Kaneishi Castle Garden: A Tranquil Escape in Tsushima

Discover a serene oasis where nature and history converge at Kaneishi Castle Garden in Tsushima, Nagasaki. A tranquil escape awaits!

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Kaneishi Castle Garden

Kaneishi Castle Garden, located in Tsushima, Nagasaki, offers a serene blend of nature and history within the remnants of Kaneishi Castle. Once the stronghold of the Sō clan, the garden provides a peaceful retreat with winding pathways, seasonal flowers, and tranquil ponds.

A brief summary to Kaneishi Castle Garden

今屋敷670−1, Tsushima, 今屋敷厳原町, Nagasaki, 817-0021, JP
+81920-52-1566
Visit website

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Check the opening hours before visiting, as the garden is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Consider visiting in the fall to witness the vibrant autumn leaves and fresh greenery.
Combine your visit with a trip to Banshoin Temple for a discounted entry rate to both attractions.

Getting There

Walking

Kaneishi Castle Garden is located in Izuhara, the central area of Tsushima. From most accommodations or the Tsushima Museum in Izuhara, the garden is easily accessible by foot. Simply head towards the Kinseki Castle Ruins; the garden is located within the grounds.
Public Transport

While buses on Tsushima are limited, a bus route passes near Kaneishi Castle Garden. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A one-day bus pass for foreign tourists is available for ¥1,000. From the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to the garden within the Kinseki Castle Ruins.
Taxi

Taxis are available on Tsushima, and using one is a convenient way to reach Kaneishi Castle Garden. From Izuhara Port or Tsushima Airport, a taxi can take you directly to the garden. Taxi fares vary depending on the distance, but short trips within Izuhara should be relatively inexpensive. Uber is also available. Expect to pay around ¥8,400 for a 2.5-hour tour.

Discover more about Kaneishi Castle Garden

Kaneishi Castle Garden is a nationally designated scenic spot located in Tsushima, Nagasaki, offering visitors a tranquil escape into Japan's feudal past. The garden is set within the remnants of Kaneishi Castle, which was the main residence of the Sō family, the daimyo lords of Tsushima, from 1528 until the late 17th century. Originally a lightly fortified residence, the castle was transformed in the 1660s with the addition of stone walls and watchtowers, coinciding with the rebuilding of Izuhara after a fire. Despite these improvements, the Sō family relocated to Sajikihara Castle in 1678, possibly due to the need for more space to accommodate Korean embassies. These delegations, which could include over 450 participants, were en route to the shogunate in Edo (modern Tokyo). The Sō family retained Kaneishi Castle as a secondary residence, adding a garden in the 1690s featuring a pond shaped like the Chinese character kokoro (心), meaning "mind" or "heart". The castle served its last official purpose in 1811, hosting the shogun's representatives during the final Joseon mission to Japan. Today, some original walls remain, and the main gate and watchtower have been reconstructed. Archaeological excavations from 1997 to 2004 confirmed that a pond within the garden was a surviving remnant of the daimyō garden. The garden was restored in the 1990s and is now open to the public. Visitors can explore winding pathways adorned with seasonal flowers, lush greenery, and tranquil ponds.

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Kaneishi Castle Garden: A Tranquil Escape in Tsushima

A brief summary to Kaneishi Castle Garden

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi

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