Kiyosu Castle - Aichi, Japan
Kiyosu Castle (清洲城) is probably one of the most photogenic castles I’ve visited. The current structure is a reconstruction that now houses a small museum displaying artifacts like samurai armor and pottery, but the original castle dates back to the 15th century. It was originally built to guard the strategic junction of the Ise Kaido and Nakasendo highways, which once connected Kyoto with Kamakura.
The nearest train station is about 1.2 km away, and the path to the castle runs alongside the train tracks, so you occasionally see trains passing by. Before reaching Kiyosu Castle, I crossed Ote Bridge, which is lined with lanterns. With its red railings and a clear view of the castle at the end, it’s a stunning sight.
The castle grounds are beautifully curated, decorated with traditional paper umbrellas and other cultural touches. Inside the museum, I wandered through the exhibits before climbing to the top floor of the castle. The view from above was incredible — not just of the town and river, but also of the trains below. It turns out this spot is quite popular among train enthusiasts because you can get an unobstructed view of the Shinkansen and local lines passing by.
Before leaving, I caught part of a performance happening near the castle’s exit, though I joined midway and didn’t stay for the whole thing. I crossed the bridge again and made a quick stop at Kiyosu Park, where I picked up a small souvenir. The park is also very scenic and definitely worth a short walk before heading back to the train station.
Route Detail
Distance: 2.88km out & back from Kiyosu Station
Total elevation gain: 7m
Time: 0h 36m (total time with breaks 0h 58m)
Difficulty: Easy
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Train from Gifu Station to Kiyosu Station ¥430
Kiyosu Castle Entrance Fee ¥400
Souvenir ¥350
