Highlight

• VR experience of the tragic history of Takato Castle and the fighting samurai.
• Learn how natural features were used to build the castle.
• Stamp of Takato Castle scarlet seal (go-jyo-in).
• Visit museums and learn about samurai lifestyle, education, medicine, and more.
• Feel the sense of “wabi-sabi” from Buddhist statues made by Takato’s Edo-era stone masons.
• Lunch: a healthy lunch made from local ingredients in an old, traditional Japanese house.

Story

Takato Castle, one of Japan’s top 100 castles, no longer has any castle buildings. It is a natural fortress chosen because of its topography and location on a river terrace between two tributaries of the Tenryu River. The castle is also known for a renowned battle in 1582, during the warring state period, when samurai were battling over territories. It was a bloody conflict fought in vain, as the defenders were outnumbered 3,000 to 50,000 and the castle was overtaken. The tour looks at the castle from the perspective of its geographical features, such as the steep cliff that protects the castle, and the valley that is used as a moat. Enjoy learning about the castle’s physical features while hearing how it was built by samurais. You will also visit museums that tell tales of the samurai lifestyle, such as their schooling and medical practices.

Activity Level

• The course is about 4.6km in total (about 60 minutes of walking). From Takato Station to the history museum (about 20 minutes), the path is slightly uphill.

Technical Level

• Please be careful on the stairs.

Clothing/What to Bring

• Rain gear
• Soft drink (optional)

Customer Review

Although Takato Castle has no remaining buildings (unlike other well-known sites such as Osaka Castle), learning about a ‘real’ aspect of Japanese history was a surprisingly enjoyable experience!

Price Per Person

Adult (16yrs and above): 11,800 JPY
Children (6 to 15yrs): 11,000 JPY

Included in the fee

• VR viewing activity
• Entrance fees of visited facilities
• Takato Castle go-jyo-in (a scarlet seal)
• Guide (English language)
• Lunch

Not included in the fee

• Ordered drinks at lunch.
• Transportation to/from the meeting point.
• Insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country).
• Anything else not specified.
  (The bank transaction fee shall be covered by the customer.)

Language

English

Event Duration

About 4.5 hours

Age / Height:

6 yrs and above

Meeting Point

Takato Joshi Park

Disbanding Point

Takato Station (JR Bus)

Program Availability

Late-April ~ Mid-November

Minimum Participants

4 – 10 people

Application Deadline

14 days in advance