6 Castles in Hokkaidō worth your time
Japan Gems
Hokkaidō has five castles, including Matsumae Castle and Katsuyama-date. These castles offer a look into the region's past.
Hokkaidō has 6 castles on Japan Gems. Below are the 6 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all castles in Hokkaidō.
01
Shinoridate
HOKKAIDō · CASTLE 志苔館
Explore Shinoridate, a medieval castle ruin in Hakodate, significant for its history and excavated treasures.
What it is
- A medieval Japanese castle in Hakodate, Hokkaido.
- Built by the Kobayashi clan.
- One of the "Dōnan Junikan" castles.
- Designated as a National Historic Site.
What to see
- The rectangular castle site, utilizing natural terrain.
- Site measures about 4,100 square meters.
- Excavated ceramics from the early 15th century.
- Over 380,000 Chinese copper coins unearthed in 1968.
- Located on a hill facing the sea to the south.
When to go
- Selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles in 2017.
02
Katsuyama-date
HOKKAIDō · CASTLE 勝山館
Explore a large medieval castle ruin with significant artifacts and nearby ancient tombs.
What it is
- A medieval Japanese castle, built around 1473.
- Base of the powerful Kakizaki clan.
- Designated a national historic site in 1977.
- Selected as one of Japan's Continued 100 Fine Castles.
What to see
- Castle ruins, 270m long and 100m wide.
- Site covers 20.9 hectares.
- Over 70,000 excavated artifacts.
- 921 artifacts are important cultural properties.
- Group of medieval Japanese tombs behind the castle.
03
Hekirichi Bastion Fort
HOKKAIDō · CASTLE 戸切地陣屋
Japan's first star-shaped fort, Hekirichi Bastion Fort offers a glimpse into 19th-century military design.
What it is
- Japan's first star-shaped fort, built in 1855.
- A Matsumae Domain military camp, designed by Fujiwara Shuma.
- Adopted 19th-century European military theory for cannon defense.
- Designated a National Historic Site in 1965.
What to see
- The site of Japan's first star-shaped fort.
- The main bastion had six gun emplacements.
- Total designated historic site area is 104,206 square meters.
04
Tate Castle
HOKKAIDō · CASTLE 館城
Tate Castle is a National Historic Site, a short-lived 19th-century castle with significant historical value.
What it is
- A castle built in 1868 by the Matsumae Domain.
- Also known as Shinjo, meaning new castle.
- Designated as a National Historic Site.
- Fell shortly after its completion.
What to see
- Castle grounds covering 33,000 square meters.
- Remains of a dry moat, two ken wide.
- Site of the main gate on the west side.
- Site of the back gate on the north side.
05
Matsumae Castle
HOKKAIDō · CASTLE 松前城
Hokkaido's only traditional castle, Matsumae offers history and cherry blossoms.
What it is
- A Japanese castle, completed in 1855.
- Also known as Fukuyama Castle.
- Hokkaido's only traditional Japanese-style castle.
- Designated as a national historic site.
What to see
- The main gate and main keep entrance.
- The castle ruins.
- Matsumae Park.
When to go
- Cherry blossom season for Matsumae Park.
- Official site
- www.town.matsumae.hokkaido.jp
06
Shiryōkaku
HOKKAIDō · CASTLE 四稜郭
Shiryōkaku is a unique 19th-century fort, offering a glimpse into Japan's samurai history.
What it is
- A fort built in 1869 by the Ezo Republic.
- Intended as an outpost for Goryōkaku fort.
- Also known as Shin-Daiba and Shin-Goryōkaku.
- A designated National Historic Site.
What to see
- An irregular, flattened fort shape.
- Earthen wall 5.4 meters wide and 3 meters high.
- Dry moat 2.7 meters wide and 0.9 meters deep.