Three-Story Turret of Takada Castle

Three-Story Turret of Takada Castle

The Three-Story Turret of Takada Castle is located in Honjocho, Jōetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, and is part of Takada Castle. Takada Castle was built by Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu who ruled all of Japan in 1614. Due to the need to divert the courses of three rivers, the construction was extremely challenging, yet it took less than four months to complete.

The castle is surrounded not by stone walls but by earthen fortifications, and it lacks a main keep (the central tower typically found in Japanese castles). Instead, the Three-Story Turret located on the southwest side serves as the symbol of the castle. Though the original structure could not be preserved due to earthquakes, fires, and other disasters, the current Three-Story Turret was reconstructed in 1993 based on ancient blueprints and excavation findings. Inside the turret is an exhibition room displaying historical documents related to the castle and artifacts unearthed from the site. The third floor functions as an observation deck. In summer, blooming lotus flowers nearly cover the outer moat.

Takada Castle (Three Tiered Turret)

Must-visit reason: One of the most famous structures in Jōetsu City

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/state where the attraction is located: Niigata Prefecture [Niigata Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Jōetsu [Jōetsu]