Tsurumaru Castle Ruins(Goromon Gate)

Kagoshima (Tsurumaru) Castle, the seat of the Shimazu Clan, was completed in 1601 by Shimazu Iehisa, who later became the 18th lord of the Shimazu Family and the first lord of the Satsuma Domain. The castle grounds consisted of Shiroyama behind the castle itself and the residences at the foot of the mountain.

Today, visitors can see the ruins, including the moats and stone walls, as well the impressive Goromon Gate, which was meticulously rebuilt in 2020.It is Japan’s largest castle gate.

The original gate was located in front of the castle’s residential complex, which currently houses Reimeikan, Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical Material.

Recommended Sakura viewing period: late March–early April