Takesaki Castle Ruins Observation Tower Park (Takesaki Castle Site)

Overview

Takesaki Castle Ruins Observation Tower Park is a historical park located on Takesaki Island in Tara-cho, Saga Prefecture. It's situated on the site of Takesaki Castle, built during the Nanboku-cho period by Arima Takayasu of Shimabara. Today, only sections of the stone walls and moats remain. Takesaki Castle was believed to be a mountain castle and water castle, utilizing the island's topography for both land and sea defenses. It's considered to have been the central castle of the town. Based on the scale of the remaining stone walls, it's estimated to have been comparable in size to prominent castles in the prefecture, such as Nagoyak Castle, Karatsu Castle, and Saga Castle. Near the Takesaki Castle ruins is a site believed to have once housed the main hall of Takesaki Kannon-ji Temple. A replica observation tower, designed to resemble Takesaki Castle, stands there. The three-story observation tower houses a fishing gear museum on the first floor, and observation decks on the second and third floors. From the observation decks, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views: to the east, Omuta across the Ariake Sea, with the Aso mountain range visible in the distance; to the west, the Tara-dake mountain range; to the south, Mount Unzen; and to the north, Saga Airport. In winter, you can witness the lights of numerous oyster rafts floating on the Ariake Sea. Spring brings cherry blossoms, and autumn, cosmos flowers— offering beautiful seasonal landscapes. The park offers pleasant walking paths and rest areas. Takesaki Castle Ruins Observation Tower Park is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can experience history and nature.