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Winter scenery at a castle town in Takada surrounded by the natural beauty of rural Japan
Joetsu City
The castle town was founded along with the construction of Takada Castle in 1614 and celebrated its 400th year of history in 2014. Even after 400 years, you can still see the influence of the old castle town in the Machiya townhouses and the Gangi Arcade awnings, which are extended eaves built to ensure the passage of pedestrians during the winter season.
The Machiya Exchange Center Takada Komachi, with its old townhouses, was built in the Meiji era, but was refurbished and recreated to make this public space. You can visit the atrium and storehouse, which are features of old townhouses in Takada. Admission is free, so please feel free to take a look around.
Takada Castle Site Park shows a different side in every season. In winter, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the triple turret castle covered in snow.
How to get there
Takada Castle Site Park:
From JR Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko Station. Takada Castle Site Park is about 10 minutes by taxi or rented car from Joetsu Myoko Station, or you can take the Echigo Tokimeki Railway/Myoko Haneuma Line to Takada Station, from which the park is a 15-minute walk.
Machiya Exchange Center Takada Komachi:
From JR Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko Station, then take the Echigo Tokimeki Railway/Myoko Haneuma Line to Takada Station. Takada Komachi is a 15-minute walk away.
6-3-4 Honcho, Joetsu-shi, Niigata-ken
