Shiroishi Castle – Following in the Footsteps of Sendai’s Katakura Clan
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This castle was home to a clan with a long history and connections to famous warrior Date Masamune, but these days it’s a must-see for Miyagi tourists!
Shiroishi Castle (白石城)
Japan's Sengoku period marked almost 150 years of constant wars and huge social change in Japan's history, and anyone with an interest in the era, and the many stories of Japanese samurai and political intrigue that go with it, should not miss Shiroishi Castle. Date Masamune, a major figure at the end of the Sengoku period and beginning of Edo Japan, made his home in what we now call Japan's northern Tohoku region, so it's no surprise that he gave Shiroishi Castle to his loyal retainer Katakura Kojuro (specifically Katakura Kagetsuna) in the year 1600. The castle stayed in the family for 11 generations!
The current three-story wooden structure was restored in 1997, but then suffered quite a bit of damage in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Fortunately, thanks to local efforts to rebuild the castle, by the year 2017 it was named as one of Japan's 100 best castles, putting it back on the map for history-loving travelers!
If you're interested in Japanese history, or enjoy historical reenactments, don't miss the Oni Kojuro Festival, held at the castle in early October every year. More than 60 enthusiastic participants gather to reenact the Siege of Osaka, a history-changing 16th century battle, showing off historical armor, and demonstrating everything from Japanese archery to early firearms.
Getting There
Shiroishi Castle isn't all that hard to get to, just make sure to pick the route that's most convenient for your itinerary!
・20 minute walk from Shiroishi Station (白石駅), on the JR Tohoku Line.
・30 minute walk from Shiraishi Zao Station (白石蔵王駅), on the shinkansen line.
If 30 minutes from the shinkansen station sounds too far, renting a bicycle makes the trip much easier, and it also lets you explore more of the city, as well! You'll find rentals outside of the station.
Bike rentals were just 300 yen a day from this place. (The deposit is 500 yen.)
An Iconic Castle Building
Compared to some of Japan's biggest castles, Shiroishi doesn't have quite the same height or vast castle walls, but there's something special about it: Shiroishi Castle is made entirely of wood. In fact, Japanese construction laws don't even allow wooden structures taller than 13 meters (43ft) to be built these days, but this impressive three-story wooden fortress was given special dispensation, allowing it to keep reflecting the castle of old.
On the first floor is a dress-up photo-spot, where visitors can try on costumes resembling traditional Japanese armor and live out their samurai dreams. I chose to try on Sanada-style armor! You can't leave the area with the armor on, but the whole experience is free and you don't need a reservation or anything, so try it out if you visit the castle.
Lunch Break: Noodles and Local Sweets
Shiroishi umen noodles (白石温麺) are thin noodles, almost like summer somen, but they're uniquely short (only 9 or 10cm), and Shiroishi is famous for them! (The short size makes them cute, and kind of a fun souvenir.) It's said that the name umen, which literally means warm noodles, was given to the noodles by a Katakura clan leader himself!
No matter where you try the umen in Shiroishi, it'll probably be pretty tasty, and the dish tends to be kind of like a mix between ramen and udon. It's fairly cheap, too, starting at just 600 or 700 yen.
Murata Confectionery
The perfect way to end a trip to Shiroishi, I highly recommend the handmade sweets at Murata! Everything is made in-house, and all the sweets and snacks are given cute local names. Nothing's overly sweet, either. If you decide to eat your sweets in-store, you'll also get a nice cup of tea, and a friendly chat with the shopkeeper!
If you're not convinced yet, check out my video below to see more of Shiroishi in motion. And for more updates and info from Japan, follow Japankuru on twitter, instagram, and facebook!
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NAME:Shiroishi Castle (白石城)
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【A Taiwanese Girl Living in Senda: The Tohoku Girl】 I like Kotaro Isaka's novels so I ended up in Sendai. Let me introduce you to the beauty of Tohoku! ♡
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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