumi Saito (Kamedaifuku)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunomata Ichiya Castle is accessible by a 12-minute walk from the Meihan Kintetsu Bus "Sunomata" stop. It's also visible as you drive along the Nagara River from Hashima Station.
Yes, there is limited roadside parking for about seven cars on the side of the road before crossing the bridge leading to the castle.
Yes, driving along the scenic Nagara River offers views of the castle.
It's described as a 'familiar, approachable castle' that appears from the road beside the river, rather than a traditional mountain castle.
The castle tower is quite visible as you drive along the Nagara River, making it relatively easy to spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Strolling around the park and grounds of Sunomata Ichiya Castle is free of charge.
No, reservations are not required to visit the park.
While specific hours for the castle tower itself aren't detailed, the park is generally accessible for strolling.
Yes, the park features a castle tower-style historical museum.
The provided information indicates the park is free to stroll, but specific fees for entering the castle tower museum are not detailed.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle tower is highly photogenic from any angle, especially with the riverside backdrop. The cherry blossoms in spring also offer stunning photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The park transforms with approximately 1,000 cherry trees blooming, making it a magnificent spot for photos.
Yes, the riverside views are amazing and offer great perspectives for photographing the castle.
While many use iPhones for great shots,
No specific restrictions are mentioned, so you should be able to freely take photos of the exterior and park areas.
🎫 📜 History & Legend
Legend has it that Kinoshita Tokichiro (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi) built the fort overnight in 1566 during Oda Nobunaga's attack on Mino Province. +4
Kinoshita Tokichiro is the former name of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent figure in Japanese history. +3
It was strategically important for transportation and military purposes during the Sengoku period.
The current structure is a castle tower-style historical museum, built on the ruins of the original castle.
Historically, Sunomata Castle was a fortress with simple buildings and tactics, so the current castle tower is unrelated to its original defensive structure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The castle tower is described as 'photogenic from any angle,' 🏯 History Buffs
+3Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Overnight Castle
+2While the legend emphasizes the 'overnight' aspect, historical accounts suggest that local lords and farmers likely contributed over several days to its completion.
+2 The current structure is a castle tower-style historical museum, built on the original site. It's important to note that the original Sunomata Castle was more of a fortress with simple buildings, and the current castle tower is unrelated to its historical defensive design. A Riverside Gem in Spring
However, the true magic of Sunomata Ichiya Castle unfolds in spring. The banks of the Sai River are adorned with approximately 1,000 cherry trees that bloom in full glory.
+1 This transforms the area into a magnificent cherry blossom viewing spot, making a visit during this season particularly rewarding and highly recommended for its picturesque beauty. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit