Takashima Castle — Attraction in Suwa

The most underrated castle with the super unique design among all Japanese castles. Even though it’s the rebuild one, it looks totally authentic and a museum inside is informative and interesting. Outside garden looks a bit wild compare to popular Japanese gardens, but there is totally an own beauty in this. The big advantage of this place it has totally no people and absolutely quiet. So if you tired of crowds of tourists, you will definitely catch a zen of real Japan in a quiet Takashima...

Nice day trip to see this 16th century castle in the middle of the city. We could see Mt. Fuji in the distance and even during winter, it was still nice to see the castle minus the crowds. Ducks, pigeons, hawks and even a kingfisher were at the grounds. Unlike the Matsumoto Castle, the renovated stairs inside here are not scary to step on. I just wish we could take photos of everything. Some areas were restricted. I want to come back and see the...

I'm sure I am biased due to living in Matsumoto, but this wasn't worth it. The grounds are nice and the view is good, but it's a concrete shell with nothing in English inside. It's simply not worth the money to go into the "castle".

If you want to experience an actual Japanese castle, take the train to Matsumoto and see Matsumoto Castle. If you want a place to relax for a bit while in Suwa, this makes a good rest stop, but don't feel you...