Koriyama Walking Route
Time Required: 1hr. 45min.
Distance: Approx. 7,000m (4.35 miles)
Information: Regional Development Department, Yamatokoriyama City
Tel: 0743-53-1151

Traveling Back to the Flourishing Castle Town

Koriyama Castle ruins trace the past thriving castle town that had once been ruled by the Yanagisawas, the feudal lord family of 150,000 goku. The mossy stone wall and moat are the remains of past glory, while Outemon Gate and turret have been restored. The castle was also called "Laying Dog Castle" (Inu-fuse-jyo) from its outside look. When the castle was reconstructed, rocks and stones were collected from around the Nara area. They were so terribly anxious to rebuild the castle that they even used some Buddhist stone statues and base stones for construction, which they ordinarily would not have done. This is why so many stone carving enthusiasts visit the site.
As you walk along the town alleys, a row of traditional houses will welcome you to the bygone days. Step inside the historical labyrinth and feel the old Japanese atmosphere.

JR Koriyama Station Approx. 20 min walk
	1. West Market Site Along with the East Market (in Nara City), the West Market is said to be the first public market held in Japan.
Approx. 15 min walk
	2. Shungaku-in Portraits of Toyotomi Hidenaga and valuable documents on the system of Hakomoto are kept in this temple.
Approx. 10 min walk
	3. Koriyama Castle Ruins The castle was constructed by Tsutsui Junkei and was expanded by Toyotomi Hidenaga, the younger brother of Hideyoshi. The original stone walls with surrounding moats and other related buildings make an attractive setting for viewing the cherry blossoms. The area also has the shrine and library associated with the Yanagisawa clan.
Approx. 10 min walk
	4. Eikei-ji Temple The family temple of the Yanagisawa clan. It was transferred from Kofu city, Yamanashi prefecture, when Yoshisato migrated to the Koriyama domain.
Approx. 15 min walk
	5. Dainagon-zuka The grave was built in honor of Lord Toyotomi Hidenaga, Hideyoshi's half-brother.
Approx. 20 min walk
	6. Genkuro Inari Shrine Legend has it that this shrine protected fugitive Minamoto Yoshitsune on his way to Mt. Yoshino. The shrine is named after Genkuro, Yoshitsune's other name. It means the ninth son of Minamoto family.
Approx. 15 min walk
JR Koriyama Station

Other Recommended Spots

	Yanagisawa Bunko (Yanagisawa Library) Calligraphy written by successive lords, as well as paintings, and numerous historical materials on Koriyama domain are on display.
	Hakomotokan "Konya" (Traditional Dye Workshop "Konya") Remodeled old town house "Konya" located in "Konya machi" ward, one of the thirteen wards protected by Lord Hidenaga in the Edo period, offers you a nice experience doing indigo dyeing. Tools for dyeing and information about goldfish are also on display.