Castles & Historic Sites

Ibaraki Prefecture’s landscape is defined by its deep historical roots, ranging from 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mounds to strategic Sengoku-period fortifications. This collection highlights significant archaeological sites like the Hirasawa Kanga Nara-period government offices and well-preserved castle ruins such as Tsuchiura and Sakasai. These locations offer a look into Japan's administrative and military evolution, featuring unique architectural elements like complex dry moats, reconstructed ancient granaries, and rare Kanto-region stone masonry.

Makabe Castle Site

Makabe Castle was a Sengoku period "hirayama"-style castle located in the Makabe neighborhood of the city of Sakuragawa, Ibaraki…

土浦城

Known as "Turtle Castle," this site features the original Taiko Gate and reconstructed turrets. It is a rare example of a flatland castle layout in the region, once surrounded by marshes.

笠間城

A mountain castle located on Mount Sashiro. It is notable for its surviving stone walls, which were an uncommon architectural feature for Kanto-region castles during the Sengoku period.

小幡城

This Sengoku-period site is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved network of deep dry moats and intricate earthen ramparts designed for advanced defensive maneuvers.

吉田城跡

The site of a medieval fortification overlooking the Naka River. It later served as the location for Zentsu-ji Temple and still contains remnants of earthen defenses.

御城展望台

A castle-shaped observation tower built on the ruins of Miwa Castle. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape and the former castle grounds.

Hirasawa kanga-iseki

A reconstructed Nara and Heian period local government office. The site features three large, raised-floor storehouses built using traditional ancient architectural techniques.

富士見塚古墳

One of the largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds in the prefecture, dating to the late 6th century. The site offers views of Lake Kasumigaura and includes a small museum.

新治廃寺

The ruins of a large Buddhist temple complex established in the 7th century. Visible remains include the original foundation stones for the pagoda, main hall, and lecture hall.

新治郡衙跡

A National Historic Site containing the ruins of a Nara-period administrative district. It features the foundation remains of government offices and a complex of tax-collection warehouses.

逆井城

A reconstructed Sengoku-period fortress. It features a gate relocated from Sekiyado Castle, a wooden bridge, and several reconstructed buildings including a watchtower and the main hall.

寺野東遺跡　国指定遺跡

An extensive archaeological site featuring a horseshoe-shaped shell mound and ritual remains from the Jomon period, including evidence of large-scale pit dwellings.