Step into Date Masamune’s stronghold!Princess and armor experiences at Shiroishi Castle fuel your “Sengoku spirit”

▲Experience wearing a princess costume or armor in Shirakawa Castle and fulfill your samurai soul. (Photo by reporter Lin Yanchen)

Reporter Lin Yanchen / Reporting from Miyagi

The stories of the Warring States period have always been a major allure of travel in Japan. Miyagi Prefecture’s Shirakawa Castle was one of the important strongholds of the legendary samurai Date Masamune. At Shirakawa Castle, you can not only visit a classic Japanese castle steeped in history, but also try on full samurai armor and fulfill your inner “Warring States soul”!

▲The existing Shirakawa Castle was rebuilt in 1995. (Photo by reporter Lin Yanchen)

Shirakawa Castle, also known as Masugata Castle, has an uncertain founding date. It is said to have been initially built in the Azuchi–Momoyama period by a local warlord named “Ajiro,” but the details are unclear. Later, it came under the control of the powerful warlord Date Masamune. Before the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Date Masamune regained control of Shirakawa Castle and then bestowed it upon his loyal retainer Katakura Kojūrō (Katakura Kagetsuna). From then on, the Katakura clan governed the castle. However, after the Meiji Restoration, the castle fell into disuse due to the “Castle Abolishment Edict.” It was not until 1995 that the tenshu (main keep) was reconstructed using wood.

▲“Monument in Praise of Katakura Kojūrō Kagetsuna.” (Photo by reporter Lin Yanchen)

In the square of Shirakawa Castle stands a towering “Monument in Praise of Katakura Kojūrō Kagetsuna,” commemorating Katakura Kagetsuna, the first lord of the castle. The square is mostly surrounded by cherry blossom trees, so visitors in spring can enjoy a stunning view of blooming cherry blossoms. But visiting in November or December during autumn and winter offers a chance to admire the fiery red maple leaves, as if memorializing the blood shed by countless samurai who fought over this strategic stronghold during the Warring States period.

To enter the tenshu of Shirakawa Castle, adults must purchase a ticket for 300 yen, while children pay 150 yen. Since the interior is mostly wooden, visitors are required to remove their shoes. The tenshu served not only as the living space for the castle lord but also as a combat space for samurai, so it features reconstructed openings used to drop rocks, shoot arrows, and fire guns during battle.

▲Shirakawa Castle tenshu ticket: 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for children. (Photo by reporter Lin Yanchen)

▲%The interior of the tenshu vividly recreates historical scenes. (Photo by reporter Lin Yanchen)

%The photos show the interior of the tenshu, highlighting the atmosphere of the Warring States period. (Photo by reporter Lin Yanchen)

On the top floor of the tenshu, there are staff members who assist with the armor and princess costume experience. In addition to providing armor and costumes, they also offer free props such as folding fans and samurai swords, making the experience even more exciting—as if you’ve truly traveled back to the most thrilling and captivating era of Japan’s Warring States period.

Official website of Shirakawa Castle:http://www.shiro-f.jp/shiroishijo/museum/index2.html