Tsurumaru Castle Ruins & Goromon Gate

Tsurumaru Castle, also known as Kagoshima Castle, was constructed in 1601 by Shimazu Iehisa, the 18th head of the Shimazu clan and the first lord of the Satsuma Domain. The castle served as the seat of the Shimazu clan during the Edo period. Although much of the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1873, the Goromon Gate, the castle’s main entrance, was meticulously reconstructed in 2020. Standing approximately 20 meters tall and wide, it is considered Japan’s largest castle gate. The site now houses the Reimeikan Museum, which offers insights into Kagoshima’s rich history and culture. The surrounding area, with its moats and stone walls, provides a tranquil setting for visitors to explore.