Fushimi Castle in Kyoto

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  • Fushimi Momoyama Castle In Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Fushimi Momoyama Castle, a typical hilltop castle, is located within the Fushimi district in Kyoto near the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. The word Momoyama stands for Peach Mountain. It originated from the peach trees planted around the castle. It was originally planned as a luxurious retirement home for the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598). Best Ryokans in Kyoto Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.
The reconstructed castle is made out of concrete. One of the most famous parts of the Fushimi Castle was the tea ceremony room with its walls covered with gold leaf. Unfortunately it is closed for the public since 2003. The park surrounding the castle is open the public since 2007.

  • Fushimi Castle Grounds:
  • Opening Hours - 07:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

Local guide in Kyoto

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History

Fushimi Castle also known as Momoyama Castle or Fushimi Momoyama had a very interesting and moving history. Construction started in 1592 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598) and was completed in 1594. 20000 to 30000 workers were needed for this effort. A great earthquake in 1596 destroyed the castle for the first time, but was shortly after rebuilt. Unfortunately Toyotomi Hideyoshi passed away before its completion. Later it came under the control of Torii Mototada (1539 - 1600), who served Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616). The army of Ishida Mitsunari (1560 - 1600) destroyed the castle in 1600, after a 11 day long siege. It was rebuilt by Tokugawa in 1604. In 1623 the castle was dismanteled under the new one castle per province law and parts of it were used for the Osaka Castle, Yodo Castle, Nijo Castle, Fukuyama Castle, Yogen-in, Genko-an, Hosen-in and many more temples and shrines all over Japan. In 1912 when the Meiji Emperor died, he was buried at the original site of the castle. The Fushimi Castle you see today is a concrete replica built in 1964 at a different location. It was part of an amusement park for close to 40 years.

Location

Map of Japan

Fushimi Castle is located in the southeastern part of Kyoto.
Address: 45 Momoyamacho-Okura, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0853

How to get to Fushimi Castle?

  • 14min from Kyoto Station to Momoyama Station by JR Nara Line

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Castle grounds - the castle is surrounded by a beautiful little park

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.

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