Shibata Castle Ruins Park
新発田城・新発田城址公園
Shibata Castle, nicknamed the Iris Castle, is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Best Castles.
Affectionately called the Iris Castle, Shibata Castle is considered one of Japan's 100 Best Castles and holds the status of a National Important Cultural Property. The three-story turret, viewed as the main castle tower, flaunts a one-of-a-kind T-shaped roof adorned with three mythical “shachihoko” animal statues, who have the head of a tiger and the body of a fish. The interior is inaccessible, but the exterior is worth seeing alone, with its stunning black and white “namako” patterned walls adding an additional layer of beauty.
The accompanying park promises year-round scenery, including cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, autumn foliage, and snow in winter. The cherry blossom season is particularly enchanting, featuring “bonbori” lanterns and nighttime illuminations, creating a spectacular scene as the blossoms reflect on the moat water.
●Cherry Blossoms: Somei Yoshino: approx. 260, yaezakura: approx. 60
●Light-up Period: Early to mid-April, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (tentative)
●Food Stalls: Set up only during the Spring Festival
General Information
| Address | 新潟県新発田市大手町6丁目 |
|---|---|
| Directions | ●20 min. on foot from Shibata Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line. |
| Car Park | Using Ainess Shibata(アイネスしばた) (free): ●Busy season |
| Opening Times | Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April-November, closes 4:30 pm in November) |
| Prices | Free admission |
| Notes | Facilities Open to the Public ●Honmaru Omotemon Gate, Former Ninomaru Sumiyagura (corner turret), Tatsumi Yagura (turret) *The three-story turret is not open to the public. |
| Contact Name | Shibata City Board of Education |
| Telephone Number | 0254-22-3101 |
| Website |
