Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I would like to introduce Takato Castle Ruins Park in Nagano Prefecture, which I toured by motorcycle from central Tokyo. Takato Castle Ruins Park is one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles and is also famous for its cherry blossom viewing. It took me about four and a half hours to arrive on my favorite Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide via the Shuto Expressway and the Chuo Expressway. Along the way, I enjoyed the scenery of Lake Suwa and Lake Shirakaba as I ran. At Takato Castle Ruins Park, we were able to experience history and nature. A detailed report is provided below.
Takato Castle Ruins Park is a park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, where Takato Castle once stood. From the Sengoku period to the Edo period, Takato Castle was a strategic location where powerful feudal lords such as the Takeda and Tokugawa clans fought for control. Part of the castle ruins has now been restored, and you can see the castle tower, stone walls, and moat. The park also has facilities such as Takato Shrine and Takato Castle Museum.
I took a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Takato Castle Park. The route is shown below.
From Ningyocho-dori/Suitegu-dori, Route 316, Takaracho IC-Tatsumi JCT, enter the Metropolitan Expressway Inner Loop Line/C1
Take the Metropolitan Expressway Inner Loop Line/C1 to Miyakezaka JCT and transfer to the Metropolitan Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line/Route 4.
Take Shuto Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line/Route 4 and enter Chuo Expressway.
Drive on the Chuo Expressway and exit at Suwa IC.
From Suwa IC, arrive at Takato Castle Ruins Park via National Route 20 and National Route 152.
The entire trip was about 260 km and took about 4 and a half hours including breaks. Along the way, I was able to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Suwa and Lake Shirakaba as I ran. Also, on the Chuo Expressway, we enjoyed the charm of the Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide, which offers comfortable driving performance.
Takato Castle Ruins Park has many historical and natural attractions. I especially recommend the following three.
Cherry blossom trees: Takato Castle Ruins Park is so famous for its cherry blossoms that it is said to be “Japan’s best cherry blossoms”. Approximately 1,500 Kohiganzakura trees are planted, and their pink petals spread all over in spring. The cherry blossoms bloom from early to mid-April, and are illuminated at night.
Motorcycle parking lot at Takato Castle Ruins Park
Takato Castle Ruins Park does not have a dedicated parking lot for motorcycles, but you can park your motorcycle in the parking lot for general cars. The parking fee was 200 yen at my time. However, it can get crowded during the cherry blossom season and when events are held, so we recommend arriving early.
summary
This time, I introduced Takato Castle Ruins Park in Nagano Prefecture, which I toured by motorcycle from central Tokyo. Takato Castle Ruins Park is one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles and is also famous for its cherry blossom viewing. It is a wonderful spot where you can experience history and nature. If you go by motorcycle, it will take about 4 and a half hours via the Shuto Expressway and Chuo Expressway. Parking is free, but please note that it can get crowded. Riding the Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide allows you to enjoy comfortable riding performance and beautiful scenery. Please come and visit us at least once.
