Fushimi Momoyama Castle in Kyoto

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Fushimi Momoyama Castle, a typical hilltop castle, is located in the Fushimi district in Kyoto near the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. The word Momoyama stands for Peach Mountain. It originated from the peach trees planted around the castle. It was originally planned as a luxurious retirement home for the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598). Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > One of the most famous parts of the Fushimi Castle was the tea ceremony room with its walls covered with gold leaf. The reconstructed castle you see today is made out of concrete. Unfortunately, Fushimi-jo and the museum about the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi have been closed to the public since 2003. The park surrounding the castle is open for visitors since 2007. The best time to visit this place is during the cherry blossom season in spring and during the autumn season.

• Fushimi Castle Grounds:
• Opening Hours - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Closed - never, open the whole year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Fushimi Castle, also known as Momoyama Castle or Fushimi Momoyama, has a fascinating and emotional history. Its construction began in 1592 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), who intended to use it as a place for retirement. Fushimi Castle was completed in 1594, towards the end of the Sengoku period (1467-1603). It required the work of 20000 to 30000 laborers. Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1596 but was rebuilt shortly after. Sadly, Toyotomi Hideyoshi died before the completion of the castle. Later, it came under the control of Torii Mototada (1539-1600), who served Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616). The castle was destroyed in 1600 by the army of Ishida Mitsunari (1560-1600), after an 11-day-long siege. During the siege, Torii Mototada committed suicide upon realizing that he could not win the battle. The castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa in 1604. In 1623, the castle was dismantled under the new one castle per province law, and parts of it were used for the Osaka Castle, Yodo Castle, Nijo Castle, Fukuyama Castle, Yogen-in, Genko-an, Hosen-in, and many more temples and shrines all over Japan. In 1912, when the Meiji Emperor (1852-1912) died, he was buried at the original site of the castle. The Fushimi Castle you see today is a concrete replica and was built in 1964 for a budget of 6 million dollars at a nearby location. It was part of a small amusement park called - Fushimi-Momoyama-jo Castle Land - for nearly 40 years. Sadly, the park went bankrupt in 2003.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Castle grounds - the castle is surrounded by a beautiful little park

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.