The Castle is a ruin, but magnificent inner and outer moats are still being the pride of Koriyama.
The ruins of Koriyama Castle, a symbol of Yamato-Koriyama City, are among the few castle remains in the Nara area. Originally built in the 16th century by feudal lord Junkei Tsutsui, the castle was destroyed during the Meiji Era. Today, only the original moats and stone walls remain, but a gate and several buildings have been restored to give visitors a glimpse of the castle’s former appearance.
While most castle stone walls are built from uniform large stones, Koriyama Castle’s walls are unique—they were constructed using stones collected from various temples in the Koriyama area, including stone statues. Visitors can see Sakasa-jizo, a stone statue placed upside down on the castle keep platform.
Koriyama Castle is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Weeping cherry trees along the moat create a stunning scene, especially during the Oshiro Matsuri Festival, when blossoms are illuminated by lanterns. Nearby, Yata-dera Temple offers a tranquil retreat, with hydrangeas blooming beautifully in early summer.
Koriyama Castle（郡山城）
Address : 2-255 Jonaicho, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1011
Access : 7-minute walk from Kintetsu-Koriyama station on the Kintetsu Kashihara line
Admission : Free
Events
Oshiro Matsuri Festival
The ruins of Koriyama Castle are a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. During the season, the Oshiro Matsuri Festival draws visitors with blooming cherry trees and seasonal events, including a goldfish exhibition. Weeping cherry trees along the moat add to the charm, and at night, they are illuminated by lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.