Kijo Park | A Symbol of Tsuchiura, Where History and Spring Beauty Meet

Introduction: Kijo Park, a Historic Symbol of Tsuchiura

Kijo Park, located in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historic park developed on the site of Tsuchiura Castle, which is believed to have been built during the Muromachi period, around the Eikyo era (1429–1440). The park includes the former castle’s Honmaru (main compound) and part of the Ninomaru (second compound), preserving important traces of Tsuchiura’s history.

The name “Kijo,” meaning “Turtle Castle,” comes from the appearance of the castle surrounded by moats, which was said to resemble a turtle floating on water. Today, the park is a popular place for local residents to relax while offering visitors a chance to experience the history of Tsuchiura Castle.

Historic Castle Architecture and Springtime Beauty

One of the most iconic structures in Kijo Park is the Yaguramon (Turret Gate), located in the former Honmaru. It is the only surviving castle yaguramon of its kind in the Kanto region, making it a particularly valuable remnant of Japanese castle architecture. The park also preserves the historic Kasumimon Gate and the former Maekawaguchi Gate, while the East and West Turrets have been reconstructed.

The Yaguramon was once known as the Taiko Turret because a drum was placed on its upper level and used to announce the time to the castle town. The original drum has also survived and is preserved as a cultural property of Tsuchiura City.

Kijo Park as a Cherry Blossom Destination

Kijo Park is one of Tsuchiura’s well-known cherry blossom viewing spots. Approximately 70 Somei Yoshino cherry trees grow within the park, creating beautiful scenery in spring as the blossoms complement the historic turrets and surrounding moats.

Cherry blossoms generally bloom from late March to early April, although the exact timing varies each year. During the Tsuchiura Cherry Blossom Festival, the park is illuminated in the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the historic castle structures and cherry blossoms in a different atmosphere after sunset.

A Historic Landmark in the Heart of Tsuchiura

Kijo Park offers more than beautiful cherry blossoms. It provides an opportunity to explore the remains of Tsuchiura Castle while seeing historic structures that have survived or been reconstructed on the former castle grounds.

The combination of the Yaguramon, moats, turrets, and seasonal scenery makes the park a distinctive place to experience the history and character of Tsuchiura.

Discover Kijo Park in Spring

Whether you are interested in Japanese castle history or simply looking for a beautiful place to enjoy cherry blossoms, Kijo Park offers both in one setting.

In spring, the approximately 70 Somei Yoshino cherry trees add color to the historic castle grounds, creating a memorable landscape where Tsuchiura’s past and seasonal beauty come together.